Even though I put out a string of Christmas lights and we put up our makeshift Charlie Brown Christmas tree, it is really hard to get into the Christmas spirit here in Florida. I imagine it has much to do with the weather here in southwest Florida where we are seeing daytime temperatures in the 70’s and 80’s and 
Actually I suspect it has more to do with the fact that we are doing Christmas differently now that we are retired than when we were working stiffs. So what are some of the major differences we are experiencing now compared to then?
- we had tons more decorations inside and out of our home
- we used to be out and about spending lots of time on several shopping trips and then in the late stages rushing out for the last minute stocking stuffers. Instead we now are able to complete our shopping in one shopping trip to a couple of stores then finishing up using AMAZON.com.
- we had tons of Christmas packages to wrap and put under the tree whereas now, because we are on a more tight budget, there were fewer gifts. These gifts were wrapped, stayed under the little tree for the photo, then were quickly mailed away.
- we were in the late stages of planning and preparing a big feast back home by now but now instead we are attending a park-wide dinner and all we need to make is a single dish
- we would be planning on seeing our son and his family at our house or theirs (as they lived only 100 miles away) but now we will not see them at all until we return to Texas next spring.
- we would be attending our respective workplace Christmas parties and Sharon would most likely be buying a new outfit for each. Here we bought a bottle of Champagne to have our own little party (I’m sure Sharon will still put together a festive outfit with some of her Christmas bling).
Those are some of the major differences for us as full timing RV’ers but the one that stands out most to us is that we don’t hear the nonstop Christmas music as much since we don’t spend a lot of time in the car with the radio on as we did in my working lives……
At least our daughter is flying down to spend part of her Christmas holiday with us. I think I might have to put on some Christmas music soon so we will know for sure that Christmas is coming…
Yeah a few changes but more relaxing. Being our 6th year fulltime its nice. No more Christmas shopping,(we did that in September for our grandchildren and left the gifts there), Christmas carols in the grocery stores and on our satellite radio when we are inside. An easy delicious Christmas dinner with lotsa people and the wonder of the internet and web cams to bring family close to you. Oh and no snow and warmer temperatures, we'll take it. Hope you enjoy.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas.
Want to trade??
ReplyDeleteI have one string of lights with me, but didn't hang them yet. I have a fabric Christmas tree wallhanging and a quilted stocking, and a small Nativity statue for decorations. I love Amazon for shopping - had everything sent to the house I am visiting for Christmas, will wrap things when I get there. I'll be with family in San Antonio for Christmas then I'm heading down to the Gulf.
ReplyDeleteI think it would be great if everyone would downsize Christmas, fulltimer or not. We take our travel trailer to San Elijo State Beach in southern California, where we meet my sisters who come down from Reno. We trade silly gifts, make a 'tree' out of beach detritus, and eat our turkey dinner at the picnic table beside a campfire. Perfect!
ReplyDeleteYes...get that music playing, the eggnog flowing and wait the arrival of your daughter. It may be different but the one constant is Our Lord's Birthday! Wishing you a Blessed Christmas.
ReplyDeleteWe dropped by the old home for the holidays but don't think we'll do that next year. Too cold. Or maybe we'll fly in for a few days. But even here we've definitely downsized the commercial part of the holiday. Hoping lots of other folks do too.
ReplyDeleteThis is our first year for Christmas on the road, yea it's different but relaxing here in Corpus Christi. Oh and thank you for the information on the American Bittern.
ReplyDeleteYou definitely don't need the cold white stuff for Christmas and not having to worry about a lot of Christmas presents is a blessing in itself. I think the relaxed attitude would give me a whole lot more Christmas spirit.
ReplyDeletehttp://travelinglongdogs.blogspot.com
We're also having trouble getting into the Chistmas spirit and I think its more to do with living in the rv than being in Florida. I think it's also because we're anxiously awaiting it to be over so that we can head to the Keys.
ReplyDeleteSit by the beach, have a cool one, and enjoy a south Florida Christmas!