That is not cheating at all, Hiyamakki, I would LOVE to have something blooming over New Years!
No signs of spring yet in CO—it's actually snowing, but I have a few from AL from last weekend. Top pic is Golden Experience. This one grabbed my eye because it's been in my CO garden for 3 springs and has never done more that put up a couple of leaves and has always only had 1 stem sprout from the ground and has never had any growth from an existing stem, was actually surprised to see a healthy looking root when I dug it up last fall. It seems to like AL better than CO. This is a Reath intro so I'd be surprised if it actually performed better in warmer weather but maybe! Also—if I ever refer to Great Expectations tree peony I'm actually meaning this one. I have referred to it a few times already by that name, especially if I check the tag without my readers....
The bottom pic is a double red species fernleaf. I was a bit hesitant to plant out fernies in AL as the climate, especially during winter, is so WET. Fernies don't like WET. But it seems to be doing well so far. This one didn't increase well in CO either, think the most I've had on it was 4 buds and most I've ever had to open was 3 blooms in a season. I was incredibly careful when digging this one up and managed to get it out in one piece and it looks like it's rewarding me by putting up at least 4 stems which pretty much matches its growth in its old spot.
