Christmas in July has really been building up over the past few years. Now, it seems like everywhere one turns their is a Christmas in July special, event, show, sale, or movie! And it is AWESOME!!! Of course, the best part of Christmas in July is the preview of ornaments at Hallmark. This is an event that has been going on since this blogger can remember. In fact, my first job was as a temporary ELF at the première of the ornaments at Hallmark. Yeah..... an ELF. Fast forward a few years and, even though manning the food station and inviting customers into the store in an Elf outfit was a bit embarrassing, I still get excited and go shop at Hallmark in July.
Although, the store premières its ornaments, do not overlook other areas of the store. There are some great gift ideas in there and Fall and Christmas items from the previous year marks down BIG time. One fun gift idea is the "You might be a Redneck if..." magnets and coasters, all $1. Peanuts items slightly marked down but always a fun gift, and Fall sayings marked up to 80% off. Now, the main draw is the ornaments, and in some stores some older ones can be found at a discount price but for the most part all are full price. Even so, the best time to start Christmas list shopping is now in order to really enjoy the holidays later.
However, there are other stores prepping, already, for the Holidays (including Halloween). Craft stores are starting to bring in Autumn decorations, and by the end of August, discounts on those items begin to appear, and by October, the craft stores mark them down big time and begin to bring in the Christmas items. For Christmas lovers, especially those who enjoy being crafty, look out for decorative items from last year (often in the isles, on the sides, sometimes in the very front) to get crafty with. Also, go ahead and stock up on paint and brushes to decorate plastic or glass ornaments. Even though these are low cost items, this way it will cut cost later and will be ready to use when needed.Another great gift to go on and buy for those who love them, or for ones self, CANDLES!! Many candle and fragrance stores have holiday scents, most have Fall items out right now, but the holiday candles are still being sold. For those who want to wait, the new fragrances usually show up sometime between September and October. On the plus side, that is when the Autumn items start going on sale too.
Of course, do not forget clothes and yes, winter and Christmas apparel can be found now for up to 80% off! Kohl's is a great option. Check out the sales rack, no matter what store, take the time to really look through stuff. There were sweaters and dresses all under $10! Some other stores, such as Belk's, have Christmas shirts from last year. So, for those who need that gaudy Christmas shirt for a party or photo but do not want to spend as much on it, go look now for the discounts.
Now, for those looking to do for others, Samaritan's Purse is always doing shoeboxes and some areas do them in July and December. It is a great ministry and for anyone who has participated in it, they will tell you the immense joy it brings to kids and families who really have nothing-not even pencils or crayons or paper. It is a wonderful opportunity and one of many to look into. It is always fun to get excited about sights and sounds of the Holidays but it is so important to think of others and keep that Christmas Spirit going year around.
Merry Christmas!!!!
