NO time for boredom today

Category: Christmas Decorations, American History, Ronald Reagan Library

  • The Wizard of Oz Visits the Hotel Del Coronado

    The Wizard of Oz Visits the Hotel Del Coronado

    Every year, the Hotel Del Coronado puts up an impressive Christmas tree in the hotel’s main lobby. This year’s theme is the Wizard of Oz. In addition, to the tree in the lobby, the hotel set up multiple trees in the courtyard. Each of the smaller tree represents a character from the Wizard of Oz.

    I have always loved visiting the Hotel Del Coronado. First, the hotel is an elegant Victorian hotel built in 1888. The hotel is painted white with a red roof and is known for its iconic large circular ballroom. Second, the surrounding town is beautiful. Coronado is a charming and elegant beach town with a small-town feel. The beach is the most beautiful beach in all of San Diego. Third, one of my favorite movies, Some Like It Hot, with Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemon was filmed at the hotel in 1958. Billy Wilder directed the film and the Del Coronado filled in for a Floridian resort.

    Finally, as a history buff, I love that the Prince of Wales, subsequently known as King Edward for a brief period of time, visited San Diego in 1920 and stayed at the Hotel Del Coronado. The hotel hosted an elaborate gala for the occasion. The Del Coronado still has the menu and some of the special China used for the dinner on display.

    Normally, the hotel is extremely busy during the holiday season. However, due to heavy rain on New Year’s Day, the town of Coronado and the hotel were quiet. We were able to enjoy the Christmas decorations without anyone else around.

    Main Lobby Christmas Tree with Wizard of Oz Theme
    Close-Up of Lobby Tree with Toto
    Main Lobby
    Main Lobby
    Elevator at Lobby
    Interior View of Front Doors
    Reception Desk
    Close-Up of Original Room Keys at Reception Desk
    Main Hallway Off the Lobby with Historic Photos
    Historic Framed Photos at the Hotel
    Stained-Glass Windows Near the Reception Desk
    Interior View of the Front Desk
    There’s No Place Like Home Tree
    Dorthy’s Tree
    Cowardly Lion Tree
    Tin Man Tree
    Scarecrow Tree
    Interior Courtyard
    Back Exterior of Hotel
    Front Exterior Photo of Stained-Glass Window
    Exterior View of Front Doors
    Front Entrance & Valet Parking
    Famous Dome Roof
    Famous Done Roof
    Example of Lobby Stained Glass Windows
    Built in 1888 – the Hotel Became an Historic Landmark in 1977
    Front Porch
    Downstairs Cafe & Market
  • The Ultimate Christmas Extravaganza – Trees of the Decades at the Ronald Reagan Library

    The Ultimate Christmas Extravaganza – Trees of the Decades at the Ronald Reagan Library

    One of my favorite places to visit during the holiday season is the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley California. The library staff decorates the property so well. The highlight is always the collection of Christmas trees that are so creative and beautiful. The 2025 display includes 26 trees decorated to represent each decade in our country’s history.

    I have included a photo of each tree. My personal favorites include the trees from the 1770, 1870, 1920, 1930, 1950 and 1970.

    The 1770 tree includes the Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere’s Lantern, George Washington and the fife and drummers.

    The 1870 tree is especially fun because so much happened in this decade – including the establishment of Yellowstone as the first national park. American football and tennis were developed and the typewriter was created. In addition, Thomas Edison invented the lightbulb.

    The tree representing the Roaring Twenties includes film star Rudolph Valentino who starred in The Sheik in 1921 and died in 1926 at the young ages age of 31. The 18th Amendment banning alcohol became effective in 1920 so this tree dramatically features speakeasy signage. Also, the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote was ratified in 1920 so the tree is adorned with Votes for Women buttons.

    The 1930s tree includes baskets of apples, the Great Depression, the Hindenburg blimp and Shirley Temple.

    The 1950s tree includes a beautiful lit-up Wurlitzer jukebox as well as Elvis memorabilia, a tribute to the Korean War and a photo of President Eisenhower.

    The 1970s is especially important to me because it was the decade of my childhood. So much happened in this decade and the tree reflects it with: the bar code creation, the start-up Apple Computer Company logo and the movies Jaws, Star Wars, Saturday Night Fever and Grease. Watergate, President Jimmy Carter, the Bicentennial and the short-lived eight track are all included on this tree.

    The trees are on display until January 4 so you still have time to schedule a visit to the library.

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    1820
    1830
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    1890
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