Crown City History I N C O L L A B O R AT I O N W I T H H O T E L D E L C O R O N A D O & C O R O N A D O H I S T O R I C A L A S S O C I AT I O N
Remembering Past Christmas Traditions
B y C A R O L PA S T O R , C O R O N A D O H I S T O R I C A L A S S O C I AT I O N V O L U N T E E R
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f all the holidays we hold dear, one of the most steeped in tradition is that of the Christmas season. Traditions have been carried forth from the homelands of immigrants coming to America from many parts of the world. Those traditions are found to this day in the foods we cook, the way we decorate our homes, our Christmas trees, and the ornaments we use. For various reasons, many of these have found their way to our community...Coronado. From the village of the late 1800s to the city we know today, tradition abounds. Most remembered and anticipated year after year was Christmas at the Hotel del Coronado. History was made when the first lighted Christmas tree was displayed in 1904 on the hotel grounds. Since that time a tree, beautifully decorated for the Christmas season has sat majestically in the main lobby of the Hotel del Coronado. Looking up from its imposing location one could also view the balcony surrounding the lobby, draped in greenery and festooned with red ribbons. Over the years
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the tree was both amply lighted and frequently decorated in a theme. One year It might have been angels or Santas, or as one year not long ago, it was bedazzling with teddy bears. For many years a trip to the Del during the season meant dressing up for the occasion and taking the children or grandchildren to view the wonders of Christmas. Did you visit Santa or stay for cocoa? Of course you did. I can think of another Coronado event brought smiles of pure joy to
many a child’s face. Why? You ask. Because THE GRINCH WHO STOLE CHRISTMAS came to town. Loews Coronado Bay Resort brought the performance to the hotel for the Christmas season. Every Saturday and Sunday afternoon the hotel hosted this event, performed in the lobby. Rows of chairs were provided for the adults and some for children, little ones afraid of the Grinch. Most of the children of all ages chose to sit on the floor
The first electrically lit Christmas tree, 1904. Historical Collection Union Title Insurance Company San Diego, California.
DECEMBER 2020
