December 2007
Despite the flurry of activity that surrounds the holidays, the opportunity to share a moment with family and friends, or a good laugh, remains. These FMCA members provide three distinct answers to this month’s question: Describe your favorite holiday memory involving your motorhome.
I grew up in the Boca Grande Lighthouse on Gasparilla Island, Florida. My father, Cody McKeithen, was the last “keeper” before the station was decommissioned. The light was recommissioned in 1986; the land was designated a state recreational park and the lighthouse a fine museum. Each year the lighthouse is magically transformed for the Christmas Lighting and Open House Ceremony, with white lights, green garland, red bows, music, and refreshments. We decorate our Pace Arrow Vision and invite family and friends to celebrate with us. The slides are opened, the awning is extended, Dick starts a fire in our portable fireplace, and everyone pulls up a chair. We carry lots of holiday snacks, plus a large pot of Scotch Broth to warm us on a cool Florida night. The evening is topped off with “All Is Bright” Christmas Cake, enjoyed under the flashing light of that grand old “lady,” the Boca Grande Lighthouse. Recently, the lighthouse was voted the prettiest lighthouse in Florida, and I wholeheartedly agree. This year, the Lighting Ceremony is on Saturday, December 8, at 6:30 p.m.
Dian (McKeithen) and Dick Miller, F258174
Sarasota, Florida
Our family has spent many Christmases in our motorhome, mostly on trips to the Midwest from California. The three kids will always remember we had a complete decorated tree with lights and tinsel, usually a real one, until our son suggested it was a fire hazard due to being so dry. In subsequent years, the real tree was replaced with an artificial one. We always opened presents on Christmas morning after retrieving them from the baggage compartment so they would be a surprise. We even gave a bicycle one year, and it was a true surprise. That was difficult to hide. We attached a Christmas wreath to the front of the coach, as well as seasonal banners. Several times we were at Disney World on December 25, and we stayed at Fort Wilderness Campground. Disney World was decorated in the true Christmas spirit and was a “Magic” place to be on Christmas Day. Christmas memories will always be with us and will be our legacy.
Jim and Ginny Holifield, L387
Sacramento, California
We always enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, but cooking one was out of the question one year, since we were traveling steadily for several days to visit family. We called, got permission, and stopped at a Wal-Mart to park overnight. My wife, Sandy, talked me into trying one of the large and tasty (her description) frozen turkey dinners. She went in and bought them. I haven’t had a frozen “TV-type” dinner since about 1960, and after the one that night, it will be another 40 years! That Thanksgiving was definitely memorable.
Ronald E. Jones, F115768
Addison, Texas
Future questions:
1. Describe your favorite park (national, state, county, etc.).
2. Where can you get the best chili?