Are you thinking about Christmas yet?

I know, I know - it's JULY, not Christmas!!  This wasn't even on my mind until my neighbor, who sells jewelry, decided to plan a "Christmas in July" week for her business HA!  The past 4 years, we always enjoyed Christmas in July at the campground.  Santa always came to visit and brought treats, there were crafts to make and a parade.  Granted, if it wasn't for the pool I think we would have all melted HA!  (I just realized, I should have made this weeks school "Christmas in July" . . oh well!)

Christmas is one of my favorite times of year.  I love the lights, decorations, and planning.  We have such great traditions that I work hard on to make sure they all happen.

What are some of your favorite traditions?  Here are some of ours ---

1) I love the programs and concerts -- On normal years, I always have a choir concert (this year our choir season was cancelled) and the kids have the Christmas Program.  I've always wanted to add something else - a play, a concert -- but it has never quite fit into the plans.

2) Our "Grinch" calendar - This is our Christmas Countdown calendar that starts on December 1st.  Each day we read the card with part of the story on it.  It has gotten better through the years because the boys now read the story.  It does get harder though because the boys are quite as thrilled with little trinkets so I have to get creative with their daily gift.  (Money is always a favorite HA!)

3) The Christmas Tree -  We have a great place we go to cut down out tree which is still a fun tradition.  Plus decorating it is always fun as we watch "Home Alone" at the same time.

4) Christmas Lights - Driving around and looking at lights is fun too.  There are some really great decorations out there!

5) Christmas Eve Service - I feel like this service kind of grounds us into what the true meaning of this Holiday is so I make this a priority.

Of course, the culmination of it all is Christmas Day.

Yes, I have already started to plan for this Christmas.  I have Christmas wish lists started on Amazon for each of the boys.  They are already giving me some ideas as well.

So, to all of you --- MERRY Christmas (in July!)