For those who live in or are celebrating the holidays in warm weather, here are some simple tips and ideas to up your holiday spirit and make it feel more like Christmas.
When people think of Christmas, they think of snow, ice, and everything cozy and warm. But don’t for get about us – the ones who celebrate Christmas in warm climates!
Growing up in Hawaii, I am no stranger to trying to ring in the holidays when it’s 80 degrees outside. And by no means am I complaining! But it can be a bit more challenging to feel the Christmas spirit when you’re wearing shorts and tank tops during “winter”.
Soooo… if you’re in this boat, I’ve compiled some some tips for making your space and this season feel as Christmas-y as possible! Explore how to romanticize the holiday season even when the temp doesn’t drop.
11 WAYS TO MAKE IT FEEL MORE LIKE CHRISTMAS IN WARM CLIMATES
- Go all out with decorations
- Festive bedding (+ kitchen/bath goods)
- Christmas/holiday scents
- Wear winter inspired clothing
- Put a fireplace on your TV
- Listen to Christmas tunes
- Do some holiday baking
- Have festive gatherings
- Do an advent calendar
- Have a NYC Christmas inspired day
- Blast the AC and bundle up
1. GO ALL OUT WITH DECORATIONS
Decorations are quite possibly the most important contributor to enhancing the Christmas vibes. If your space looks Christmas, you’ll feel more Christmas. Even if it’s 80 degrees outside, you have the power to put up all the garlands, lights, ribbons, ornaments, and tinsel you please! From your living room to your exterior, decorate as much as you can. Reuse trusty materials each year, or come up with a different theme and find new goodies from places like Target or World Market.
2. FESTIVE BEDDING (+ KITCHEN/BATH GOODS)
Bedding may be the most underrated holiday decoration. Find the coziest Christmas sheets, pillow cases, quilts, and duvets. Your bedroom is supposed to be your safe space, and it’s the place you start and end your day in. Thus, you’ll wake up in a Christmas mood and end your day in a Christmas mood – what could be better? From bold patterns to muted colors, feel free to go as crazy or as subtle as you please. Also, don’t forget about other household goods to make your place feel more festive. From towels, bath mats, and washcloths to dishware, tablecloths, and floor runners, these little touches can truly make a difference.
Plaid Duvet Cover Set
Holiday Flannel Sheet Set
Stripe Printed Ultra-Soft Microfiber Sheet Set
100% Cotton Embroidered Bathroom Christmas 3 Piece Towel Set
3. CHRISTMAS/HOLIDAY SCENTS
To really make it feel like Christmas, you have to address all five senses – one of the being smell. There are tons of scents associated with the holidays, so with a candle or diffuser, you’re good to go! You can also find body products such as lotions, body wash, hand soap, and sprays to bring the festive vibes to life. Distinct smells like peppermint, sugar cookies, pine, cinnamon, and ginger will really make it feel that much more like Christmas.
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Holiday Hand Soap
Fresh Balsam 3-Wick Candle
Philosophy 2-Pc. Snow Angel Cleanse & Moisturize Holiday Gift Set
4. WEAR WINTER INSPIRED CLOTHING
I know, dressing in shorts and a tank top can really conflict with the Christmas vibes… so try wearing some winter inspired clothing. Here are some ideas:
- Instead of a puffer vest, wear a light weight vest or tank top vest. Depending on the weather, you can wear a thin layer underneath.
The Fineloft Shrunken Sweater Vest
Cashmere V-neck sweater-vest
Fleece Full-Zip Vest for Women
- Wear holiday prints and colors, but in weather-appropriate clothing. For instance, find plaid skirts or clothing with plaid details. Accessories are also a great way to go – you can find festive headbands, clips, socks, and jewelry, and these can be worn regardless of the weather! And of course, you can always wear holiday colors like red and green.
AE Pleated It Knit Skort
Padded Headband
Kristin Ess Celestial Bobby Pins
- Think about textures! Clothing items that look fuzzy or cozy, such as waffle knit, fuzz, or ribbed cotton can make you feel a bit more winter-y.
- Ugly sweaters are a popular piece of clothing during Christmas, but it’s just too hot in some places to wear them! Instead of sweaters, consider DIY-ing ugly tank tops or tees. Not only will these be more weather-appropriate, but it’s unique twist to celebrate the holidays.
- Slippers are another staple during Christmas; fuzzy slip-ons and UGGS are everywhere during this time of year – they truly scream winter. But for those in warm climates, skip the fur and sherpa, and look for something that’s a bit more breathable, but still gives off those cozy vibes.
Dearfoams Women’s Lacey Machine Washable Memory Foam Clog Slipper
Memory Foam Corduroy Bow Crossbands Slide
- I have been underestimating the power of scarves – they are such a fun accessory that can truly elevate an outfit! But of course, not everyone can afford to wear those heavy, thick ones. So, if weather permits, find a light weight scarf to add some snazz to your outfit.
Soft Cashmere Art Print Scarf
Embroidered Floral Scarves
- Since you can’t completely bundle up, follow the long-short rule: wear long pants and a tank top/short sleeve top, or wear a short skirt/shorts with a long sleeve top. The more skin covered, the more winter-y vibes you’ll feel, so follow this tip to feel a bit more cozy.
- Ear muffs and beanies are so cute! But unfortunately they just won’t do in warm weather. Instead, find a fuzzy headband or waffle knit headband to give the same effect.
Weekend Upstate Headband
Super Wide Soft Headband
- Wear things with bows! They’re everywhere nowadays. From tank tops to hair accessories, bows will help you feel a bit more in the Christmas spirit.
Silky Satin Hair Bows
Maeve Bow-Tie Tank
5. PUT A FIREPLACE ON YOUR TV (OR OTHER COZY SCENES)
If you live in a warm climate, you may not have a fireplace – or if you do, you probably don’t use it very often. Living in Hawaii, I happen to be one of these people. Depending on what kind of TV you have, find a channel with a fireplace burning. You can also find this on YouTube or streaming services. If you want to change things up a bit, find other cozy, Christmas-y scenes, such as winter in NYC or a Christmas village.
6. LISTEN TO ALL THE CHRISTMAS TUNES
Who else starts listening to Christmas music in October? Admittedly, but not regretfully, this is me. Once it hits October, the Christmas anticipation is already building. I can’t help but smile when Michael Bublé and Mariah Carey belt out the merriest tunes! Not to mention, there’s always new Christmas music released every year by various artists, so it’s fun to add to my ever-growing playlist. Whether you’re working out, driving to work, baking, or doing chores, Christmas music in the background will help get you in the holiday spirit.
7. DO SOME HOLIDAY BAKING
This is one of the top activities that gets me in the Christmas spirit. I love baking, and Christmas baking takes it to another level! The warm spices, sweet flavors, and cute decorations are simply the best. From cookies and bars to cakes and pies, there are a million and one recipes to try during the holiday season. So, whether you’re a gingerbread girl or more of a peppermint person, there is something for everyone. Blast some music, get baking, and because it’s the season of giving, share those treats with friends and family! Check out delish’s amazing list of adorable sweet treats: 70 Super-Cute Treats That Will Be The Highlight Of Your Christmas Party.
Christmas Cookie Cutter Set
Christmas Cupcake Liners
8. HAVE FESTIVE GATHERINGS
What’s better than holiday parties? Arguably, nothing. These gatherings often involve at least three of the items on this list; music, fun outfits, delicious holiday food, beautiful decorations, and cozy holiday scents generally make an appearance. Not to mention, you get to enjoy all if it with friends and family! Whether you plan an elaborate party or have a casual get-together, these gatherings will get everyone in the Christmas spirit. Check out this post for great holiday gathering ideas: 10 Amazing Christmas Party Ideas for the Merriest Holiday Celebrations.
9. DO AN ADVENT CALENDAR
An advent calendar is the perfect way to build up anticipation and excitement for Christmas! You can find ones related to beauty, food, legos, and even ones for your pet. If you have a specific reminder of the holiday season every day, such as opening your advent calendar, it’ll feel a bit more like Christmas.
Ferrero Rocher Collection Advent Calendar
LEGO City Advent Calendar
The Body Shop 24-Piece Holiday Beauty Advent Calendar
10. HAVE A NYC CHRISTMAS INSPIRED DAY
Nothing screams Christmas more than New York City. If you’re like me, you dream about and romanticize a NYC Christmas – it’s truly the epitome of the holidays. When I think of a NYC Christmas, I think of ice skating, going to cozy, delicious Christmas markets, watching the Rockefeller Center tree lighting, seeing the Rockettes, walking around the city with a festive drink, going to a fun holiday bar, and gazing at the magical window displays and city lights. If you can’t make it to New York, take this inspiration and have a NYC Christmas inspired day. Go to a local ice rink, order a holiday beverage from a cozy cafe, shop and eat around at a holiday market, attend a holiday show, find a spot in your town that is full of lights and Christmas decorations, and go to a restaurant or bar that goes all out for Christmas. Although it may not be quite the same as the real deal, it’ll certainly get you in the holiday spirit.
11. BLAST THE AC AND BUNDLE UP
If you’re able to, blast the AC and bundle up in your coziest sweaters, sweatsuits, socks, and blankets. This may be your solution to craving the cold during the holiday season. While it may not be sustainable to do this all day everyday, treat yourself to a “winter-y” night, bundle up, and do your favorite at-home Christmas activities, like watching movies or sipping on hot cocoa.
EMBRACE YOUR WARM CHRISTMAS!
Use these tips to make it feel like Christmas no matter where you live! Sometimes you need to put a little extra effort in to romanticize the holiday season when it’s warm outside. But trust me, if you love Christmas, it’s totally worth it! These little things will make a big difference.
