It’s that time of year again! The time when the humidity finally drops, the temperatures dip into the 60s, and people all over the state start putting up Christmas lights. That’s right, Floridians, it’s time to get ready for Christmas!

And what better way to get into the holiday spirit than by following these simple tips for having a stress-free Florida Christmas? Trust us, with our years of experience dealing with holiday hurricanes, power outages, and heat waves, we know a thing or two about how to make the most of our unique Christmas climate! Running around when it’s still warm outside makes you sweat. Almost as much as I would worry about how I’m going to pay for all these gifts! So be sure to make a list—and check it twice!

Once you know who you need to buy gifts for, make a list of everyone and what you’d like to get them. This will help you stay organized and on budget. No need for any extra perspiration here in South West Florida. Not sure what to get someone? Deodorant!  No? Okay, a gift card is always a good choice!

By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to have a stress-free Florida Christmas that you’ll remember for years to come! And who knows – maybe you’ll even set a new tradition or two in the process!

• Get yourself a fake Christmas tree.

  Don’t even bother with the hassle of putting up a real tree in this heat – just pick up a nice fake one from your local store and be done with it. Plus, you’ll save yourself the trouble of having to vacuum up pine needles every day!

• Make sure your outdoor Christmas lights are LED.

  You don’t want to be spending your holiday budget on replacing burnt-out light bulbs – LEDs use much less power and will last for years. Not to mention, they don’t produce nearly as much heat, so you won’t have to worry about them adding to your electric bill.

• Skip the roasted turkey and go for something lighter.

  Who wants to heat up their house by cooking a big bird in the oven? Instead, try grilling some seafood or making a festive salad. Your guests will still be impressed, and you’ll stay cool in the process!

• Don't forget the sunscreen!

  Just because it’s December doesn’t mean you can let your guard down when it comes to sun exposure. In fact, many people find that they burn more easily in the winter months because they don’t expect it. So slather on some SPF 30 or higher before heading out to enjoy those beautiful Florida sunsets!

• Plan ahead for any stormy weather.

  We all know that living in Florida means dealing with the occasional hurricane or tropical storm during Christmastime. The best way to deal with it is simply to be prepared – have an emergency kit ready with non-perishable food items, water, batteries, and first aid supplies. That way if a storm does hit, you’ll be able to ride it out without any worries!

• Set a budget—and stick to it!

  It’s easy to overspend during the holidays, but it’s important to set a budget and stick to it. Determine how much money you can realistically spend on gifts and don’t go over that amount. Once you’ve reached your limit, stop shopping!

• Shop online.

  Avoid the crowds at the mall and do your shopping from the comfort of your own home. Not only is online shopping more convenient, but you’ll also have a better chance of finding deals and discounts. Plus, with sites like Amazon Prime, you can get your gifts delivered right to your door—talk about stress-free!

• Simplify your décor.

  Don’t go overboard with your Christmas decorations—less is more! A few simple pieces (a string of lights, a decorated tree, etc.) will do the trick and save you time and money in the process. Now, where did I put those Santa hats for my Flamingo yard ornaments?

• Potluck holiday party.

  Throwing a holiday party can be fun but also stressful and expensive. Save yourself some money (and hassle) by having everyone bring their favorite dish or beverage to share. Not only will this lighten your load, but it will also give your guests something to do while they’re at your party. Just remember those peanut butter cookies with the chocolate kisses on top. We love those.

• Keep things low-key .

  The holidays don’t have to be elaborate or extravagant—keep things simple this year and focus on what’s truly important: spending time with those you love. Happy Holiday!

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