Friday, July 31, 2015

Merry Christmas In July

 
Today, sadly Christmas in July comes to an end. Before you get all sad remember that Christmas is now less than 5 months away! Soon you'll be hanging the stockings with care, getting on your roof to put up the lights and hauling in the Christmas tree from your trek out to the Christmas tree farm. Until then you can count down the days and make those Christmas wish lists.

I'd like to end this Christmas in July with some of my favorite photos from the month...


 
 

If you missed any of my Christmas in July posts you can always check them out here.

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Christmas Parties

 
How do you get ready for Christmas? By having a Christmas party! Last year we celebrated by going on a Hornblower Cruise in the San Francisco Bay.

Everyone celebrates the holidays differently some of the popular ones are having Ugly Sweater Christmas parties, gingerbread house decorating contests, dinners and of course gatherings. Here's a few ideas and parties that might help you this Christmas season.

You could have a hot chocolate bar at the party.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/70861394112699267/

How the Grinch Stole Christmas Party theme...
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/Ad5rhMObebbL_f9P6BVVrZOMJwVI44whsPSO6zSD6cfsmrhNKiFm3x8/

Who doesn't want to spend the evening with cousin Eddie?
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/168603579775712454/

Bring the North Pole to your next Christmas gathering...
 
Have a gingerbread house decorating party and turn it into a fun contest...
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/122300946100513434/
 
Whatever kind of event you plan for the holidays just have fun with it! Some of these ideas are my favorite! If you've missed any of the Christmas in July fun, you can catch up here.

Monday, July 27, 2015

Adorning The Tree


Year after year, I pull out the Christmas boxes and plastic tubs full of Christmas decorations and memories. As the ornaments come out, I begin to remember where I got the ornaments, when I got them and how I've decorated with them before. The ornaments are little memories that garnish the tree and I'll pass on to children one day. I also like to get new ornaments each year to add to my collection. Here's a few ornaments that I've had for years...

A part from having a traditional Christmas tree, I have many themed trees. I have a candy tree, a beach tree, a travel tree, an Elvis tree and a movie tree. Yes, that's five trees! I'm currently working on a new theme tree for this year. You'll have to wait till November to see it though. I like to keep my tree themes top secret until their unveiled. Although I am working on a new theme tree, I am always looking to add to and improve my current theme trees. I've been scouring the internet and Christmas stores looking for ornaments that will improve my trees. I've found a few items that I am loving and really want to make a part of my Christmas collection. I thought I'd share a few with you...

An Elvis Tree topper. I found this one on Shop Elvis and it would go perfect with a gold tree.
 
A music theme garland and in this case ribbon.
 
A cute addition to a beach tree. I actually bought this one for my mom!
 
Who doesn't want Santa and his reindeer around the tree? This light set has 9 reindeer along with Santa in his sleigh. You can make the reindeer circle the tree or place them all in the front of the tree to show them off...
 
If you don't have a mantle these candy cane railing stocking holders are perfect. They come as a set of two and their less than $10.00.
 
 These items are just a few things that I'm looking at getting for this Christmas season. What's something you'd like to add to your Christmas decorations?

Friday, July 24, 2015

Ugly Christmas Sweater


I remember when these sweaters in the mid 90's were really popular. I think people thought they were ugly back then but we wore them as a joke. Now their all the rage at Christmas season. Let's take a little look at some really, really ugly Christmas sweaters.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/211247038744866511/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/466896686343708160/
https://www.google.com/search?q=ugly+christmas+sweater&biw=1440&bih=754&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAmoVChMI96bh0o30xgIVFVuICh3erwiu#imgrc=pThgjpLsd1MhCM%3A

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/40532465372428020/
 
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/211247038744861995/
 
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/317644579939859438/
 
https://www.google.com/search?q=ugly+christmas+sweater&biw=1440&bih=754&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAmoVChMI96bh0o30xgIVFVuICh3erwiu#imgrc=_NyviQTgYco3fM%3A
 
These are some of just the thousands that are out there! Do you have any ugly Christmas sweater you break out every year?

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Old Saint Nicholas

 
Over the years Old Saint Nicholas has evolved. We've seen Santa's appearance change along with his outfit and his surroundings. One thing that has stayed the same, is the love for Santa Clause. Let's take a look at the ever evolving Santa...

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/27303141468322056/
 
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/27303141468322057/ 
 
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/515451119822997017/
 
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/2885187231826553/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/109845678387424750/
 
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/33495590950361298/
 
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/73394668903221784/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/3940718395333166/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/565624034425173172/

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Blinding Light

 
During Christmas how do you show complete strangers your love of Christmas? One way is by decorating the outside of your house and lawn. You can do minimal Christmas lights and decorations like this house...
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/216102482092676226/

Or you can go all out like Clark Griswold...
 
Either decision is a good one! Here's some houses that really know how to decorate for the season.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/321233385891817148/
You thought someone couldn't pack even more on to their lawn? Well check this one out...
 
https://www.google.com/search?q=christmas+house+light+show&hl=en&biw=1301&bih=612&site=webhp&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=LlOQVaHsOdGoogS6hYGYBQ&sqi=2&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAw#imgrc=figbMrQOQ2yTeM%3A
I love looking at Christmas lights but I always love the modestly themed houses. I also like the people who get really creative.
 
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/311381761710625607/
And of course there's the ever popular lawn ornament...
 
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/128211920615580411/

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

The Inn at Christmas Place

 
The Inn at Christmas Place is located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It's a hotel that is all about Christmas. It's also directly across from the famous Christmas store, Christmas Place. Inside the Inn at Christmas Place every room is decorated for Christmas year round. They also have trees and decorations throughout the hotel. Santa even stops by!
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/40250990395619265/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/35114072065521023/
 
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/202239839487657863/
 
https://www.google.com/search?q=inn+at+christmas+place&biw=1242&bih=585&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAmoVChMI6ZSzk_bnxgIVh6WICh1nPgZ7#imgrc=j01sEp49-F-EPM%3A
 
https://www.google.com/search?q=inn+at+christmas+place&biw=1242&bih=585&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAmoVChMI6ZSzk_bnxgIVh6WICh1nPgZ7#imgrc=OL4TBqFkxxxMwM%3A
 
The hotel really embodies Christmas year round. They want you to feel special while staying there no matter what time of the year. I know that I frequent the Christmas Place as soon as I get into town! If you want to see even more of the Inn at Christmas Place check it out!
 
If you've missed any of my Christmas in July posts check them out here!