Winters in Florida: Finding Home Far from Home
From 2017 to 2019, we became "reverse snowbirds," fleeing the icy wrath of northeastern winters for the sunny shores of Florida. What started as a desperate attempt to escape shoveling snow turned into a crash course in figuring out what "home" really means. Spoiler alert: it’s not a zip code, and it’s definitely not a well-organized pantry.
At first, I had all kinds of mom worries. Would my kids feel uprooted? Would they miss their routines? Would I have to endure toddler meltdowns because someone missed their favorite swing set? Turns out, kids are pros at this whole "new place, same fun" thing. Within minutes of hitting the local playground, they were running around like they’d lived there forever, making friends, trading snacks, and probably planning secret sandcastle empires. Meanwhile, I was over there googling "where to buy decent coffee in Florida" like my life depended on it.
For me, those winters were a wake-up call. I’d done all the things society tells you to do—get married, have kids, buy a house, organize your Tupperware—but it still felt like something was missing. Florida’s slower pace gave me the space to realize that "home" isn’t about granite countertops or Pinterest-worthy family rooms. It’s about who you’re with and the moments you create together… even if those moments sometimes involve sunscreen in your eyes and sand in places sand should never be.
One moment I’ll never forget: evening strolls on the beach. My kids would chase seagulls (poor, traumatized seagulls) while I tried to pretend I wasn’t tearing up at the ridiculously gorgeous sunsets. There was no rushing, no agenda—just us, soaking it all in. For a hot second, I thought, "Is this what inner peace feels like?" And then my son ate sand, and the moment was over.
Of course, it wasn’t all sunshine and Instagrammable moments. Grocery shopping in a new place felt like an Olympic sport. Do you know how many types of sunscreen there are in Florida? I do, because I stood in that aisle for an hour trying to decide which one wouldn’t turn my kids into lobster impersonators. And don’t even get me started on figuring out why every grocery store is laid out differently. Who puts bread in the middle of the store? Florida, apparently.
But for every minor inconvenience, there were ten magical moments. My kids became little beach bums, I learned to slow down (kind of), and we found a way to make every rental house feel like home—even the one with the weird floral couch that looked like it belonged in a 1980s soap opera.
Lessons Learned:
Home Is Where Your People Are: It’s not about the house—it’s about the people in it (and maybe having decent Wi-Fi).
Kids Are Adaptable Ninjas: They’ll make friends and find fun anywhere—even in a grocery store checkout line.
Slow Down (No, Really): Turns out, the world doesn’t end if you’re not rushing from one activity to the next.
Go With the Flow: Temporary moves are chaotic, but they’re also full of surprises… mostly good ones.
Practical Tips for Spending Winters Away with Kids:
Pack the Comforts: Bring the favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or whatever keeps the kids from staging a bedtime revolt.
Scout Local Fun: Libraries, playgrounds, and community centers are your best friends (and usually free).
Soak Up the Outdoors: Beaches, parks, and random walks—Florida’s weather practically demands it.
Adjust Expectations: Not every day will be perfect. Some days, the "highlight" will be finding a Publix that sells your favorite cookies.
Embrace the Chaos: Lean into the unexpected and laugh when things go sideways. It’s all part of the adventure.
Those winters in Florida weren’t just an escape from cold weather—they were a reset button for our family. They taught me to chill out (literally and figuratively), appreciate the little things, and realize that home isn’t about where you are… it’s about who you’re with (and maybe having snacks handy).
