Christmas Eve Bitter--Sweet
 

Leaving Michigan is not going to be easy as we had anticipated. Tom & I thought we could move thousands of miles away like it was nothing. The kids have always encouraged us to live our dream. Now, that we have bought a house in TV so many emotions came out tonight. Reality has set in and its not that simple to leave. Many a tears were shed during our last Christmas making memories in our home. We were laughing and doing fine until the kids started crying. It was a rough night for our family.

Merry Christmas to you all. Enjoy your day with family and friends!

Ahhhh but paradise awaits and
 

all the kids have a new home to visit with lots of perks...You will love it here!

It was tough for us, but it just means you have to plan and make the effort. My wife also retired last year so this has been a really big change. We have made so many friends, and just love the lifestyle. It's like camp for adults.

My heart goes out to you.

Merry Christmas

We left Michigan and could not be more HAPPY. Have the kids visit. It's your time now!

I understand. We were 67 when we started being snowbirds.
 

Here is what I said to them.


We have worked so hard to have some time to live in a climate that is comfortable to be outdoors all year. And we are getting older. If we don't do it now, when will we do it?

It's difficult but can be done. We have a Christmas Eve tradition that we always go to a Japanese Steak house with our kids and any other family or friends that are visiting. This Christmas Eve it was just my husband and myself and I did not want to continue the tradition, but he insisted. We sat at the hibachi table alone for a few minutes when the most delightful family sat with us and shared their celebration with us. It was magical just as Christmas Eve is meant to be. Love to all this Christmas Day.

Attitude is everything! A positive attitude will result in a positive experience! You're gonna love it and they will love visiting. :a040:

I can so understand what you are feeling. I posted almost the same exact thing yesterday. I retired Monday and will be celebrating with my kids and grand kids in a bit then head down to Florida later today. For the last few months I was just thrilled and so excited, now that the time is here.....just not as easy as I was thinking it would be.

As I was told 'the best is yet to come.' If 100,000 have done it and are enjoying the lifestyle to the fullest I have no doubt I too will feel like I found my perfect place. Change is just hard.

Merry Christmas.

Hard not to feel guilty
 

I totally understand how your feeling. We left all family to move here. Christmas would be very difficult without my daughter and grand baby. They are here with us this year however if there is a year we cannot be with them we would probably surround ourselves with our good friends. Skype with your family, it does make it easier during the holidays. Also, try to find a way either for them to visit you or you visit them during the holidays. Merry Christmas!

if it helps, just tell yourself if you don't like it you can move back. real estate is only going up here so you won't lose. but once you're here, I'm pretty confident you'll be glad you did it. As I was out and about yesterday morning, I was amazed at all the people out walking, jogging, or bicycling. It is a healthy place to be.

Christmas is not the same in Florida as it is in New England I just cant be bothered comparing ----------New England 10 -----Florida 2

I think everything that happens for the first time, is the toughest time, when being separated from loved one's. It will be the second year without my aunt and uncle at Christmas time, as it has been ingrained in me. They are associated with Christmas Eve and Christmas day in my memories.

It will get better, going forward. ;smiley:

Your family may visit you, for your next Christmas, and enjoy the warm temperatures. The kids may enjoy a day trip to Disney World or Universal.

There is your Christmas gift from God.

Remember when Mom let go of your little hand for the first day of kindergarten...well neither do I...but it was all going forward after that.

Merry Christmas...welcome.

The best is yet to come!

Your simple little story touched me. Have a Merry Christmas.