Christmas In Central Florida
What The Holidays Look Like From Disney’s Backyard
We’ve made it to the end of 2023, folks! What a year it’s been, and now we get to relax and enjoy the end of the year with good food, family, and some fabulous Florida weather. As we wind down, finish wrapping those last few Christmas presents, and start preheating the oven for the holiday meal, I thought I’d use this month’s blog as an opportunity to reflect on what the holidays hold for those of us in Disney’s Backyard.
Let It Snow…Or Not
It’s no secret that Florida’s climate doesn’t lend itself to snow days or sleigh rides. If you’re used to shoveling snow out of your driveway or defrosting your car for fifteen minutes before leaving for work in the morning, you might be surprised to see Florida still lush and green all the way through December.
When I first moved to Florida, I’ll admit it…I was a little disappointment by the lack of snow. We didn’t get it every year back in Virginia, but coming to the warm climate of Horizon West initially felt like entering a new world. Even now, when one of my sons send me pictures of snowflakes falling outside their windows up North, I feel a twinge of yearning.
But if you’re considering moving away from the snow, whether you’re nervous like I was or thrilled at the prospect of throwing away your snow shovel, I can honestly say that when I sit outside on my lanai on a chilly December morning with coffee in my hand and a blanket around my shoulders, I still feel that same holiday spirit I always did back when I was bundled in three coats, up to my knees in snow.
Christmas Lights On Palm Trees
Just because we don’t have snow doesn’t mean we don’t decorate! We may not have ample pine trees laying around, but we have plenty of palms, and you can bet those babies light up beautifully with all the Christmas lights you can imagine!
Community events also offer little ones a taste of snowy winters with Santa meet-and-greets, holiday parades, and snow machines. They’re never too far if you look around!
Disney World Magic
When you live in Disney’s Backyard, you sometimes forget that you’re living in the very place most people only dream of seeing once in their lives. I used to take pictures of the Disney welcome sign every time I drove under it…now I use Disney roads as a short cut to get to home showings multiple times a day.
During the holidays, though, Disney somehow becomes even more magical. The holiday decorations, the “snow” on Main Street USA, the seasonal wardrobe on all the characters…it’s a sight that’s entirely unique not just to Disney but to the winter season. Many folks only get to see these parks in the heat of summer when the kids are off school long enough to take a vacation. If you’re a passholder to the House of Mouse, though, you can see Disney transform into a winter wonderland every year. That alone is enough to soothe any Blue Christmas!
Where Family Wants To Be
One of the number one reasons folks move to Florida is to escape the cold. Back when we lived in Virginia, many of our family vacations took place over the kids’ winter break so they could bask in the sunshine instead of shivering in the cold.
Well, not everyone wants to move states for fairer weather. But when it comes to the holidays, if Grandma and Grandpa have a cozy little place right by Disney World where Christmas is 65 degrees out…well, there’s one incentive to fly south for the winter right there! If you’re someone who likes to entertain or keep your family close for the holidays, living in Disney’s Backyard checks all the boxes for a fun, festive, and family-oriented holiday without the looming threat of blizzards.
Happy Holidays From Heart And Home Orlando
There are plenty more reasons why I love the holidays in Florida…but I’ve got a family game night to get back to! That’s right, folks, all my kids are home! I hope you had a fantastic 2023, and that only good things wait on the horizon for you in 2024. Wrap those palm trees in holiday lights, put the Yule Log up, and get cozy!
If you’re a snowbird contemplating making Horizon West your home in the new year, you’re in the right place. Call or text me on my cell at 407-848-8042, email me at amy@heartandhomeorlando.com, or submit a wishlist right here on my website to start your journey to homeownership!