Help with Christmas Decorations/Ideas while in Florida

[2busy4life]

We are embarking on our first trip to Florida this Christmas . We are leaving Mississauga, Ontario on December 18th (17th if bad weather is expected) we will arrive in Florida on December 19th. We have rented a house for the two weeks we are going to be there. We have permission to decorate the house but do not want to drag a bunch of decorations with us. Is there somewhere to buy a real Christmas tree in Haines City? Do you know how much they cost? Also, are there dollar stores in Florida? I am hoping that we can get some decorations there for the tree. We figure as long as they last until Christmas we do not care after that.

This is the first time our family will be away for Christmas and it is going to be very different for us all. I am trying to give the kids some familiar things of home. Even though it might not matter because once they are there, vacation might be all they care about.

 

[iluveeyore]

Enjoy!
We'll be at Disney from Dec. 14-26th, have a 2 bedroom villa at Old Key West. DVC members have a tree sharing program, so we'll have a small tree from the 19th-26th. I would have gladly packed my three foot pre-lit tree in my suitcase though, and plan on taking some of my non-breakable Disney decorations for our loaner. My Dad is packing strings of lights for our balcony (they're already in his suitcase, he's so excited!). There are 18 of us in two 2 bedrooms and a studio, and Disney has enough decorations around that we're not too worried about what our rooms look like. Enjoy all the holidays at Disney have to offer!

 

[LuvDisney3]

One Christmas, my parents arranged it so that the house we rented was decorated for Christmas, including a tree, before we arrived. It was great not having to bring anything with us and the decorations were fabulous. I believe this can be arranged through the management company that takes care of the rental house.

 

[2busy4life]

One Christmas, my parents arranged it so that the house we rented was decorated for Christmas, including a tree, before we arrived. It was great not having to bring anything with us and the decorations were fabulous. I believe this can be arranged through the management company that takes care of the rental house.

Thanks for the idea I will check into that.

 

[2busy4life]

Enjoy!
We'll be at Disney from Dec. 14-26th, have a 2 bedroom villa at Old Key West. DVC members have a tree sharing program, so we'll have a small tree from the 19th-26th. I would have gladly packed my three foot pre-lit tree in my suitcase though, and plan on taking some of my non-breakable Disney decorations for our loaner. My Dad is packing strings of lights for our balcony (they're already in his suitcase, he's so excited!). There are 18 of us in two 2 bedrooms and a studio, and Disney has enough decorations around that we're not too worried about what our rooms look like. Enjoy all the holidays at Disney have to offer!

Yes I have heard the Disney is done to the max!! I have also heard that Florida in general in decorated really well. Being that this is our first trip and we are staying off site plus it is our first Christmas away from home we are not sure how the kids (and ourselves) are going to react if there were no decorations. I think that the kids will be fine after all they are in Florida with the sun (we hope) no snow and temperatures on the plus side of the thermometer.....what more could we ask for!!!!

 

[disneydreamgirl]

When we were kids our family went to Florida every year and my mom would pack a little decorated tree for us to have our few gifts under along with our stockings and a small nativity set. We would get money from Santa for Boxing Day shopping so we didn't need a big tree. We really enjoyed the decorations at the malls, at Disney and really anywhere we visited. You'll likely be able to purchase a few decorations that are reasonable when you get there. I've even seen a really cute blow up tree (sounds cheesy, I know) but we found Florida kitchy decorations fun for us, being so used to snow, etc... I have to say arranging for a predecorated house is really appealing as well! Have a great trip!!!

 

[tgropp]

I think that you will be amazed at the decorations every where. Not only Disney but we noticed in both Orlando and Fort Lauderdale, they were all decked out, even more than here at home.

 

[2busy4life]

Thanks for everyone's suggestions and ideas . I think I am worrying more then I need to but I want this holiday to be as perfect as it can be and since we have never done this we are unsure how we all are going to react.

Honestly cannot wait for December. I think I am more excited about this holiday then when I was a kid and waiting for Santa...

 

[tgropp]

Thanks for everyone's suggestions and ideas . I think I am worrying more then I need to but I want this holiday to be as perfect as it can be and since we have never done this we are unsure how we all are going to react.

Honestly cannot wait for December. I think I am more excited about this holiday then when I was a kid and waiting for Santa...

We did our first family Christmas vacation in 1994 when our children were 13 and 9 and my wife felt the same way, Would it seem like Christmas, Will I be able to get a normal Christmas dinner, will we miss our other family members...etc...etc. One thing that you have to remember is that everyone else is in the same position...away from home. I found people to be friendly and looking for the Christmas spirit just like our family. And WDW is the place to find it. I suggest for early Christmas eve if you can, go to one of the deluxe resorts (preferablly Wilderness Lodge) for an hour or so and watch the Christmas festivities that go on.