Kevin and Nancy Mueller, co-owners of the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, N.M., sent these photos of an early visit by Santa Claus at the historic Route 66 motel and other businesses.
They wrote in an email:
Thought you should know that Old Saint Nick was spotted along Route 66 in Tucumcari last night! He was captured visiting a couple of motel owners, trying to determine if they’ve been naughty or nice this year. Not an easy task for the jolly old elf! Santa was seen at the Blue Swallow, and captured in the lobby of the Motel Safari. Then, he waved to a few passers-by along historic Route 66, before jumping into his sleigh (conveniently parked atop the lobby of the Blue Swallow), and high-tailing it back to the North Pole to finish preparations for his big night, December 25th. He will also be analyzing data from his naughty/nice meter in order to determine if presents or lumps of coal are in order when he heads back to Tucumcari in a couple of weeks.
No photos of sleigh or reindeer are available, unfortunately!
If you’ve got colorful or unusual photos along Route 66 this Christmas, send them to route66news@yahoo.com, and I’ll consider them.