One Thing is for Certain:
Time Passes, Whether We're Ready for It or Not!
This year feels different and is undoubtedly unique as people are spending more time than ever at HOME.
Holiday decorations adorned houses earlier than normal, beginning with Halloween decor blowing in August's wind. Some Christmas trees even went up directly after All Hallows Eve. White lights lined roofs, as they twinkled in the nights before Thanksgiving.
People are craving something to celebrate, whether it's around a holiday or not. This year has just been one huge reminder to CELEBRATE; to learn from the bad and enjoy the smallest of moments; to support and love on each other; to ask for help; to be more giving; to remember we're human but always strive to be more humane; to embrace and find the beauty in the imperfections.
This year, people are SO READY to celebrate the holidays, the changing season, and every small happy moment found amongst them. I truly hope that lasts into the new year and all year long.
There are a number of ways to embrace the season for those of us in The Florida Keys!
Here are my Top 5 Ways to Enjoy
a Florida Keys Holiday:
1.) Get Outside
-Schedule a sunset cruise. Don't forget a blanket and cocktails to keep you warm in the nippy 70 degree temps. (Cruisin' Tikis)
-Join a Coral Restoration Program like this one on December 12 ---> (Coral Restoration)
-Take a Lighted Bike Ride: Decorate your bikes with lots of holiday spirit and join in a Lighted Bike Ride on December 11 at 6:30pm to raise money for "Mrs. Claus, a Merry Cause" who grants Christmas wishes for local kids. Meet at Tropical Realty on the corner of Sound Dr. and US1, the first street north of John Pennekamp State Park. Bring your masks and save your spaced out spot!
Read more : Merry Cause - Lighted Bike Ride ; Donate here: Merry Cause GoFundMe
2.) Support & Shop Local
Looking for yummy treats this year to stuff stockings or a unique item to gift a friend?
-Stop in at a gallery like local artist Sheri Griffin's joint in Islamorada to pick up a scenic print featuring the stunning Florida Keys landscape piece
(For more info: Sheri Griffin Art)
-Or order some authentic handmade sweets from local "Hannah's Italian Cookies" (Order Cookies Here)
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3.) Look at Lights
-Riding around and checking out lights has always been a favorite holiday past time. Let the lights ride past you at the Key Largo Boat Parade.
This Lighted Boat Parade is set for December 12 beginning at 7:30pm at Blackwater Sound in Key Largo. The best viewing spots include Big Chill, Sundowners and Marriott Resort at MM104. This year the fundraiser is being organized by Key Largo Sunset Rotary Club Foundation, "a local non-profit organization whose mission is to identify and support the needs of the elderly through service projects that create lasting, positive changes in our community." The parade's theme will be Pirates of the Keys and can include boats ranging up to 55 feet, kayaks, paddleboards, and sailboats. Come masked up and enjoy this spectacular illuminated night!
(For more info: Lighted Boat Parade )
4.) Hunt for the Perfect Christmas Tree
Festival of Trees: Zonta Club of Marathon is hosting the annual fundraiser, Festival of Trees, on December 3-6 and 10-13 at the Marathon Community Theater. This is a FREE event and is a fundraiser to benefit Zonta, to further empower women and children through service. Come and enjoy the trees or purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win your favorite tree.
(For more info: Festival of Trees )
5.) Decorate
Whatever Holiday you observe (or if you simply wish to celebrate the "winter" season) home decor plays an integral part in marking the time of year.
Nothing says Christmas in the Keys like decorating coconuts or conch shells and adorning these throughout a home paired with shimmering candle light. Perhaps starfish dress up a tree or shells are assembled into a welcoming wreath.
There are shore (get it?) to be lots of ocean inspired decorations to get in that cozy holiday spirit.
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