Christmas conjures very specific thoughts and feelings for most people—comfy warm fires, the pine-fresh aroma of enormous Evergreens, sparkling white snow.
No one ever thinks of backyard barbecues with Santa at the grill, Christmas day pool parties, or festive green and red flip-flops!
But people in warm climates do!
For most, the air outside is frightful during Christmas, but for Americans who feel the heat year-round, Dec. 25th is usually one of the nicest days all year. For instance, last Christmas, Jupiter, FL., San Diego, CA., and Corpus Christi, TX enjoyed max temperatures in the 70s, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. So what are festive folks to do when a winter-specific holiday has mild and delightful weather? Well, we adapt and create some fun, unique, and hilarious traditions that only we know about that makes Christmas extra special for us!
So what are these secret traditions? We'll never tell—but we'll show you if you scroll through our gallery. And if you know anyone who’s living in these hot climates, make sure to SHARE this post with them and ask if we left any tidbits out!
1. Despite popular belief, Christmas in a warm state is pretty sweet.
Hello, beach!
2. We really get into the spirit of things.
We can even make palm trees look Christmas-y!
3. We give our lawns a regional flair that is sometimes really cute…
A Florida mailbox.
4. Others times silly…
A lawn in Alabama.
5. But always imaginative!
A porch decoration in Texas.
6. Need more proof? Check out this beach-inspired "reef!" (Get it? Wreath?!)
Ooh la-la.
7. Or this tasteful dessert variety!
Now that's what we call succulent!
8. Snowmen are made out of tumbleweed…
Howdy!
9. Or sand...
Hola!
10. Christmas trees can be palms…
Aw, sun tan lotion, warm weather, and fun for Christmas again? Geez.
11. Or a prickly cactus.
We hope that whoever decorated this tree is getting some tweezers to take cactus spines out of their fingers for Christmas this year.
12. We make sure to pay homage to most warm states' official all-purpose footwear—the flip-flop!
We wish you a merry flip-mas!
13. To us, they’re just as magical as the holiday…
Sparkle, sandals, sparkle!
14. And are appropriate for any occasion—even Christmas!
Is there more flip-flops inside of those flip-flops?
15. Being that its warm, we don’t have to worry about wearing ugly Christmas sweaters either…
Ugly strapless Christmas dress, anyone?
16. Instead we wear ugly Christmas tank tops…
Breezy!
17. Or ugly Christmas Hawaiian shirts.
Aloho-ho-ho!
18. Even our Christmas cookies have regional swagger…
Looks like these fellas baked in the sun a little too long…
19. That often represent our regions’ unique cultures...
Yum!
20. …though we all share a similar sense of humor!
Get it? Because snow men melt in hot states. Har. Har.
21. And even if it doesn't snow, kids still get to play in it.
…it's shipped in!
22. And the snow that isn't used for play is used for a snack.
Are you enjoying a refreshing snow cone right now, New York? No you are not.
23. Our version of snow-less sledding is way cooler as well.
Do an ollie, Santa!
24. We also have fun traditions like Christmas boat parades…
Newport Beach, CA.
Winter-themed carnivals…
Santa’s Enchanted Forest in Miami, FL.
Alternative reindeer…
Don't mess with Texas Santa, y'all!
…and sometimes unique guests show up for Christmas dinner.
How rude. None of them showed up with a dish for pot luck.
All in all, Christmas in warm climates is pretty fun despite the heat…
Hang ten, Santa!
…especially when we get a little bit of snow!
Because people totally freak out!
Please SHARE these Southern treats with all of your friends!
