Tuesday, December 10, 2013

"HOW" Do You Say Christmas: A Holiday Wigwam Lighting & Donut Exchange

As many times as I visit San Bernardino, CA's legendary Wigwam Motel, the Route 66 icon never ceases to inspire wonder and joy; and really, are there any more fitting emotions for this most wondrous and joyful time of year?  Whether a road-trip stop, a pow-wow birthday, or a holiday festivity, the Wigwam Motel is an ideal setting for any occasion. 

This past weekend we were hosted by the Wigwam Motel and Charles Phoenix for the first-ever Wigwam Holiday Lighting & Donut Exchange.  Every year, I try to get more people in my life to forgo the tradition of gift giving and instead participate more fully in the season - donating time, caroling, looking at Christmas lights, etc. - and boy, did this event fit the bill.

Thanks to our pal Fabian of Chopit Kustoms, our ride for the evening
was his '55 Buick.  All decked out for Christmas, it looked right at
home amongst the wigwams.
(photo by Fabian)

Guess who was forced to sit in the backseat?
Mr. Tiny, Charles, and our pal, Cherie, who incidentally made the most-
delicious, vegan donuts (pistachio and peppermint).  As is the case in most
photos of me, my eyes were closed so Fabian photoshopped in some googly eyes.
(photo by Fabian)

The wigwam lighting itself was the centerpiece of an event filled with sing-a-longs (my favorite was The Carpenter's "Merry Christmas, Darling") and mountains of donuts (I failed to get a picture of the donut box tower).  Even the wattage of all those bulbs did nothing to stave off the frosty temperatures.


Leave it to the minds of Charles Phoenix and the
Wigwam Motel to create a Christmas tree out of stucco teepee.

In spite of the cold, there was a warm and wonderful turnout.  Hopefully, this is just the first in a new holiday tradition that is certain to get bigger and better with each holiday season.  Wouldn't you love to see all the wigwams lit, flashing in time with a holiday soundtrack?

The group photo
(photo via Charles Phoenix Facebook page)

Thanks to Charles and The Wigwam Motel for helping us get in the holiday spirit!  If you are ever in San Bernardino, be sure to stay in a wigwam!

Wigwam Motel
2728 W Foothill Blvd
San Bernardino, CA
(909)875-3005

www.wigwammotel.com


Cheers!

Mr. Tiny

9 comments:

  1. Hubba Hubba! OH That Buick! What a great event, looks like everyone had a lot of fun! As if wigwams weren't cool enough, WIGWAMS with CHRISTMAS LIGHTS! Fantastic!

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    1. It is a beauty, isn't it? It is so much fun to ride around in, especially to a holiday wigwam lighting!

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  2. What a sweet event! And I love your sentiment of trying to "do" more for the holidays rather than "give" more...or, you know, give your time and your effort rather than your material goods. That's really the spirit! I wish they did a teepee lighting in our neck of the woods at the Cave City, KY location!!

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    1. I can't wait to get to Cave City!!! It is the only wigwam (of the remaining three motels) in which I haven't yet stayed. Maybe you should lead the charge of the wigwam light brigade!

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    2. be prepared, the cave city ones aren't as nice inside as those in this post. i was so pleasantly surprised when we stayed there this summer! i would LOVE to see a lighting of the wigwams!

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  3. what a cute wigwam Ive always loved how they look and its a good idea to get out and do more. I do have to say I bought one gift this year Im excited about that this post reminds me of, a card board wig wam for my cats

    retro rover

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    1. My rule is that gifts for children and gifts for pets are A-Okay!!! I'm really not against gift-giving, it's just that the people in my family don't need much and our simple wants are usually fulfilled throughout the year - and I HATE shopping during the holidays (way to frenzied for my taste).

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  4. Love it! Sounds like the perfect way to kick off the season. I will make it there one of these days!

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    1. It was so much fun - no pressure, extremely simple, and full of holiday cheer! Try and get to the wigwams on your next SoCal jaunt; you must sleep in a wigwam at least once!

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