For much of the world, Christmas is practically synonymous with snow. That’s why Santa lives at the North Pole, rides a sleigh, and comes down the chimney. Most Christmas movies, TV shows and even commercials depict people celebrating the holidays sledding, making snowballs, or sitting cozily by a roaring fire and drinking hot cocoa.
It doesn’t snow everywhere, though. What if you live in California, Florida, or one of the other regions around the country whose winters are warm and sunny? Do you decorate a palm tree instead of a pine? Maybe not, but there are plenty of things you can do to celebrate a no-snow, sun-filled Christmas
Head to the Beach
This idea isn’t necessarily suited to every snowless climate, but depending on where you are, it can be a lot of fun. No snow doesn’t automatically mean warm and balmy. In California in December, the highs are usually around 65, and the lows can get down to 45.
However, if temperatures are high enough, or if you’re feeling brave, then a Christmas Day dip in the ocean can be great fun. You can also try surfing, sunbathing, scuba diving, and other fun beach activities.
If you’re not up to the beach, find a hot tub or Jacuzzi instead. You’ll still be able to break out your swimsuit on Christmas Day, but in a much more low-key, laid back environment. Whatever you decide to do, though, just be sure to get plenty of pics to send to your friends and relatives freezing elsewhere in the country, so you can make them jealous.
Go for a Run
If the weather is a little cooler, you can still warm up a lot more easily than if there were snow. Go for a run, a bike ride, or some other physical activity, first thing in the morning. Maybe find a nearby trail and go for a hike. It being a holiday, there won’t be a lot of other people out and about, so you can enjoy the solitude and the crisp air, before coming back home to enjoy presents, dinner, and all the other Christmas traditions.
Christmas Picnic
If it’s really nice outside you have an option that much of the world does not. Why not take advantage of that and make Christmas dinner into a picnic?
If the weather is warm, put on shorts and a T-shirt. If it’s cooler, put on a light jacket. Pack up the turkey, pie, and other dishes and head to your favorite park. Put down a blanket and celebrate Christmas in the green of nature—something you don’t see a lot of in December when you live where it snows.
In the end, Christmas in the sun isn’t that different from how it is in the snow. As long as you have family and friends to celebrate with you, it doesn’t really matter what you do. Go scuba diving in the ocean or stay home and watch Miracle on 34th Street on TV. It doesn’t really matter, as long as you’re enjoying the holiday.