Christmas (Phoenix, Douglas, Cave Creek: hoa, travel, work)

[mamom1]

I know it is a little early to start thinking about Christmas but I was at the mall this weekend and they are already putting out Christmas stuff. So I started thinking: How do you decorate for christmas in AZ? Can you get a real "Christmas" tree or do you use the fake ones in the box? Do you hang up lights outside your house or do HOA's not allow that? How do you justify to small children why santa has a sleigh or wears all those clothes?

I know Arizona is not a foreign country, but with not really having a winter climate in the Phoenix area I thought maybe you just do things differently.

The only time I have been out of new england during christmas time was when I went to England. the climate is similar to NE so it never occured to me.

[CodyW]

You CAN get a real christmas tree; you might have to drive around a bit to find one; and when you do, you'll see that the quality is pretty bad compared to cities back east. A lot of them are already dead and dried out.

One thing to be careful with; I think trees dry out MUCH faster here than other places; so be careful - Fire danger!

Most HOA's will allow you to put lights up. Some restrict what you can do; for instance, I've heard of some allowing only the clear lights.. That kind of thing. Most HOA's will let you do what you want with decorating as long as you don't go overboard.

Just explain to them that santa travels all over the world; and most places are MUCH colder than it is here; but he doesn't have time to change!

[SOON2BNSURPRISE]

Just tell them that Santa doesn't come down to Arizona and it will save you a bunch on your Christmas shopping.

I grew up in Southern California and we never had a Christmas with snow. Many times I could go to the beach if I wanted. The surf never sleeps. Around here plenty of things to do in the winter time. All those things that others were doing around the country we can now do. Hike in the hills, boating, swimming.

One thing to do is have fun with your new surroundings and make some new traditions.

[sablebaby]

As a kid, I never thought about the winter clothes that Santa wears. For me, it does get cold in the winter, at least cold enough to wear a jacket outside. We really don't have winters that are that warm.

Lots of people will buy real christmas trees and you will find lots to buy them at. But, we always had a fake tree. I haven't had a tree in many years.

Yeah, we are not that different than anywhere else.

[1979]

...Ahh, to have a green Christmas, with a warm temperature; to wear shorts and a t-shirt, no jacket. No snow or ice on the roads. It sounds like heaven...

[alterego]

Originally Posted by 1979

...Ahh, to have a green Christmas, with a warm temperature; to wear shorts and a t-shirt, no jacket. No snow or ice on the roads. It sounds like heaven...

Shorts and T-shirt and no jacket, only if you can brave 40 degree temps at night (which I can't). I'm the type who wears a jacket or sweater when it gets below 60 outside.

[61scout80]

I found it odd looking at all the inflatable snowmen and such in the gravel yards while i drove around with the window down. I also came from the north east where you had cold winters and snow. Wait until you see that first fashionable woman wearing a parka with fur lined hood (up of course) a skirt and fur lined snow boots walking around outside when its 70. that's the real treat

Coming up on my third winter I'm looking forward to adding lights to my new house in my shorts, enjoying a beer and whistling x-mas tunes. I'll be thrilled to not have ice and frigid weather but I sure would prefer to be back "home" with a white x-mas....

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by mamom1

I know it is a little early to start thinking about Christmas but I was at the mall this weekend and they are already putting out Christmas stuff. So I started thinking: How do you decorate for christmas in AZ? Can you get a real "Christmas" tree or do you use the fake ones in the box? Do you hang up lights outside your house or do HOA's not allow that? How do you justify to small children why santa has a sleigh or wears all those clothes?

I know Arizona is not a foreign country, but with not really having a winter climate in the Phoenix area I thought maybe you just do things differently.

The only time I have been out of new england during christmas time was when I went to England. the climate is similar to NE so it never occured to me.

Christmas trees are available all over the town in store parking lots etc. (post above is ??) They are in good condition, but will dry out pretty fast if you forget to water them but not much faster than anywhere else. The trees are indoors in both places in about the same conditions. Trees come from the Pac NW mostly. Noble fir works the best - it keeps its needles pretty well even when bone dry and dead. Douglas fir is the cheapest but will make a mess as it drys.

People decorate the dickens out of their houses here. Subdivisions are just full of lights, blow up Santas, deer etc. The papers list the "best" displays. If you put such stuff on the "lawn" make sure you tie it down well as windy storms are common in late Dec. There are some regional customs like paper bags with candles (luminarias) too. Never heard of an HOA that banned Christmas lights, though they limit the time you can have them up. Our HOA has a contest for best decorations. Costco and Sams Club have the best lawn goodies and light packages, but it will all be gone very soon, so move fast. Paddock Pools used to have a lot of pre-decorated artificials and ornaments.


As for the kids, come Christmas it is colder than a witch's t-shirt at nite and you will be bundled up. The kids are not going to ask about such things anyway.

[nitram]

You have basically 3 choices in the desert area for Xmas trees:
You can get REAL Christmas trees that you can decorate then plant in the ground after the holidays. 15 gallon size Goldwater Pine is very popular in the desert area for a Christmas tree. Or you can get Real cut Christmas trees, most are imported from Oregon/Washington area, or you can get REAL artificial trees that look almost life like.
The cut trees need to be in water 24/7 to stay fresh. The best time to buy a fresh cut tree is when the loads come in appx 2 weeks before Xmas. Those early trees are cut between July and Oct, kept in refrigerated storage and will dry out quickly soon after they are delivered to the lots here.
When you get a cut tree, make sure you make a freshcut the stump again just before you put it in water, otherwise a cut trees sap will heal over the wound in a few days and keep water from being absorbed.

[omle]

I can understand why people from back east or up north find Christmas a bit "wierd" here.

I LOVE Christmas here. It is different.

My fav Christmas experience is NYC after Thanksgiving. In my mind that is just so wonderful. The weather, the "vibe", the beautiful window decorations, the smells....ahhhhh...it makes me wistful to think about it.

So... if I love that kind of experience, why do I love Christmas here? I guess because I love the spirit of the holiday and it can be experienced anywhere on earth. But there are some wonderful things about Christmas here in AZ. I LOVE the decorations up here in Cave Creek/Carefree. They do a tradition up here with candles in paper bags...It is beautiful and unique and I can honestly say that when I see these go up in the neighborhoods it gives me the same thrill as when I look in the Macy's window...

Also, going up north to pick up a tree is a great treat and really puts you in the spirt of Christmas.

And...if you have not had some home made tamales at Christmas....YOU MUST!

Finally, to start getting you in the mood: Check out Crown Imports on 7th St. north of Bethany Home road. I just got some cool Xmas lights there today. Plenty of fun ideas for "theme" decorations.