History: Christmas Traditions

Crown City History

IN COLLABORATION WITH HOTEL DEL CORONADO & CORONADO HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

Remembering Past Christmas Traditions

B y CAROL PASTOR, CORONADO HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION VOLUNTEER

Of all the holidays we the tree was both amply lighted and many a child’s face. hold dear, one of frequently decorated in a theme. Why? You ask. Because the most steeped in One year It might have been angels THE GRINCH WHO STOLE tradition is that of or Santas, or as one year not long CHRISTMAS came to town. Loews the Christmas season. Traditions ago, it was bedazzling with teddy Coronado Bay Resort brought the have been carried forth from the bears. For many years a trip to performance to the hotel for the homelands of immigrants coming the Del during the season meant Christmas season. Every Saturday to America from many parts of the dressing up for the occasion and and Sunday afternoon the hotel world. Those traditions are found taking the children or grandchildren hosted this event, performed in to this day in the foods we cook, the to view the wonders of Christmas. the lobby. Rows of chairs were way we decorate our homes, our Did you visit Santa or stay for provided for the adults and some Christmas trees, and the ornaments cocoa? Of course you did. for children, little ones afraid of we use. For various reasons, many I can think of another Coronado the Grinch. Most of the children of these have found their way to our event brought smiles of pure joy to of all ages chose to sit on the floor community...Coronado. From the village of the late 1800s to the city The first electrically lit Christmas we know today, tradition abounds. tree, 1904. Historical Collection Most remembered and anticipated Union Title Insurance Company year after year was Christmas at San Diego, California. 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

in front of the performance. Many anticipated that location. It gave them a better chance of saying hello to the Grinch after the performance. It was followed with the favorite cookies and punch.

In the village itself, one can hardly forget the annual Holiday Parade and the lighting of the Christmas tree at Rotary Park. The first Friday of December opens the Christmas season in Coronado. Looking back over the years it was far more than the parade that night. The town itself was open, especially shops that allowed for a start to early holiday shopping. Thirty to forty years ago one shop, in particular, Town and Country women’s wear, not only giftwrapped your items purchased, but were known to deliver them to your home the following day. Restaurants had tables on Orange Avenue where they offered cups of chowder or hot cider to strollers that evening. It was a fun, family night in Coronado. The parade, the arrival of Santa, and the lighting of the tree is still a part of our city.

Some changes have been made over time but an evening still to be remembered. This year, although the holiday season may be different, I will be remembering these community traditions and our history as we make new ones. I hope you enjoy the Christmas season in Coronado once again.

Rotary tree lighting. Date unknown. Courtesy of the Coronado Historical Association.