This conversation was in collaboration with The Florida Men on Florida Man Podcast.

Whoever said Florida isn’t Christmas-y has obviously never experienced the pure magic of a Sunshine State “winter” season.

Yeah, we do it a little differently closer to the equator – opting for decorations that involve decked-out Palm Trees + flamingos with Santa hats – but some could say it's just a testament to our boundless creativity.

Here are a few of our favorite Florida-style examples. ⬇️

Decking out the palms

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrkmHbZg6Fz/

Maybe the most Florida thing on the list, stringing the palm tree in your front yard with holiday lights is basically a Floridian rite of passage. And sure, others may tease us for decking out a tropical tree in winter garb, but they obviously haven't spent a December night outside in the pool, admiring the soft glow of this sure-fire Florida tradition.

Partying with the big cheese

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4udTOZgO9p/

While this may be a little different, due to COVID-19...every Floridian knows that you go to theme parks because of the sales + stay for the fireworks. The illusion of Americana-inspired perfection captures you every time you walk through the turnstile. Now multiply that experience by a billion and wrap a bunch of Christmas lights around it, and you’ve got Disney at Christmas, less than an hour away from LAL.

Lighting up the waterways

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq1IWEAHTN8/

Boating isn’t just a luxury for Floridians – it’s a lifestyle choice. After all, one of the great joys of the season is decking the halls, no matter what your “halls” look like.

Christmas Day outdoor adventures

https://www.instagram.com/p/BdGQkWJn-6z/

No matter where you are in the Sunshine State, you’re always a short drive from a spring, beach, or pristine nature preserve. So, we like to get outside and enjoy our perfect (albeit slightly humid) weather every chance we get.

Our decor is one-of-a-kind

Try to contain your jealousy.

Northern relatives that love to send pics

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6J_omyHLe9/

While at least half of Florida gets to experience some seasonal-ish weather, that White Christmas eludes a majority of us, and we have to live vicariously through others. Thankfully, you can always count on Uncle Jim + Aunt Ellen to send photos of tundra-style weather with texts that read something like “Don’t you wish you were here?” with a thousand laughing emojis, thereafter.

Santa gets creative with his entry

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5x9g8xliSG/

DYK nearly 60% of American homes don’t have a fireplace? That percentage is probably significantly higher looking at Florida homes. No fireplace = no chimney, so what’s the big man in red to do? Magic key? Teleportation? We don’t ask too many questions. This is Santa we’re talking about after all.

Making frozen hot chocolate

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0mpI7QALu7/

A delicious oxymoron, otherwise known as iced chocolate milk.

Beachy + pool-side Christmas pics

https://www.instagram.com/p/BdIxDsZFqgx/

While those northern relatives can enjoy their picturesque White Christmas, our family postcard pics are testaments to our boundless creativity. After all, when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade, right? Or in this case, sandcastles + suntans.

We’re experts in creating fake snow

https://www.instagram.com/p/-5DtMFC1Q5/

DYK: Celebration, the idyllic town built by Disney, turns into a Winter Wonderland every night for the month of December? More of that Disney magic in action. (Note: This may have changed due to COVID-19.)

Sweating in sweaters

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6LunA0hs9j/

You fake it till you make it. Or…pass out from heat exhaustion.

Buying fake trees

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4qI9qzh75y/

We just jam Scentsicles up our noses and hope for the best.

Our Christmas party spread is the best

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6JdGGVAurN/

Of course, we opt for Publix in all of its hometown glory – providing legendary customer service and Christmas joy since 1930.

Quiz

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