Christmas in July day 19 — Keeping Christmas Simple
By this point in the series, you might already notice that simpler ideas tend to feel more manageable.
Christmas doesn’t need to be packed with activities to feel meaningful.
Sometimes reducing the pressure creates a better season overall.
Christmas in July day 18 — Preparing Christmas Cards Early
Writing cards early feels much more enjoyable than trying to do them all at once in December.
You can slowly collect addresses, stamps, and ideas now.
Even writing a few ahead of time helps.
I think even Christmas cards with money in it would be great to do ahead as the budget isn't all taken at the same time.
Christmas in July day 17 — Movie Night #3
The Christmas Chronicles – 2018
This movie is a little more playful than the others but still cozy.
It’s about two kids who accidentally end up on an adventure with Santa.
It’s easy to watch and feels fun without being over the top.
Appetizer idea: Mini grilled cheese bites.
Mocktail: Sparkling apple cider.
Christmas in July day 16 — Wrapping Inspiration
Today could simply be about deciding how you want gifts to look this year.
Traditional wrapping never really goes out of style.
Brown paper, red ribbon, greenery, and simple tags always feel warm and timeless.
Christmas in July day 15 — Starting a Gift List Early
You don’t need to decide on everything yet.
Just writing names and a few ideas is enough.
It also helps avoid overbuying.
Christmas in July day 14 — Easy DIY Christmas Decorations
Homemade decorations don’t need to be complicated.
Simple things often feel the most personal.
Dried oranges, paper garlands, greenery bundles, and handmade ornaments all work beautifully.
Goodmorning - was another too hot week.
Regular telework week with Tuesday in town and picnic with cw's.
Friday went to Xavier's baseball game. Afterwards Anne-E decided whe wanted to sleep at grandma's so she came home with us. She wanted to see some Michael Jackson videos on youtube.. how does she even know him, she is 5!
Saturday was a slow day, DS, ddil and Xavier arrived in the afternoon. DDIL washed her car while the kids played with neighbor's grandkids that were there also. The left after supper. Sunday was some housechore but just too hot to do alot. DH has started painting LR wall (in staircase so a bit complicated), he said it will need 3 coats. Had to change the color so the big frame sil gave me will come out good. So instead of olive green it is now beige. Supper was at restaurant with sil, bil and neighbors.
Other sil (youngest) had some bad news about her health but treatments will start soon.
Let's join Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom
Weather this week
WEEK 3 — Handmade & Thoughtful Preparation
Christmas in July day 13 — Starting Handmade Projects Early
If you enjoy handmade gifts or decorations, July is actually the perfect time to start.
There’s no rush yet, which makes everything more enjoyable.
Even simple projects feel more relaxing when they’re done slowly.
Sometimes the problem I have is finding the craft products I need that aren't all available yet. I have already started my handmade Christmas ornaments for this year.
Christmas in July day 12 — Creating a Holiday Budget Early
Even a very simple holiday budget can reduce a lot of stress later on.
You don’t need exact numbers yet. Just categories like:
gifts
food
décor
entertaining
Starting now gives you time.
Christmas in July day 11 — Collecting Simple Hosting Ideas
If you host during the holidays, starting early can make a huge difference.
Today could simply be about collecting ideas you like:
table settings
easy appetizers
simple desserts
decorating inspiration
No pressure to decide yet.
Christmas in July day 10 — Movie Night #2
The Noel Diary - 2022
It’s about going home, dealing with memories, and reconnecting with parts of the past.
It’s slower-paced and works well for a calm evening.
Appetizer idea: Whipped ricotta with honey and toast.
Mocktail: Peach iced tea with sparkling water is light and easy.
Christmas in July day 9 — Planning Simple Holiday Meals
Today could just be about thinking realistically about what meals you actually enjoy making.
Simple food usually creates a calmer atmosphere anyway.
Christmas in July day 8 — Building a Christmas Pantry Slowly
Buying everything for Christmas all at once can get expensive quickly.
Starting a small pantry now helps spread things out (remember to check expiration dates).
You can slowly pick up:
baking ingredients
hot chocolate
spices
napkins
candles
Small purchases over time feel much easier.
Christmas in July day 7 — Simple Freezer Baking Ideas
One of the easiest ways to reduce stress at Christmas is freezer baking.
Even if you only make one or two things ahead later on, it still helps.
Today could just be about researching recipes that freeze well.
Things like:
cookie dough
squares
muffins
pie crusts
Goodmorning - was a too hot week.
Went back to work last Thursday after 1,5 week vacation - was glad to spend the day with a/c.
Grandkids came for supper Thursday with ds. Friday they left for the weekend with friends - camping. DH took the dog out for walks during the weekend.
Weekend was slow- some housechores, chatting with neighbors, relaxing, reading. Sunday night at restaurant with sil, bil and bil's sister.
Let's join Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom
Weather this week
WEEK 2 — Kitchen & Planning Ahead
Christmas in July day 6 — Starting a Christmas Recipe List
Some might be family traditions and some might be new things you want to try.
Having a list early means you’re not scrambling in December trying to remember everything.
Christmas in July day 5 — Thinking About What Matters Most
Before getting too deep into planning, it helps to pause and think about what parts of Christmas actually matter most to you.
It might be family dinners, baking, decorating, quiet mornings, movies, traditions, or something very simple.
Knowing that early makes it easier to let go of the things that don’t matter as much.
Christmas in July day 4 — Choosing Your Christmas Colors
If you like decorating for Christmas, choosing colors early can make things much easier later on.
You don’t need to fully plan anything, but having a general idea helps everything feel more cohesive.
It could be traditional colors with softer tones:
deep red
forest green
cream
warm gold
Classic colors always feel timeless.
Christmas in July day 3 — Movie Night #1
Christmas in Connecticut - 1945
There’s something nice about taking a break from planning and just enjoying a quiet evening.
This movie has a cozy vintage feel and doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s about a writer who pretends to have the perfect Christmas life and then has to actually create it.
It’s light, simple, and feels like a good way to ease into the season.
Appetizer idea: you could make a quick crostini with cream cheese, a bit of lemon, and some herbs if you have them. It’s easy but still feels a little special.
Mocktail idea: a cranberry spritz works well. Just cranberry juice with sparkling water, and if you have it, an orange slice or a bit of rosemary.
Christmas in July day 2 — Creating a Christmas Planning Notebook
Today could be a good day to start a simple Christmas notebook.
It doesn’t need to be fancy. A notebook, binder, or even a few pages together is enough.
You can use it later for recipes, gift ideas, shopping lists, decorating notes, or anything else that comes to mind over the next few months.
Having everything in one place makes December feel much less overwhelming.
