Since I arrived in Florida on Wednesday and do no have to fly back until Friday, I had the opportunity to spend an entire day in The Sunshine State. In doing so – I got a very good lesson as to how warm the weather can get – and how warm the people can be.

Considering the fact that it’s ten days until Christmas, I would usually dress in layers of clothing to prevent Jack Frost from nipping at my nose and any other place he chose this time of year – but today – I was in a t-shirt and shorts and I was sweating as if it was the middle of July.

What’s funny is that all of my friends and family back home are in layers of clothes turning on their heat – while I am in shorts and a t-shirt praying for colder air conditioning. If only I could spend every winter like this.

I know that people who live in the South are used to this type of weather, but for a New Yorker like myself – I am not used to being able to spend Christmas at the beach – so being able to trade in my snowshoes for my shorts, even for a brief moment, was a nice early Christmas present.

But despite the warmth of the weather – nothing compares to the warmth of the people. In New York, it can be a rarity that you will be greeted with a smile and a “hello” from a complete stranger, but all throughout my journey down South, I was always greeted by those who I encountered with courtesy – a far cry from the way you are treated on a New York Subway – especially during rush hour.

Of course, as with any vacation, it has come to an end and it’s time to go home. My trip to Florida was a much needed one – and an enjoyable one to say the least. I know that when I get off of the plane at JFK Airport tomorrow, the unforgiving cold and the chill of reality will creep under my skin once again – but the memories I have of the high temperatures and the kind people I met will keep me warm.