We always plan to leave December 28 provided the weather allows us to make the trip from Chicago to Florida without hitting any storms. We don't consider staying until after Christmas being stuck.
The other option, of course, is to leave early and come back for Christmas the fast way.
Dick_B
2003 SunnyBrook 27FKS
2011 3/4 T Chevrolet Suburban
Equal-i-zer Hitch
One wife, two electric bikes (both Currie Tech Path+ models)