News Squad
Moto Matters
Published in
3 min readDec 26, 2023

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When it comes to celebrating Christmas, the traditional scene that comes to mind is a festively decorated home with family and friends gathered around a sparkling tree, exchanging gifts and enjoying a lavish meal. But what if you’re miles away on two wheels, with your motorcycle as your only companion? Can the spirit of Christmas be kept alive while moto camping?

Absolutely. You see, the essence of Christmas lies not just in the trappings and the trimmings, but in the sense of wonder, community, and goodwill. So how do you translate these into a moto camping adventure? Well, first off, there’s no rulebook stating that celebrating Christmas requires four walls and a fireplace. It’s all about the atmosphere you create and the memories you make.

Imagine settling down for the night at a place like Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune or near the rugged tracks of Texas and Atlanta Motor Speedways. While you might not have the luxury of a stationary home to deck the halls, you can certainly deck your bike and your camp setup. LED lights are your friends here; lightweight and compact, they can be wrapped around your motorcycle or tent to give a festive glow. Use solar-powered options to keep your consumption sustainable, just charge them during the day, and you’re set for a night of Christmas sparkle.

Now, let’s talk Christmas tree. It may not be practical to strap a six-footer to your back, but why not bring a little slice of the tradition with you? A small artificial tree or even a branch decorated with baubles and ornaments can go in your pack. These tokens, although small, represent the larger tradition and can evoke that warm, fuzzy feeling that comes with the holiday season.

Gift-giving doesn’t have to be ignored either. It does, however, call for ingenuity. Instead of large, cumbersome presents, think small and meaningful. Maybe it’s a handwritten note, or a small gadget that your fellow riding buddy has been eyeing. The thought and effort behind a well-chosen gift often hold more value than the price tag.

Food is a cornerstone of most celebrations, and Christmas is no exception. While the lack of a full kitchen may rule out a roast dinner, a camp stove can work wonders. Pre-prepared foods that can be easily reheated or cooked with minimal fuss are ideal. Perhaps a small Christmas ham, paired with some roasted vegetables wrapped in foil and cooked over a campfire. Desserts can also get creative with stewed fruit or smores, all giving you a taste of holiday tradition.

What about those beloved carols? Just because you’re outdoors doesn’t mean you can’t have a sing-along. A portable speaker can help you blast your Christmas playlist, or if it’s a quieter night you seek, a harmonica or other compact instrument can fill the air with seasonal tunes. Sharing these songs around a campfire can also be a great way to engage with fellow travelers or locals you may meet along the way.

Community is another crucial component of Christmas. It’s a time for togetherness, and while that may seem challenging when you’re off the beaten path, it’s far from impossible. Consider spending your Christmas volunteering or joining a local community event. Or perhaps, if you’re at a site like the Bristol Motor Speedway, you could attend a holiday event or connect with others who are also camping.

Celebrating Christmas while moto camping does indeed call for some alterations to tradition. However, through a bit of creativity and flexibility, the joys of the season can be kept very much alive. The sense of freedom, the connection with nature, and the simplicity of the experience can, in fact, enhance the holiday, making it less about consumerism and more about the core values of Christmas — peace on earth and goodwill to all.

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