I live in west-central Texas and our weather in December is not especially predictable. We've had some Christmases when we're comfy in shorts and bare feet and have the A/C going, and other Christmases when we're bundled up and have the heater blasting. I love the unpredictability!! (Well, weather forecasts mean Christmas Day weather isn't TOTALLY unpredictable, but this far away from Christmas it's still a surprise!).

We've experienced a wee bit of snow from time to time at the holidays, but I'll admit I'd rather it be warm enough to be comfy without a jacket or shoes =).

Well I have experienced several white Christmases ( outside temperature somewhere between -5 to -10).

The pine trees are the native forest, so seeing them inside when the outside is so grey feels so good. It marks the shortest day, which in Eastern Europe is so short, that you know that soon things will get better, and so there is a real joy to the occasion. The rich heavy food is perfect for the weather outside. When you celebrate the traditional Xmas in its original context it makes sense.

A NZ chrismas is a wonderful thing too, when appropriate adjustments are made. It means many things for many people, and when people "make it their own" by accomodating the summer mood, it can work really well too.

When it's about nice food and family, you can't go wrong, but all the mid winter aspects of it are strange when applied to this cultural context.