Celebrating Christmas in Florida, as the locals know, is certainly different from celebrating it with snow blanketing the ground or Jack Frost nipping at your nose. Fortuitously, the holidays in a warmer climate affords more flexibility in how you celebrate.

There are several ways you can celebrate Christmas in Florida such as:

A Neighborhood Christmas Dinner - here are some ideas and suggestions for you and your neighbors to get together for Christmas

With the warmer weather that Florida enjoys, a neighborhood progressive Christmas dinner is far more doable than in a colder climate. A progressive dinner is one in which guests go from home to home, partaking in a different course in a different home. If such a progressive Christmas dinner was held in a colder climate, you probably wouldn’t have many people attending. After all, once they’re inside a warm and cozy house, you’ll be hard pressed to get them outside again to go on to another household that’s serving the next course.

Make sure to make a place for everyone

Progressive dinners are a great way to meet all the neighbors and sample what they’re best at whipping up in the kitchen. Additionally, being one of the homes participating in a progressive dinner frees the host and/or hostess from having to make a full course Christmas dinner for a crowd. All they have to do is make, for instance, the appetizers, the main course, or the dessert. Being responsible for preparing a holiday meal is stressful enough as it is; with help from other households, the cooks can more easily enjoy the holidays.

When planning a neighborhood progressive Christmas dinner, get as much input as possible from the homes that will be participating. As mentioned above, the progressive dinner is to enhance the cooks’ holiday experience. Don’t force them to cook or bake dishes that they’re unfamiliar with; likewise, don’t expect those who have limited cooking skills to volunteer their homes, no matter how spacious their home may be. True, there may be a neighborhood home that is roomy enough to hold everyone in the neighborhood with ease, but you can’t force someone to open their home and cook if they’re all thumbs in the kitchen.

A good compromise, if the home owners are amenable, is to use their kitchen and have other neighborhood cooks whip up the course. Or, if they don’t want you in their kitchen or if someone simply doesn’t have the room, have a cookout in the backyard. This is the time to take full advantage of Florida’s warmer weather, so a backyard BBQ is entirely doable! True, it may get a bit chilly and many people would prefer to eat indoors, but at least the cook isn’t freezing outside while everyone is toasty inside. Plus, since your Christmas party will be a neighborhood endeavor, several chefs can take turns at the grill.

To help the hosts and hostesses who have so graciously offered their time and homes to the neighborhood progressive Christmas dinner, don’t forget to bring containers of food from the other courses. Many cooks will have to stay in their homes, tending to their assigned courses while everyone else is going from home to home, enjoying the various tasty treats. Once their course is finished, they’ll be able to relax and move on to the next home/course.

Progressive neighborhood Christmas dinners are a great way to enjoy your neighbors, as well as a great way to avoid all the stress of a holiday party. Plus, with Florida’s warmer weather, a progressive dinner is more suitable than in the cold north. Get together with your neighbors and start planning your progressive dinner today. In that way, you’ll have plenty of time to custom make it to your neighborhood and your neighbors!

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Christmas isn’t Christmas without a tree and everyone love choosing that perfect tree, followed by decorating it.

Decorations are key!

Choose that perfect tree for Christmas

When choosing the perfect tree for Christmas, you first have to decide on whether to get a real tree or an artificial one. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. For instance, one of the advantages of an artificial tree is that you get to have the tree up longer. It’s a tradition at my home to put the tree up the day after Thanksgiving. If we put up a real tree on that day, it definitely wouldn’t last until Christmas, no matter how much it was watered. The pine needles would be falling all over the place, and it would create an even bigger fire hazard.

If you don’t want to put the tree up that far in advance, and prefer to put it up about a week before Christmas, then a real tree would be ideal. You would have the lovely smell of pine, and it would look…well…real! Of course, with an artificial tree, you can always burn some pine candles or put out pine potpourri, but many people prefer the real thing.

At any rate, once you’ve decided on what type of tree you want, then you can start shopping. For an artificial tree, there isn’t much to it. Look at the display models in the store and pick out the one you like best and that’s within your budget. Artificial trees come in different colors and in a variety of sizes and fullness, so your choice depends upon your tastes.

Choosing a perfect tree for Christmas that is real is similar to picking out an artificial tree, but with some added details to pay attention to. Obviously, you want a tree that will fit into your home, so you need to know the height of your ceiling, as well as the width of your doorway. You wouldn’t want to get a tree that is so full and wide that you can’t get it into the door without having a lot of the pine needles fall off or some of the branches bent! So make sure you measure the door and the area where you’ll be placing your tree. Then measure again to make sure you did it right the first time. Also, take a tape measure with you to the tree lot so you can measure the tree’s height and width yourself. Don’t forget to measure the tree trunk to make sure it will fit into your tree stand.

Your choice of Christmas tree also needs to factor in where you’ll place your tree. You don’t want to put it in high traffic areas where people can easily brush up against it (there go more pine needles on the floor) or, worse yet, tripping over it and any electrical cords. Additionally, you need to keep your tree, especially a real tree, away from any fire hazards like a fireplace or heater.

While needle length is a personal preference, bear in mind that shorter needles are usually easier to decorate than the longer needles. If you have a lot of ornaments that need to hang straight, as opposed to being propped up against branches, then choose a tree that has more space between the branches.

While a full tree looks lush, they’re not often the best choice for hanging ornaments. Another tidbit when it comes to needles is that they will tell you how fresh the tree is. You’ll obviously want a fresh one, so the needles should look shiny and green. They shouldn’t feel dry and they shouldn’t be browning. Also, slightly pull on a couple branches. If the needles fall off, then the tree isn’t very fresh, so look for another one.

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Sun, sea and surf Christmas

When you think of Florida, most people naturally think of the sun, the sea, and the surf. Christmas in Florida is no different. You can incorporate the sun, sea, and surf into your Florida Christmas, whether you live near the ocean or inland.

Hot Hot Hot Winter…

If you live near the ocean and Christmas Day is beautiful and sunny, why not take a picnic lunch to the beach. You can still enjoy the sun, even if the water is a bit too chilly for donning your swimsuit. Listening to the surf on Christmas Day is something that most people can’t do, so why not revel in your warm and watery blessings.

You can even dress up as Santa - but with shorts on - and pass out candy canes to any passersby. If you’re lucky enough to live on beach front property, bring a mini tree out onto your patio and serve your Christmas dinner there. Better yet, decorate a potted palm tree as if it’s a Christmas tree, and enjoy it inside or on your patio.

Whether you live near the ocean or not your Christmas tree can reflect Florida’s sun, sea, and surf. Let’s face it something looks wrong in having a Christmas tree filled with snowflake or snowman ornaments when you live in Florida. So why not celebrate your locale by choosing decorations that reflect the area.

You’re bound to find whimsical fish ornaments and flamingo ones as well. Additionally, if you keep your eyes open, you’ll find sandcastle ornaments, seashell ornaments and even touristy looking Santas. Many of these Santas have sunglasses on and are wearing “Hawaii” shirts that look fitting for a Santa beach bum. You might even find a seashell garland or two to hang on your special Florida Christmas tree which, as mentioned above, doesn’t have to be the traditional pine tree; it can be a palm tree that you’ve decorated.

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Twas the night before Christmas…

‘Twas the night before Christmas and creatures are definitely stirring in your house, unlike the fabled short story. In our busy everyday lives, there’s always something we need to do, especially around the holidays. While you know not to leave everything until the last minute, that’s oftentimes easier said than done. If you’re like most people, and still have a bunch of things to do before Christmas Day, here are some suggestions to help make the holidays a bit easier.

Lists. Always make lists as to what needs to be done. Do you have last minute gift buying or giving to do? Place that on your list. Also place batteries on your list of things to purchase if you’re giving any gifts that are battery operated. There’s nothing quite as disappointing as opening a present and not being able to enjoy it because it requires batteries to operate.

Naughty or Nice?

Additionally, do you have all the ingredients you need to get for Christmas dinner? If not, put what you need on your grocery shopping list. Make sure you go over all your recipes and jot down everything you need. Don’t assume that you have the ingredients in your pantry.

Actually physically take out the ingredients and organize them according to recipe. In that way, you’re better able to ascertain what you need at the store, and what you already have. Also, make sure the ingredients that you already have are fresh and not spoiled. Check the expiration dates on packages and look for any dents or bulges in cans. You don’t want to use any cans that are dented or bulgy, as they could harbor food poisoning.

If you can make some of your holiday dishes ahead of time, do so! It’ll not only help with your time, but also lower your stress level. Additionally, some dishes taste a lot better once they’ve sit overnight to let all of the flavors “marinate.”

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Menu and recipes

Christmas in Florida isn’t the traditional setting that most people think of. Whether realistic or not, most people conjure up images of dashing through the snow, and you can’t exactly do that in Florida. Thus, Christmas in Florida isn’t considered “traditional,” so why not have a “non-traditional” celebration?

Most people choose a Christmas ham or turkey as their main course, but living in Florida allows you to have a Christmas BBQ! Here are some yummy, warm weather inspired “non-traditional” recipes to consider for your Christmas in Florida menu:

Pork or beef with Caribbean BBQ Sauce
Honey Key Lime Grilled Chicken
Grilled Gator Kabobs
Cucumber, Tomato and Radish Salad with Citrus Dressing
Tropical Mango Sorbet
Florida Strawberry Panini

Caribbean BBQ Sauce

Ingredients:
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
3 slices bacon, diced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup black rum
1 lemon, juiced
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 dash chili sauce

Directions

1. Place vegetable oil, bacon, and onion in a medium skillet over medium high heat. Cook until bacon is evenly brown and onion is tender.
2. Stir tomato sauce and rum into the skillet with bacon and onion, and reduce heat. Simmer about 2 minutes. Mix in lemon juice, brown sugar, and chili sauce. Continue to simmer about 8 minutes.

Source: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Caribbean-BBQ-Sauce/Detail.aspx

Succulent Honey Key Lime Grilled Chicken

Honey Key Lime Grilled Chicken

Ingredients
5 tablespoons key lime juice
2 tablespoons honey
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

Directions
1. In a re-sealable plastic bag, mix the key lime juice, honey, garlic, and lemon pepper. Place the chicken in the bag, seal, and shake to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator at least 30 minutes, turning the bag occasionally.
2. Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat.
3. Grill the marinated chicken about 8 minutes on each side, until no longer pink and juices run clear. Discard remaining marinade.

Source: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Honey-Key-Lime-Grilled-Chicken/Detail.aspx

Grilled Gator Kabobs

Ingredients
1?2 cup Florida orange juice concentrate
1?4 cup Florida orange juice
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon cumin
1?4 teaspoon cayenne
1 pound Florida alligator meat, cut into cubes
1-inch cubes assorted Florida vegetables or fruit, cubed

Directions
For the marinade, combine orange concentrate, orange juice, soy sauce, sugar and spices in a medium glass bowl. Reserve half for basting. Add alligator cubes; stir to coat well.
Marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for increased flavor.
Soak wooden skewers in water for 10 minutes to prevent them from burning. Thread marinated alligator cubes onto skewers, alternating with vegetable or fruit cubes. Heat the grill to high heat and grill kabobs for 6-8 minutes; turning once. Brush with extra marinade for the first 5 minutes. Discard any leftover marinade.

Source: http://www.floridamagazine.com/recipes/may2009.html

Eat them up before they eat you!

Cucumber, Tomato, and Radish Salad with Citrus Dressing

Ingredients
2 Florida tomatoes, seeded and finely chopped
2 Florida cucumbers, peeled, seeded and finely chopped
3/4 lb. Florida radishes, trimmed and finely chopped
2 Tbsp. fresh Florida lemon juice
2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
1 Florida garlic clove, mashed to a paste with 1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup virgin olive oil
1/3 cup Florida cilantro, finely chopped, or to taste
6 scallions, sliced thin

Directions
In a large bowl whisk together the juices and garlic paste, add the oil in a steady stream, and whisk the dressing until it is emulsified. Whisk in the chopped cilantro and salt and pepper to taste. Add the tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes and scallions, toss the salad to combine it well, and garnish the dish with the leftover cilantro sprigs.

Source: http://www.floridamagazine.com/recipes/march2007.html

Florida Strawberry Panini

Its "BERRY" good, MMmm!

Ingredients
1 pint Florida strawberries, 3/4 of them sliced thin
8 slices sour dough bread (½ inch thick)
½ cup mascarpone cheese (soft Italian cheese)
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
1 jar Florida strawberry jam
Powdered sugar in a shaker, for dusting

Directions
Heat a panini press or stove-top griddle to medium heat. Spread the mascarpone on 4 of the sourdough bread slices. Spoon 3 heaping tablespoons of the jam on each of the other 4 slices. Arrange the fresh sliced strawberries in a single layer on top of the jam and close the sandwiches. Brush sandwiches with butter and grill or press until golden brown and bubbly, around 5 minutes. Transfer the panini to a cutting board and dust with powdered sugar. Carefully cut each sandwich in half and serve with whole strawberries, for garnish.

Source: http://www.floridamagazine.com/recipes/feb2008.html

Tropical Mango Sorbet

Yummy!

Ingredients
4 ripe Florida mangos
1 cup simple syrup (see below)
3 Tbsp. Florida lime juice
Directions
Wash and dry mangoes. Using a paring knife, remove the two flat sides of each mango, cutting lengthwise alongside the pit and cutting as close to the pit as possible so that the mango flesh is in two large pieces. With a spoon, gently scoop flesh from the mango sides into a blender, leaving the skins intact. With a knife, trim the remaining flesh from the pit and add it to the blender. Combine the syrup with lime juice and add to the blender; purée until smooth. Put mango skins on a baking sheet and freeze while making the sorbet.
Freeze the mango purée in an ice-cream maker. Scoop the sorbet into frozen martini glass; garnish with fresh mint, mango skins and sliced strawberries. Frozen sorbets in glasses may be wrapped individually in plastic wrap and kept in the freezer for one week. Makes 6 servings
Simple Syrup
Ingredients
3 cups sugar
3 cups water
Directions
In a saucepan, bring sugar and water to a boil, (add lemongrass) stirring continuously. Boil until the sugar is completely dissolved. Pour through a fine mesh strainer to remove any debris. Cool the syrup completely. Syrup may be made one week ahead, left chilled and covered.
Source: http://www.floridamagazine.com/recipes/august2006.html