It never has been our custom to decorate the exterior of our house during the Christmas Season. But…we always enjoyed the decorations which others lavished upon their homes across the Dallas, Texas area. We would jump into one of our VWs and head to the best well-known areas to drive slowly, uuuuhing and aaaahing over the brilliant displays.
One Christmas in the 1980s, the neighbor across the street from us telephoned to say that “Keith has just finished hanging the lights, y’all! Come outside to see them!”
My wife relayed the message to me and the children and we hurried outdoors to glory in the glow of scores of well-placed lights. We waved and shouted our congratulations, then retired to our quiet home. Suddenly I was struck by an inspiration!
I quickly rounded up the necessary things and went outside to the front of our house. Now, by this time in life, we had at least three Beetles and one Karmann Ghia parked at-the-ready in front of our house. I got into each and began moving them about. Finally, I had them parked as I had planned. Then, I set in motion my plan.
When I was done, I returned to the house and asked the wife and children to look outside. There was hooting and laughter after which Neva hurried to the phone to call the neighbors to tell them that OUR Christmas display was now completed…..that they should come out to see it. We convened in front of our house as the neighbors laughed over our Volkswagen Christmas display.
You see…once I had parked our VWs, I had turned on all of the hazard lights. They were blinking their message of Good Cheer to all who passed.
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A happy seasonal story.
thanks for that Jay. Brings back memories here in the South. My brother would wrap his 67 Westfalia with Christmas lights, load the generator on top, and hit the streets in his Santa outfit. This was mid 80’s before small generators. Probably not the safest thing, but he had the spirit of Christmas, for sure. I wish I had a picture to share
Hello, Sam…Yes…Sigh! Those WERE good days! However…..many good days still lie in store for the Volkswagen Hobbyist! Neva and I are heading off in a few minutes to be with some other VW people for the morning. Yes–more fun! Thanks for reading, Sam! jay
Jay I can just see your creative mind doing that!
Merry Christmas to you, Neva and your Family there in Texas from my Family here in Ventura County, California! May your jackets, hats and gloves bring you warmth and comfort and GOOD thoughts for those of us still wearing T-shirts, shorts and flip-flops! (Remember those days Eric?) Dick, Carolyn and Arron Diaz
Hello, Diaz Family! I was so glad to hear this week that you have your Beetle home. May “he” be well! I can see you and Carolyn and Arron now driving in tandem in your VWs! Yes..this morning we WILL be wearing some winter wear. But, I’m going to pull both levers to get some of that smelly Volkswagen warmth! jay
That was a heartwarming display, and as I remember, we had a wonderful neighborhood turnout for the occasion.
Note: This comment is by our daughter–she was a child when we had this VW Christmas Light Display. For some reason, the Site automatically posts her comment as though it were mine. Her first name begins with the letter “j” and her last name with the letter “s”. jay
Just could not resist! Not sure how to download pics. Jay if you received my pictures feel free to share them. There is a story here for someday! I used to leave the car out front with lights plugged into the house current but used an inverter in the parade to power the trailer Every year was a different theme. Santa had nothing on a decorated ’67 with all of your favourite cartoon characters on board! Weather on this occasion cooperated. Temperature at parade time was about 20 degrees F., that’s about -10 Cel. for us frigid Canadians. Not always the case but the beetle never ever let me down! Funny that elected officials always wanted to ride in that car! Cartoons/politics, I guess there is a connection there somewhere!
Hello, Tom…I wish that I could download your pictures–but, I do not have that ability in this setting. In my minds eye, I can see you folks parading. What a great idea to have the trailer. Yes…funny about the officials wanting to ride in the Beetle–but you know…Volkswagens have a way of enamoring themselves to even the hearts of officialdom. And, the Beetle is a common denominator, I think. You folks stay warm, have a great Christmas-time with family and DO plan on that Featured Article for your ’67 ‘Vert! jay
Jay, wishing you, Neva and your family a very Merry Christmas. God Bless!!!
Hello to you, Richard–up there in cold Nebraska! Thank you for the Christmas Greetings. Another year has passed quickly. You and all of the Readers of 1967beetle.com have added so much to the ’67 Beetle Community. Especially appreciated is your expertise with the Convertible questions which 1967beetle.com fields. Happy Motoring during 2015! jay