About the cheapest you are going to find in Texas is Corpus Christi, but it's probably fairly chilly there. If you have the money to go to Florida, I know people who have been swimming on Christmas Day there before. Without passports, I don't know many other places to recommend that are cheap. Mexico is one of the best bargains out there. One other thought, you might enjoy the Biloxi/Gulfport, Mississippi area. There's beautiful homes, gambling boats, bed and breakfasts. You could drive there in a day or so. If you can't do warm, consider taking a vacation at home. Book a cheap hotel in your city, turn off your cell phones, don't read email, and go see the sights in town you've never seen. We've done that before and it's a blast! Go see Holiday in the Park at 6 Flags, the CR Smith Museum at American Airlines (free), drink hot chocolate from STarbucks downtown Fort Worth while taking pics of the giant Christmas tree in Sundance Square. Go camping at Joe Pool Lake and snuggle under a heated blanket (there's electricity to each campsite). Get creative and you will find something wonderful. My hubby and I went to Jefferson, Texas one time. We spent the weekend at a B&B, then shopping in antique stores, and eating at little mom and pop places. It was nice and relaxing. We've done the same thing in Stephenville, Hillsboro, Glen Rose and Granbury. Good luck! Joyfully, B. P.