On a Tropical Christmas in New York, Traditions Melt Away

As she stood before the ice skating rink at the center of Bryant Park in Manhattan, dressed as Mrs. Claus in a red velveteen outfit trimmed with white faux fur, Alejandra Silva was the picture of Christmas — in Miami. The dress was thigh-length, sleeveless and skin tight. And still, on the night before Christmas, she was overheating. “I’m sweating!” Ms. Silva said, while her 5-year-old son played at her feet. “Last year we made a snowman on our terrace,” she added, fanning herself. “This year my son wants an ice cream!”