Ahh, Christmas in Florida. That seems to be almost every Midwesterner’s dream. I know it was mine when I was a teen.
Christmas time brings such joy, happiness and fond memories. Growing up in the great Midwest, I had my share of snow on and around Christmas. However, after I moved to Florida about ten years ago, getting into the Christmas spirit was a difficult transition. Yes, I know the true meaning of Christmas isn’t about snow or presents. However, to me, a Florida Christmas just isn’t the same as one in the Midwest (or pretty much anywhere else with snow)! Sure, the weather is awesome this time of year, but it just isn’t the same putting lights around a palm tree instead of a snowy evergreen. Singing that you are “dreaming of a white Christmas” just seems silly.
The first picture in this post shows my kids playing with “snow” aka packaging peanuts (which were not fun to clean up). That’s as close as we come to snow in south Florida! My children have never experienced a white Christmas (or even seen snow), but I am hoping to change that soon. Until then, we decorate palm trees and get into the Christmas spirit the best way we know how: with music, decorations, Christmas books, family traditions and advent wreaths! How do you celebrate Christmas? I would love to hear your family traditions below.
Merry Christmas,
Stephanie
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Well, Stephanie…I can honestly say – I am with you in “dreaming of a white Christmas” in the sunny state of Florida! Growing up, and coming TO FL for Christmas, I don’t remember it really mattering…we had the big tree, the traditions, even went to the beach during the holidays! But as an adult, once I actually moved and was in FL regularly…I DID have a hard time getting into the spirit of Christmas, with 80 degree weather and the sunshine and NO SNOW!! But, as you say, with the traditions and even singing “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas” – we DO manage to get there! And those years I find it hard to get into the spirit of the season…well, it’s for a different reason than where I am! Thanks for sharing!
I’m glad I am not the only one feeling this way. Yes, Christmas is still fun in Florida, but just different than when I grew up in Ohio! I do love Florida “winters” every other day!
While you miss the snow, I’d do anything to be able to miss it! I swear New England is cold and wintery 9 months out of the year except the three months where it’s humid and icky. Can you tell I want to move?
I’d want my kids to experience a bit of snow though. I understand that part. It’s fun to watch them playing in it, making snowmen, and having snowball fights. Until someone gets an iceball right to the face though! Then it’s not so fun for anyone.
Yes, I miss snow around Christmas and that is about it! When I lived up north I did not like driving in it or walking to school in it!
Christmas isn’t very white here in Southern California either, but we can take an hour and a half to two hour drive to see snow…if it’s on the mountain. We have lots of family traditions, and Christmas music is always playing the entire season. We love to decorate and spend time together as a family.
Lorelai
Life With Lorelai
How wonderful that you have the best of both worlds! Yes, family makes the holidays so much more special!
I’m with you, right here in Florida! No snow, but we have some decorated pine trees just like yours!
It has taken me a while to get used to lights on palm trees.