The soft rustle of palm fronds swaying in a warm evening breeze caught my attention. Looking up, I was met with the delight of multi-colored Christmas lights. Immediately, a warmth overtook my heart. This felt like home. It was my first Christmas in South Florida, specifically in Key West.

Now that I live here in South Florida, in Delray Beach, I’m even more excited about what the holiday season will bring in terms of decorations and festivities.

Downtown Delray Beach is host to a wide array of activities all month long including outdoor ice skating, a carousel, horse and carriage rides and “sparkling holiday scenes.” (Sabia, that one’s for you!) There’s a boat parade on the Intracoastal and music throughout the month of December.

And, of course, there’s the Christmas tree, Delray’s own 100 foot Christmas tree extravaganza. The only one of its kind in the world, it sports 15,500 lights and more than 39,000 ornaments. Inside the tree, animated elves, penguins and trains are sure to please.


Thanks to a grant from Office Depot, Delray students participate in the building of the tree. You can learn more about Delray’s famous Christmas tree by visiting www.DowntownDelrayBeach.com. Make sure you click on the movie - it’s the blue box next to the Christmas tree.

While I’m excited to make these festivities a part of my new holiday traditions, I’m also keeping some of my old ones including decorating the dogs. These dogs came to me via my daughter Kate and while most people really don’t care for them, I think they’re great!


We all have holiday traditions. Some are carried through the generations. Others are newly created for a lifestyle change, a move, or an addition of a partner or a child.

Here’s hoping that you enjoy your own holiday traditions. And remember, if you don’t like something in your life  you can always change it. It’s easier to do than you might think!

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Copyright 2008 Diana Taylor, Pug At The Beach
Photo credit: Delray Beach Christmas tree from the site www.DowntownDelrayBeach.com, Christmas dogs by Diana Taylor

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