It’s not unusual to see a lighthouse being included in holiday decorations. They can be hung on trees, included in winter scenes, placed on shelving and more.

But when you think about it, what do Lighthouses really have to do with Christmas? The connection is more noteworthy than you might think. Here’s the story of the Flying Santas.

What are the Flying Santas?

The Flying Santas are an organization started in 1929 by pilot William Wincapaw. William had considerable experience flying home in storms, but that didn’t make the feat any less scary. He was thankful for the lights of the lighthouses that guided him home.

William knew the life of a lighthouse keeper was not easy. He knew that they, along with their families, led lonely, monotonous lives. So, he would often stop at the lighthouses to thank them for their help and show his appreciation.

On Christmas Day of 1929, he decided to load his plane up with goods like newspapers, magazines, tobacco, soap, yarn, candy, and coffee, and drop them off at the residences of lightkeepers in the area. Eventually, this became a tradition.

The Flying Santas faced their share of challenges. There were storms, flight restrictions during times of war and other incidents. They missed some years, but most of the time, they made it through.

William eventually died but he has others that helped him carry out the tradition including his dedicated son. Thanks to the efforts of the volunteers, Flying Santas are still active today. They celebrated their 92nd anniversary in 1921.

In addition to being a part of the flying Santa Christmas tradition, lighthouses are also a symbol of inspiration and comfort. They are sturdy and reliable offering a sense of cheer during the holiday season. Their light can symbolize Christ and the guidance He provides during dark times.

How to Use Lighthouses in Your Holiday Design

Lighthouses can be integrated into holiday designs in various ways. They can be hung from trees, included in winter scenes, displayed as a figurine and more.

There are many lighthouse models that are perfect for the holiday season. For example, there are those that have wreaths on them, there are ones that say ‘happy holidays’, and there are some that have red and white stripes to resemble a candy cane.

Lighthouses may not be the most obvious representation of Christmas, but now that you know the Flying Santa story, you can see how the connection is made. You can feel confident integrating lighthouses into your seasonal décor. How will you be using them to deck out your home for the coming season?

Read more of A Christmas Blog or Shop Now at Schmidt Christmas Market