A very Florida winter
Written by Daniel Mutter, Nov 14, 2011, 0 Comments
It’s beginning to look a lot like winter here in sunny Florida. But just how do you celebrate the season in a state where most cities scarcely dip below 50 degrees? Easy—you manufacture it.
About a month ago, I went to the local mall to buy a few pairs of new shorts. I thought I would visit two or three of my favorite stores and have no problem finding what I needed. To my surprise, all of the stores had stopped carrying shorts. They did, however, have more winter wear than anyone could possibly need.
I guess it should be no surprise. The minute it dips below 70, you see everyone turn into deep Antarctic explorers. Sandals are replaced by fuzzy boots; T-shirts by jackets and knit sweaters. If it isn’t cold, we like to at least look like it is. I personally refuse to sweat my butt off in a scarf and knit beanie in the middle of a sunny day.
The decorations for the holidays also seem to come out earlier and earlier. The minute Halloween was over, stores pushed their leftover merchandise into discount carts and began putting out Christmas décor. They used to at least wait until after Thanksgiving. Now it looks like most stores are beginning to spread the Christmas spending spirit as early as November 1st.
Starbucks is no exception, already offering up many of their peppermint and gingerbread lattes for the thirsty holiday consumers.
No snow? No problem. Beginning in December, Straub Park gets transformed into St. Petersburg’s very own winter wonderland. No winter is complete without a Santa Parade. Afterward, head over to the park for fake snow, fake ice for ice-skating, a petting zoo and a Jingle Bell boat parade.
Living in Florida all my life, I’ve grown sick and tired of Floridians trying to create the ideal white Christmas. I think it’s time to take a stand and celebrate the holidays Florida style. Take a bike ride along the water during a cool day, grab a nice warm carafe of sake and sit outside for a change, enjoy a day of fishing without the sweat or take a camping trip and actually enjoy the warm fire.
Florida has so much to offer during the holidays, it’s time to start taking advantage of it.
