Countdown to Christmas: 16 Weeks

Countdown to Christmas: 17 Weeks

Countdown to Christmas: 18 Weeks

Christmas Time's a'Comin'!

I was inspired the other day so I laid out my December blog posts. Now to actually start writing them.

I'm assuming Hobby Lobby must have received most of their Christmas merchandise as I got an email from them that all Christmas is now 40% off. Need to get over there... more for inspiration than to purchase. I have so much Christmas stuff that this year I really want to focus on re-purposing what I have.

I've made a start on my gift purchases. I'm eager to finish one grandchild so I can start to make his/her snowman. I went to the Teacher's store and bought rolls of while craft paper. They come in three different lengths so I'm hoping there won't be a lot of waste when I start wrapping the boxes. It did occur to me the other day to wonder where I will store the assembled snowmen until time to put the tree up. But I decided to worry about that another day.

I'm very optimistic about my stocking stitching this year. I have two stockings to go and I think there's every chance that I will finish both of them in time for Christmas. Hallelujah!

In the meantime, I have a summer cold accompanied as usual by  Laryngitis and the forecast is calling for temps around 115 degrees the middle of this week...

Countdown to Christmas: 19 Weeks

Countdown to Christmas: 20 Weeks

Christmas in July: Day 31

Well, here we are at the end of Christmas in July. It has been such fun to read your posts. I always come away inspired and this year is no exception. 

As the countdown states, only 21 weeks until Christmas. I don't know about you but I'm ready to get into gear to have a stress-free holiday season!

21 Weeks!

Christmas in July: Day 30

I've begun a new "tradition" the past few years. As Christmas in July comes to a close, I prepare meals from our pantry and freezer to clear them out.

If you're like me, you stock up on staples that go on sale throughout the year. Next thing I know I have way too many cans of soup, green beans, and pounds of frozen ground beef.

Now is the time to eat your way through those items to make room for the supplies you'll need for holiday meals and baking.

The added benefit is that when your pantry and freezer are practically empty they're easy to clean!

By the time September rolls around I'll be ready to start stocking supplies for Fall and Winter holidays as well as family events.

For me, it's a good way to transition from the first part of the year to the last.

Inspiration to organize my pantry

Christmas in July: Day 29

Some assembly required.

These words strike terror not only in the heart of parents working feverishly on Christmas Eve to get toys ready for Christmas morning. They also strike terror in the heart of stitchers.

Here are two stockings that I've finished stitching for this year which still need to be assembled. I'll post the absolutely finished project hopefully in September...

Christmas in July: Day 28

Another of my favorites:

Christmas in July: Day 27

This is the time of year that I really start to get excited for the holidays. The kids are (almost) back in school, the grandkid birthday season has come to an end for this year, the weather is getting cooler (well, not really, that won't happen until October for us!). My thoughts turn more and more to Christmas.

I've felt restless and unorganized the past few years when it comes to the holidays. I finally decided last year that it was caused by me planning the holidays for a family of 10, when we've grown to a family of 16. 

This year I'm reorganizing in some areas, getting rid of some traditions that no longer work for us, and planning a fresh look by changing up my decor.

I spend a few minutes each day dreaming of what I want it to look like this year. Then I jot down some notes to be revisited in November.

One thing I'm very aware of is that I don't need to buy any Christmas decor. I have tons and I'm eager to see how I can re-purpose some of it. I believe that everything old can seem new again!

As Christmas in July draws to a close where are you in your Christmas planning? Have you made decisions this month that you'll implement in December? 

Christmas in July: Day 26

I'm really in the mood to change up my Christmas decor. I generally have the same look for several years and then go with a "fresh" look when the mood strikes me.

Here are some decor ideas that inspire me:

I love anything vintage!

This is such an elegant yet simple look.

I HAVE to do this!

Christmas in July: Day 25

Can you believe it? Christmas is five months from today! Time to get serious about planning for my stress-free Christmas.

This week I'm sorting the stocking stuffers I've purchased into the bags I keep for each person on my list. I'm also wrapping the presents I've already purchased. I updated "wish lists" for the Grands and will start in on the adults in August.

I find myself imagining the placement of Christmas trees and other decor as I do my "Post-Grammy Summer Camp" cleaning.

And, of course, I'm stitching feverishly to finish this year's Christmas stockings as I watch listen to Hallmark Christmas movies!

Yes, the anticipation is starting to build in my home...

Christmas in July: Day 24

22 Weeks!

Christmas in July: Day 23

An oldie but a goodie:

Christmas in July: Day 22

I love wreaths. For all occasions, every holiday, all styles, store bought and handmade. This year I'm thinking about incorporating wreaths into my Christmas decor more than I have in the past. Here are some interesting wreaths I found on Pinterest:

Christmas in July: Day 21

I decided to have the grandkids make the gifts for their parents during Grammy's Summer Camp Christmas in July. Last week we worked on one gift. We still need to create the gift bags and make a gift for the other parent. Plus I have three other Grands in town that need to make gifts. At least we're off to a good start!

Thunder and Sunny working on Christmas gifts

Christmas in July: Day 20

I know some people think this song is twisted, but I just think it's funny!

Christmas in July: Day 19

Today I'm sharing Christmas goodies I found on Pinterest that I'd like to make this year:

The Grands would love this one!

A festive twist on an old favorite

My daughter is the Deviled Egg maker in our family. She colors the eggs with pastel colors for our family Easter - don't know why I haven't thought to ask her to color them for Christmas!

Christmas in July: Day 18

I have a front patio, but I don't have a front porch. I wish I did. I love porches, especially if they have a swing. Today I'm dreaming of how I would decorate my porch, if I had one, for Christmas:

I've been on the hunt for a sled like this for the past couple of years. I always look for one at antique shops when we visit Kansas.

Hmm, another sled. I'm spotting a theme here!

Now this, I could do!