This time of year, our thoughts turn to gifts — giving them and receiving them. And for this issue, we thought it fitting to highlight a gift all coastal Texans could enjoy courtesy of Houstonians Bryan and Jennifer Caswell.

Laura Elder

Bryan Caswell, a well-known Houston chef and restaurateur, and his wife, Jennifer, a photographer, recently launched the Southern Salt Foundation with the sole focus of raising money to protect and preserve the health of the Gulf ecosystem.

The foundation’s goal is to eventually build an educational and research center in Galveston that would encourage conservation and remind visitors the Gulf of Mexico is a bountiful source of food worthy of protection. They’re raising money and awareness through a series of Salty Suppers, which you’ll read more about in these pages.

Also in this issue, we celebrate Christmas by featuring beautifully decked-out homes and holiday decorations and the perfect gift ideas for the angler in your life.

On the cover: Bryan and Jennifer Caswell aboard their boat, a 30-foot Grady-White, in the Intracoastal Waterway. Photo by Stuart Villanueva

We’re grateful to San Leon residents Diane and Mike Magliolo, who opened their home for a tour of their noteworthy collection of nutcrackers; and to Jocelyn and Derron Cook and their children, Charlotte, 8, and Sawyer, 4, who warmly welcomed us into their beautiful house on Avenue O in Galveston.

And what are the holidays without good food and drink? Coast Monthly food stylist Alicia Cahill outdid herself for the December issue with delicious ideas for entertaining and family gatherings. Island baker Phil Newton offers a gingerbread recipe that both children and adults will love. You’ll find those features and so much more.

Coast Monthly wishes you a very Merry Christmas.