From a Pagan point-of-view, the seasons still change, regardless of local climate, so to me, it's a way to honor/recognize the season.

Even though we don't have the fall colors that we have back east, you'll still see me decorate with bundles of fall leaves during Autumn, "snow" and pine during Winter, flowers and eggs during Spring, and usually citrus and other things that represent the sun during Summer.

I grew up in Vegas, and there really are no "seasons" there, let alone flowers.

And, if I lived in the Southern Hemisphere, my decorating would be opposite, of course. I'd seriously have a pine tree up for June 22nd.

Snow is an icon for Christmas and winter not necessarily the reality. It has nothing to do with how many of us actually have snow. Probably 3/4 of the globe doesn't have snow on Christmas. But, Christmas does evoke pictures of snowy climes - even though most of us have never experienced Christmas in that way.

Love you guys, understand the whole connotations of Xmas thing, as well as pagan rites....but for a Jew with not only roots in the shtetls of Eastern Europe but the deserts of Israel, where I was born, I've always felt more of a pull towards desert climate seasonal celebrations. There's no snow in Hanukkah, and I'm glad I live here, where the location reflects the roots.

Sukkot is an even better example, a harvest holiday happening next week, involving building huts out of palm branches and eating outside. In some very Jewish places such as NY and Chicago, never mind the shtetl, actually celebrating Sukkot in its full form runs from very trying to absolutely impossible. Out here, it's the most natural thing on earth.

Yeah, I have an odd perspective on this stuff. :)

...and no Chinese food in Christmas.

But it comes, all the same. Happy interfaith holiday season, y'all! Even those of you without a Faith get to play along!

Oh, and I AM looking forward to Sparkle Princess Castle!

Do you mind autumnal decor for Halloween and Thanksgiving, which also don't reflect most climates on earth (nor ours here in SoCal), or is it simply the Dradle Song played during Believe and icicles on Sleeping Beauty Castle that have your inner jewess all upset?

I can't wait for them to take down the gold Barbie railing from the castle. It upsets my inner straight dude.
:D

I was once a straight dude's inner gay dude, but he was drunk.

I like all things shiny.

We have trees that turn leaves here in socal, and there is no mistaking that late October breezy chill we get every year. It's nowhere near as dramatic as elsewhere, but it's good enough for me to absolutely adore fall decor. When we were discussing wedding plans my first idea was to marry in October and do fall colors. It's still my favorite time of year, which is why we plan to be in the thick of falling leaves in Chicago and NY in 2 weeks! :)

I believe it is just plastic snow that bugs me. As for the Dreidel song, that's a whole 'nother thread.... ;)