The weather here in Florida is sunny and a warm 80 degrees is forecast for today. We may not have blustery cold weather or snow on the horizon but we still enjoy many of the same traditions of the season.

The air conditioning in the mall is turned down low so hot chocolate is the beverage of choice.

Lights decorate both houses and boats. Some are traditional and some are in the shapes of dancing dolphins and decorated palm trees.

You are more likely to see Santa laying in a hammock or dressed in a tropical shirt than dressed head to toe in a red suit.
He is still jolly and happy. The reindeer are playing on the beach and he is jet skiing. I even saw a Santa look kite surfing and of course there are many Santas traveling on their Harleys throughout the land.

My tree is decorated with ornaments that I have purchased during my travels. I'm going to write down a little memory trigger for each one to pack away with them at the end of the season. My memory is not as sharp as it once was so these notes will remind me of my adventures in years to come. I figure I've had so many twists and turns and adventures during my life's journey that my brain is on overload and not just getting weak.

As I head out to run errands with the top down on my convertible and walk on the beach, I think Florida at Christmas is a wonderful place to celebrate a "traditional" Christmas. Afterall if your heart is happy then you can have Christmas anywhere. The only thing missing to make it perfect is my loved ones. Happily my sons are creating their own traditions with their families and that brings me joy.