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Getting in the Christmas Spirit… Florida Style!

You know you’re in Florida when… you’ve just heard the latest weather forecast announcing an impending cold-front, and the high temps are only going to be in the mid 70’s! As a transplant to Florida 18 years ago from Pennsylvania, I was not used to such mild temperatures during the holiday season. As much as I thrive in a warm weather climate, wearing tank tops and capris to decorate the tree just didn’t seem right.

Though I loved most everything else about the Sunshine State, sweating profusely while preparing for Santa was not on that list! Christmas shopping in shorts? Come on. Therefore, in an effort not to get depressed and homesick around the holidays, I knew I had to deal with this daunting dilemma. To my amazement, I not only learned how to cope with this quandary… but I conquered it!

Whether you’re a full-time Floridian like me, or traveling here for the holidays, this article includes tips and recommendations for getting in the Christmas spirit… Florida style!

 

 

TIP #1 – The Power of Perspective is Key to a Merry Christmas in Florida

I have come to learn that attitude, not circumstances, make the difference in any situation. My first (and I believe the most important) recommendation is: the power of perspective. In order for me to have the same level of excitement and joy that I was accustomed to in Pennsylvania, I had to adjust my way of thinking. Initially I thought I couldn’t have a great Christmas simply because the weather was warm, no chance of snow, and all my relatives were back home in the cold Keystone State.

My perception was becoming stronger than reality. The more I meditated on what I didn’t have for the holidays, those negative thoughts clouded my vision to the multitude of blessings all around me. What I needed was an attitude adjustment! Since millions of people live in Florida, and millions of people have a merry Christmas every year, then it’s possible for me. I realized that Christmas, like any other day in my life, would become whatever I made of it. When I stopped basking in my self-made pity party and changed my perspective, I was on my way to an awesome yuletide.

 

 

TIP #2 – Warm Weather Deserves Dazzling Decorations

As I began to think only positive thoughts, my whole demeanor changed. I decided to decorate! After all, if I could brave the frigid temps, snow, sleet, and ice in my thermals to put up my Christmas displays, then I should be able to do better in the cozy warmth of Florida. My chunky, fleecy coats were replaced with festive tee-shirts, and my boots with boat shoes — was that such a bad thing? I never really liked putting on all those layers of clothing anyway. In fact, I had a passionate dislike for it!

So, I decided to take advantage of the warm weather, rather than allowing it to take advantage of me. Yes, warm weather deserves dazzling decorations. When frozen fingers on the verge of frost bite are set free from moisture-ridden mittens, it’s amazing what they can create. So, go ahead, take it off, take it all off — the winter wardrobe that is! Eliminate the extra weight and decorate, decorate, decorate. You’ll adjust to decorating palm trees instead of pine trees, I promise!

 

 

TIP #3 – Add Some Savvy Southern-style Accents to your Holiday Home

After my perspective changed, and I realized I could create some pretty dazzling displays outdoors without frostbite, my focus turned inward. This part was relatively easy… and familiar. Up north I was used to decorating almost every room of my house for the holidays, and with the same Old-world color scheme here, I was able to use many of the identical decorations. (It was surprising how well they handled the move.)

With the addition of a Florida-room and formal dining area, I had the pleasure of purchasing some new decorations. This allowed me to introduce some Southern-style holiday accents to my home. The selection of palm-tree-themed and beach-themed holiday housewares were beyond my expectations — not tacky as I had imagined, but rather formal and classy. In fact, some of my favorite holiday home tours included a coastal Christmas theme. My Florida home was beginning to look like Christmases past… only better!

 

 

Here’s How to Easily Add Southern Accents to your Holiday Home

Incorporating just a few of these Florida-favorites with your existing holiday decor can help “Southern-ize” your holiday home! They can be purchased in almost any color scheme. And although the items signify a casual and relaxed motif, they can be made into some gorgeous, elaborate Christmas decorations!

• palm trees
• sea glass, seashells, starfish, & sand dollars
• pineapples
• magnolia leaves
• flip-flops
• flamingos
• sand sculptures
• manatees & dolphins
• oranges & citrus fruit
• alligators
• barefoot Santa
• And, of course… the infamous “Mouse Ears!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TIP #4 – Spread the Christmas Spirit in your Tropical Attire!

Just like your northern counterparts, tis the season to sport your holiday attire. Don’t think for a minute that Christmas clothing can’t be worn in Florida. Yes, we’ve traded our festive fleece-lined sweatshirts for Tori Richard embroidered tropical Camp Shirts, and our velour skirts for Tommy Bahama shorts — but it works! Our unique winter wardrobe may show Santa barefoot on the beach, and our partridge hiding in a palm tree, but it’s a fantastic and fun way to spread the Christmas spirit everywhere we go! And… did I mention our tropical holiday attire looks terrific with a winter tan?

 

 

BONUS TIP: How to Decorate with Disney-Designed Displays

There’s no better way to unleash the decorating diva in me than to visit the myriad of upscale hotels and resorts that are synonymous with the Sunshine State. I must say, more than anything else, I look forward to this annual tradition hubby and I have begun 18 years ago. Wearing our Tommy Bahama Christmas threads, and with camera in hand, we choose a day in early December to take the tour. The resorts are always awe-inspiring, to say the least! It’s the best way for me to see the latest holiday trends and decorating techniques. I’m continually amazed at the mix of [non-traditional] materials used to create their holiday masterpieces.

Of course, no one does decorating better than Disney! With more than 25 Disney hotels and resorts to choose from, we usually spend an entire day on Disney property, going from hotel to hotel. My favorites are Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, The Contemporary Resort, The Polynesian, and Animal Kingdom Lodge — always imaginative, intuitive, and impressive! After a few hundred (or so) photos, I extract the ideas that appeal to my taste and incorporate them into my own holiday home. It’s a fail proof way to transform drab displays into something dramatic every time.

Certainly, other hotel brands have a professional portfolio of holiday displays as well. But, I haven’t found any as mind-blowing and memorable as Disney. Year after year, those Disney decorators are capable of getting my creative juices flowing. The “Mouse” always motivates me!

TIP: If you’re a Florida resident looking for an inexpensive annual Disney Pass, you must read my popular review about the Disney Weekday Select Pass option. It can potentially save you tons of money.

 

 

 

 

 

A Bit of Winter in Summer-like Conditions!

Okay, so you’ve changed your perspective, donned some dazzling [Disney-inspired] decorations, added some Southern charm, and picked that perfect tropical shirt to spread some holiday cheer. Additionally, here are a few more seasonal suggestions to fuel that festive feeling while craving a bit of winter in summer-like conditions.

• Mail your Christmas Cards, Holiday Letters and Pretty Packages from Christmas, Florida! Christmas, Florida is a tiny little town east of Orlando, on Highway 50. The small and otherwise peaceful Post Office becomes a popular destination during the holidays, as scores of people want that coveted “Christmas” postmark on their mailings. (And while you’re there, why not visit the full-size replica of Fort Christmas in this historical town?) Christmas, Florida also hosts the Annual Cracker Christmas the first weekend in December.
• Create Custom Cards, Letters, Postage, and Gifts! I’ve never liked anything typical. If everyone else has it or is doing it, I usually don’t want it! And when it comes to my holiday cards and gifts, that’s no exception. I’m a camera-buff. I never leave home without it. With so many incredible photo opportunities beneath the Florida sun, the photos make for some outstanding personalized Christmas creations. And with user-friendly websites like Zazzle, I don’t have to have a Bachelor’s Degree in Design to create a custom masterpiece. I’ve designed holiday cards, letterhead, postcards, postage stamps, calendars, posters, canvas art, caps, shirts, phone cases, and much more, with images I’ve captured year-round in my sub-tropical domain. I can assure you, my Florida-themed Christmas gifts never get re-gifted!
• Participate in a Neighborhood Progressive Dinner! Hubby and I have attended several of these, and they are a boat-load of fun. This is one of the best opportunities for a group of friends or neighbors to get together during the holidays. It can be done with a Christmas or New Years-theme, in the afternoon or evening. Not familiar with the concept? Here’s how it works: Several neighbors volunteer to be a “host home” for each of the designated meal courses — a different home for each course. Typically, there are 3 – 5 courses chosen. The most popular are appetizers, salad/soup, entree, and dessert. You may want to add a cheese course or cocktail/beverage stop if desired, depending on the interest level and time constraints. Neighbors either walk (yep, we’re immune from treacherous ice) or carpool from house to house. Details and food donations are worked out in advance. And, for you decorating divas, what an incredible avenue to showcase your talent!
• Host a Holiday Open House! This is another great social event, not only for neighbors, but friends, relatives, church groups, co-workers, etc. The invitation list for an Open House can be much larger than the Progressive Dinner since the guests will come and go as they please and will not stay for the entire time listed on the invite. For food, you may choose an elaborate buffet or simply show off your blockbuster baking skills with colorful cookies and creative candies. In Florida, it’s fun to do a beach-theme or southern-theme and encourage guests to dress accordingly.

Snow, Freezing Temps, Ice Skating, Real Reindeer… in Florida? You Bet!

Think snowfall and sleigh rides only occur north of the Mason-Dixon line? Think again! From Key West to Orlando to Amelia Island, and everywhere in between, the beauty and wonder of wintertime abounds in Florida! There are no unemployed elves here. Annually, evergreen enterprises deck the halls to deliver a “cool yule” to Florida residents and visitors from around the world. I’ve discovered there is no shortage of season’s greetings in the Sunshine State. The following is a list of my favorite holiday happenings to experience the best of Christmas in Florida. Check them out… you’re just in the “Nick” of time!

 

 

 

Florida Holiday Events 2018

 

 

In Conclusion…

By implementing these simple tips and suggestions, I was able to make a successful transition from a [real] white Christmas to one where the weather is much, much warmer. Still, there are twinkling lights, caroling, photos with Santa, and nippy nights with my sweater sipping hot spiced cider. Flames flicker brightly from the electric fireplace in my Florida-room as I binge-watch Hallmark Channel’s Christmas movies for hours on end. (TIP: to create your own romantic Christmas story visit St. Augustine in December!) Towns throughout Florida go all out to celebrate this magical time of year. True, the weather outside may not be frightful, but I’ve come to realize that Christmas in Florida can be oh so delightful!

Have you ever spent Christmas in Florida or a warm-weather destination? Perhaps you have a festive tip you can add to our list. Please share in the comment box below… our readers would love to know!