Regarding Florida, it can be argued that the Sunshine State has a long standing history. As someone who studies the past, I was interested in the customs surrounding early Christmas celebrations. Not surprisingly, Florida seems to have hosted the first known Christmas celebration in the United States.
The incident happened in 1530, a very long time ago. It was neither a traditional Christmas nor a particularly tranquil day for the people who celebrated. It was likely more difficult for those who weren’t. It took place following the arrival of 600 people, including 12 Catholic priests, soldiers, and slaves, led by Spanish adventurer Hernando de Soto. The group made their home in a deserted town in what is known as the Florida Panhandle. The settlement, known as Anhaica, was located close to what is now Tallahassee.
When the Spanish troops approached, the locals, known as the Apalachee, fled their hamlet because they were afraid of the intruders. Soto and his company settled in as soon as they arrived. The town’s stockpiles of corn, beans, and other foods were stolen by the Spaniards while they celebrated their Christmas feast. As one could expect, the Apalachee were agitated and hurled arrows and torches to speed the robbers’ escape.
Since it was brought to the nation, Christmas festivities and the spirit of the season have undoubtedly advanced significantly. Even though he may not have arrived on that first Christmas, Santa Claus has long made his way to Florida and the Keys. The Key West Citizen’s December 27, 1928, edition reported: The typical Key West Christmas. Not a major mishap or issue to spoil the season’s delights. represents the community effectively. There aren’t many cities this size that can honestly boast of such an impressive record.
Additionally, the following was printed in the same edition: Old Santa’s tributes to the Key West children were extravagant. He provided many young children the items they most wanted and put many of them on wheels. If you tell kids that Santa Claus doesn’t exist, don’t expect them to believe it.
Saint Nick’s presence is felt throughout the island chain, even though the subtropics don’t usually have festive temps or homes with fireplaces that allow Santa to spread his holiday cheer. Additionally, he is said to bring some of the peculiarities that are specific to the Keys.
In local areas, Santa is more likely to appear on a bright red fire engine than on a sleigh pulled by magical reindeer. He also periodically strolls down Duval Street, rides around on boats, and takes naps in hammocks.
Additionally, when a Santa Claus is seen swimming out at a local coral while scuba diving, it isn’t just anywhere that garners national notice.
A nighttime drive down the Overseas Highway, when Christmas lights start to twinkle with white, blue, green, and red, reveals lighted palm trees, dolphins, turtles, manatees, and so much more of our island goodness, while the rest of the country is decking out pine trees and adorning snowmen with Santa hats.
The lighting of Fred the Tree is a highlight of every Christmas season. Why is the tree named after Fred, and who is he? The most recent appearance of Fred, a small Florida Keys celebrity, was in the Jake Gyllenhaal adaptation of the Patrick Swayze classic Road House.
The tree’s ability to establish roots in the deteriorating remnants of the Pacet Channel Viaduct, a portion of an ancient Flagler railroad bridge (one of four that comprise the historic Seven Mile Bridge), is what makes Fred unique. Perhaps Fred’s greatest contribution to the world is to remind everyone that anything is possible. Elves have been climbing the old bridge and decorating Fred with some much-needed holiday cheer every year for years. It is Fred’s message that must be heard clearly when the magic of the holidays arrives.
Taking part in the annual Lignumvitae Christmas is one of the Christmas customs I’ve been celebrating for a number of years. In addition to bringing attention to one of the island chain’s sometimes disregarded state parks, the annual event, which is organized by the Friends of the Islamorada Area State Parks, honors the island’s amazing past.
The Matheson House, the island’s historic residence, was constructed in 1919 out of coral rock and is adorned for the holiday in the manner of the 1930s. Through the comparatively pristine hammock of the island, park officers give guided treks along pathways. Croquet and other lawn games are set up in the grass. The Mangrove Swamp Band is a local band that performs Christmas songs and other well-known songs.
For my part, I’ll be telling tales of the island’s early inhabitants, its relationship to Indian Key, and the reason why the tombstone of Indian Key wrecker king Jacob Housman is located on Lignumvitae Key rather than the gravesite of the infamous wrecker in 1841. Additionally, I will spend the entire day sitting at my booth and discussing history with everyone who comes by to talk. What a great chance to receive a signed copy of one of my books if you still need to pick one up. They also make excellent presents.
Every year, Lignumvitae Christmas is a fantastic chance to assist a worthy charity while enjoying some classic Florida Keys fun. This event, which includes a boat ride from Robbie’s of Islamorada to and from the island, has limited tickets. Take immediate action! It’s Lignumvitae Christmas on Saturday, December 7. For additional details, give 305-664-2540 a call.
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