In a state with four deserts and one alpine tundra, it’s probably safe to say that we live in a pretty weird state. That also extends to our holidays! Here’s a look at some Arizona holiday traditions that might seem a little strange to non-Arizonans.
- We sometimes spend Thanksgiving outdoors.
Raquel Baranow/Flickr The high in Phoenix is supposed to be a lovely 88-degrees.
- We proudly build tumbleweed “snow” men.
Tyler Karaszewski/Flickr Good effort.
- And even massive tumbleweed Christmas trees.
Peter Bronski/Wikimedia Commons You can find this one at Tumbleweed Park in Chandler.
- Sometimes we truck snow into our favorite desert parks and buildings.
Richard Brunton/Flickr Where do you like to find fake snow to play in with the kids?
- The mysteriously decorated tree sitting along Interstate 17 near Sunset Point.
Arizona Department of Transportation/Flickr This has been a 30-year tradition and time will only tell if we ever find the mystery decorator.
- We deck our cacti with…Santa hats!
Megan McCormick/Flickr It also helps keep the growing tip of the cactus just warm enough to prevent frost damage.
- We also go a little crazy with the Christmas lights.
Right Brain Photography/Flickr Perhaps since so many parts of the state never see snow, the next best thing is to layer on the Christmas lights.
- Tamales are the perfect menu item for Christmas dinner.
Jazz Guy/Flickr If you don’t make them at home, you better start making plans to order them soon.
How many of these can you relate to? Be sure to let us know if there any other Arizona holiday traditions that are just a little bit wacky!
Raquel Baranow/Flickr
The high in Phoenix is supposed to be a lovely 88-degrees.
Tyler Karaszewski/Flickr
Good effort.
Peter Bronski/Wikimedia Commons
You can find this one at Tumbleweed Park in Chandler.
Richard Brunton/Flickr
Where do you like to find fake snow to play in with the kids?
Arizona Department of Transportation/Flickr
This has been a 30-year tradition and time will only tell if we ever find the mystery decorator.
Megan McCormick/Flickr
It also helps keep the growing tip of the cactus just warm enough to prevent frost damage.
Right Brain Photography/Flickr
Perhaps since so many parts of the state never see snow, the next best thing is to layer on the Christmas lights.
Jazz Guy/Flickr
If you don’t make them at home, you better start making plans to order them soon.
Want to read about more weird traditions in Arizona? Read 11 Ways Arizona Is America’s Black Sheep…And We Love It That Way.
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