Last year, I kept seeing social media posts about Christmas in July. It’s something I’d definitely heard of, but never thought much about. I certainly have never “celebrated” it, but I was seeing old friends post that they were watching Christmas movies and baking festive cookies… how fun!
I told myself then that this year, I’d do something to celebrate Christmas in July. Last Christmas, I felt my holiday season was a little short since I took a trip at the beginning of December. I didn’t put up my tree until after my trip (kitty Blanche cannot be trusted alone with a Christmas tree), so perhaps a little mid-year celebration would do me good.
I could be totally wrong, but I think Christmas in July is more about getting shopping and planning done so that when the season actually rolls around, you have a chance to actually enjoy it. But I know people throw parties and all kinds of things. So, how will I celebrate? I’ve come up with a few ways…
Host a Sale on Christmas Ornaments in my Etsy Shop
One of the most popular items in my shop (which admittedly has been neglected over the last few months) are my gold leaf Christmas ornaments! I have a stock of ornaments leftover from December (the gold leaf part is made-to-order) in various colors.
I hardly ever put them on sale, but I want to give people a chance to get them early, so I’ve put all of the ornaments on sale — 15% off — and there’s always free shipping. The deal is for the entire month of July, for anyone celebrating!
Watch Countdown to Christmas Movies on the Hallmark Channel
For as much as I LOVE watching the Hallmark Christmas movies, I never noticed that they show them for two weeks in July! This year, the holiday movies will begin Friday, July 12.
Rumor has it, that because this is the 10th Anniversary of Countdown to Christmas, we are getting DOUBLE the movies in December, but also two new holiday flicks are premiering in July! You can see more about the movies and the schedule on the Hallmark Channel website.
Make Frozen Hot Chocolate
I’ve never had frozen hot chocolate, but that ends this month! I came across several simple recipes for it and have concluded that you can whip up the stuff simply using your favorite hot chocolate mix, a milk of your choice (I’m going to make mine vegan and use almond milk), ice and non-dairy whipped topping.
Blend the cocoa mix, milk and ice together, pour in a cup or a festive mug, top with whipped cream and possibly a candy cane! Sounds perfect, right? if you don’t feel like dragging out the blender, I hear Dunkin has a “Frozen Chocolate” that sounds very delicious.
Do Some Baking
I don’t think I’ll go as far as Santa cookies, but I’ll take any excuse to make (and eat) some sweet treats. I’m currently eyeing apple pie bars and/or some really delicious chocolate chip cookies. I mean, I’m going to need something to eat with my frozen hot chocolate while I’m watching my Hallmark Christmas movies and making ornaments, right?
Do you celebrate Christmas in July? If so, what sorts of things do you do? I’d love to hear your traditions! Merry Christmas in July!
If you’d like to see more writing from me, I curate and edit an email newsletter focused on local news and entertainment in Austin, Texas, called Inside Austin. It comes out every Tuesday and Thursday, but once I hit 3,000 subscribers, it gets a third day of publishing. Sign up to get Tuesday’s newsletter and/or read past issues!
The Bitter Lemon 