Having grown up in New England, this is not normal for me. By now the leaves have long since fallen off the trees, the landscape is shades of blue, brown, grey and white. We've seen a little bit of snow, and have our fingers crossed for a white Christmas, even if it's just a bright layer of snow from a few days before. The house has been decorated with garlands, paper chains, and Christmas knick-knacks. All the stockings are on the fireplace, even ones for the pets. We've baked at least four different kinds of cookies, and have brought them to neighbors and friends.
This year is different. The grass is still green, as are the palm trees. There are days that are all out hot. The landscape is green and blue, as if it were still summer. There's no chance of snow - instead maybe we'll substitute the white sand at the beach for the white snow in our yards. We've misplaced a box or two of Christmas ornaments, our stockings included, so the Christmas decorations are few. We've baked chocolate chips cookies, but many go stale before we can finish them, as we haven't met many people down here yet.
Next year well look back on our scrambled Christmas and laugh. This is the beginning of all our new traditions. Emily will know warm Christmases spent on the beach and palm trees dressed with with lights and ornaments, or Christmases just visiting New England. This is our first Christmas of our new life here in Florida. And it's beautiful.
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