Debbie Sheldrake held up a wooden surfboard ornament, a memento hung on the seaside Christmas tree last year by a woman who lost her young son.

The edges of the small surfboard were charred black, evidence of the blaze someone set that destroyed the community tree at Calafia State Beach days before Christmas 2023. But unlike dozens of other ornaments lost in the fire, this one survived and once again hangs on the branches of what has become a staple in this seaside community.

It’s now the 18th year for the holiday tradition, where people bring their own ornaments to add personal touches to the outdoor tree (stored by Sheldrake the rest of the year) and passersby stop to pose for photos with the sun setting into the ocean.

For some, it’s a serene place by the sea where they can share the memory of a loved one who has passed. For others it’s a bit of Christmas cheer they can’t afford on their own.

When last year’s tree was set ablaze days before Christmas, the community rallied behind Sheldrake’s effort to spread some holiday spirit in the community. A friend brought two small trees to replace the one destroyed, and others showed up with ornaments to take the place of the ones that burned to ash.

“The tree is pretty sparse this year,” Sheldrake said, looking at gaps on the branches that were once filled with color.

The first ornament she added this year was of the word “HOPE.”

“After that tree burned down, people were like ‘Are you going to do it again?’” she said. “Of course. If people gave up, nothing would get done in this world. I have to show that they are not going to get me down. There’s too many people now that depend on this tree.”

Debbie Sheldrake near her beachside Christmas tree at Calafia State Beach in San Clemente, CA, on Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. Sheldrake has been placing a tree at the beach for 18 years. Last year someone set it on fire. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

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Terry Jones, who has known Sheldrake from when they surfed together decades ago, stopped to sip on his coffee as he looked out at the tree on a recent morning.

“It’s hope, it’s joy,” he said. “We hope for good times, better times. People are suffering. Debbie is an example of that hope.”

While the fire last year was the worst the tree has endured, it’s not the effort’s first challenge. Already this year, ornaments Sheldrake bought were stolen and lights through the years have also been taken.

One year, the entire tree was stolen.

A few days ago, someone broke the lock and knocked the tree on its side, the second time that has happened in recent years.

But watching the tree bring happiness is what keeps bringing her back, tree in hand, Sheldrake said.

Because there were so many ornaments last year before the fire, she had a box sitting in storage filled with older ones that had not fit. She found it and set those out to add to this year’s new collection.

Sometimes, she discreetly looks on her car as families come to soak in the sight and snap selfies.

“I love to just sit and watch,” she said.

The other day, a guy who didn’t look very happy walked up and a smile spread across his face, she said. He had just lost his mom and couldn’t afford a tree, Sheldrake recalled.

“He came and hugged me,” she said. “That’s why I do it, story after story like that.”

She remembers all the ornaments, so many important ones lost in the fire – decorations dedicated to grandmothers and children, and beloved dogs, who have passed.

Kirk Rogers and girlfriend Susie Kilfoyle come down from Irvine each year to see the tree. A memento they added for their dog Lila, which had passed away, was burned in the fire. They plan on bringing a new one this year, but haven’t decided on what it should be.

“I was just kind of devastated and mad – who would want to do that?” Rogers said. “It’s so unique, it’s organic. It’s fun to see.”

The tree is a reminder of peace, love and harmony, said Kilfoyle.

“This is a representation of ‘give to others’ because some people may not have a tree, they can come down and enjoy a Christmas tree,” she said. “The whole symbolism of the tree is really important, there should be more of that around.”

Ryley Pursley brought her three young daughters down to put ornaments on the tree, a felt puppy and a snowman to add to the collection.

“I think it’s great, it brings our community together,” she said. “It’s unique and makes this town special.”

After Christmas tree burns in fire, tradition continues at Calafia State Beach

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