Florida offers a unique setting for December celebrations, blending traditional holiday customs with the warmth and sunshine of a subtropical climate. While many parts of the world associate December with snow and chilly weather, our moderate temperatures and sunny skies help create a festive atmosphere that allows for outdoor activities and events that are not always possible everywhere else. This distinct environment shapes how we Floridians celebrate holidays like Christmas, Chanukah, and other seasonal festivities.
A special aspect of December celebrations in Southwest Florida is the way holiday lights are displayed. Grandezza’s neighborhoods and entrances are adorned with bright, colorful Christmas lights. We Floridians decorate palm trees with twinkling lights, and towns such as Ft. Myers and Naples have dazzling displays of lights and decorations, even if the trees are surrounded by sand rather than snow. Some towns and cities host outdoor holiday festivals and markets. With December temperatures usually ranging from the 60s to the 80s (°F), outdoor celebrations are widespread. Sometimes a tropical twist may be added to these traditions and Christmas trees might be decorated with seashells or starfish ornaments, or even swapped out entirely for decorated palm trees. Here we’re not going to have the same kinds of customs I grew up with in the Northeast such as seeing the outdoor ice skating and the humongous Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center in New York City, elaborate decorated department store window along Fifth Avenue, or the traditional holiday show of the Rockettes kicking their legs high in unison. However, December here is distinctive.
Many of our festive activities revolve around generosity and connection. Often we are delighted by choral groups caroling and spreading holiday joy. Exchanging gifts and spending time with family and friends is customary, too, and part of the true spirit of Christmas is performing acts of kindness and charity, especially to those in need. Of course, the combination of warm weather and festive Christmas celebrations gives December in Florida a special charm, don’t you think?
Chanukah is also widely celebrated throughout Florida. Menorah lightings may be held in parks and community centers, and both public and small group gatherings often include music, food, and games. Known as the Festival of Lights, Chanukah is observed for eight nights and candles are lit progressively, adding more light each evening. Getting together with friends and family, eating potato pancakes (latkes), jelly doughnuts (sufganiyot), and playing dreidle games are typical Chanukah customs. The illumination of candles makes it a time to remember the positive aspects of life.
December in Florida is greeted with an influx of visitors, as many snowbirds arrive to escape the winter chill. This makes Florida’s holiday season not only a time for local celebrations but also a bustling period for tourism. Theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Busch Gardens take full advantage of the holiday spirit, transforming into magical winter wonderlands with elaborate decorations, special parades, and themed events.
So, December celebrations in Florida blend the warmth of the season with the warmth of the sun. Floridians find creative ways to enjoy the festive spirit in our beautiful Grandezza setting. It’s a time when traditional holiday elements mix seamlessly with Florida’s tropical charm, offering a joyful way to celebrate the season. Whatever your special traditions, may you be uplifted with joy, kindness and the power of light this holiday season!
