Have I ever mentioned that I had the best childhood ever? I was born on January 25, 1985 in Baptist Hospital in Miami, Florida. As Christmastime is upon us and the tree is up in NYC, I can't help thinking back to those Miami days. As a little girl, I always thought I was missing out on something. I never saw the seasons change and it was never white come December 25. I had ONE pair of boots that were on my feet if the temperature dropped below 70.
(By the way, the picture above is SO Miami. I'm tan. I wanted to play dress up but it was so hot that I just threw some gauzy thing over a pair of underwear. Classy! We lived in the most beautiful and charming house in Coral Gables, just moments away from where my parents met at the University of Miami. I dream of buying it back some day.)
Now having experienced more than one NYC Xmas, I am so thankful for growing up where I did. Sure there was no snow and we were sweatin' in November, but it was a unique way to see the world and I'm so grateful for all of those nights, driving around in my parents' Volvo with the AC blasting, looking at all of the Christmas lights in South Miami. I now prefer a Miami Christmas, and my holiday cards this year actually reflect that! (I'll post towards the end of the month.)
This Christmas, I am going back to Miami for the first time in THREE YEARS. Oh I have missed it so. Sometimes I just sit and weep for my adolescence. The world was such a different place, and not to mention, so was Miami. People spoke English. And it was cool. Not just a bizarre breeding ground in which B-list celebrities film reality shows.
As much as I love the Saks holiday lights and the Rock Center tree, I honestly cannot think of a better place to spend the last few days of 2009 than the city that birthed me.
I may not live there now, and I may never live there again, but just like there is a Texas-shaped hole in my heart, I will ALWAYS carry around a piece of Miami with me. I will always roll my eyes when people from more Northern counties root for the Heat and act like it's theirs.
It's my Miami and it always will be.
"B-List" is generous, the Kardashians are definitely a C- on a good day...
ReplyDeleteI grew up in Sarasota so I can certainly appreciate fond thoughts of growing up in Florida. Now that I'm here in St. Louis I certainly miss some parts.
ReplyDeleteWhat us Broward ladies can't root for the Heat?! I kid :)
ReplyDeleteJanuary 25th? You have the same birthday as my baby sister!
ReplyDeleteI am CT girl - born and bred - living in ATL and I can't wait to get home for a real New England Christmas! For the past 4 years I have had Southern Thanksgivings and they always wear me out... someday I will get my Yankee Turkey Day again though!
ReplyDeleteI'm jealous!!! I would love to visit some place warm for the holidays. We tried to convince my Dad to take us all to Florida for Christmas this year but he didn't fall for it. LOL!!! I know you'll have a wonderful time!!! XOXO
ReplyDeletehttp://susannadaniel.com/
ReplyDeleteCheck her out! The book's not out until next Summer, but look out for it!
There is nothing quite like Christmas in Florida! I love it so much! Maybe you'll move back some day :)
ReplyDeleteps not to make you too jeal, but hubby and I are planning on watching the Christmas boat parade this weekend!
So will you be going for Florida or Texas in the National Championship?! As a Texas fan (who grew up in West Palm Beach) I gotta go with my heart... which is more TX than FL.
ReplyDeleteYay for Miami natives! I was born at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Hope you have a fantastic trip and if you're by the Aventura Mall at all come swing by Lilly and say hi! :)
ReplyDeleteAlso, to touch on the "cool" thing, I've been thinking about that, too. Miami has become so utterly superficial, it's disgusting. Art Basel's going on this week and I was thinking how it's one of the events that still makes Miami unique.
ReplyDelete:) love the post! Never been to Miami but going for two days for a conference on Feb 20th (then off to Dominica to stay in a shoddy hotel for the remainder of the conference!)...
ReplyDeleteI am from Miami too! Where did you go to school?
ReplyDeleteI lived over by the Falls mall and E lake, what is now called Palmetto Bay.