I'm blaming all you guys since it is your fault LOL.

**Dutchie** · 08-07-2009, 03:28 PM

The last few days it has been sweltering across here and what am I doing, WATCHING CHRISTMAS MOVIES!!!, making Christmas lists, looking at how many Christmas cards I still have and it's all to do with one of the posts on the question and answer part of the forum
'things to buy or do now for the holidays'. I know that I CHOSE to read it, but it really got me started.

My DH - always a timely type of person - you know the type - doesn't want a Christmas tree until it's Dec. - is just shaking his head in disbelief.

I think that I have to get it out of my system - for now!!!!!
HELP!!!!! LOL!!!!

**frugalfranny** · 08-07-2009, 03:56 PM

What...your DH has never heard of Xmas in July....or Aug....or????

Our stores here have Xmas in July SALES (fabric stores, etc).......wouldn't that just drive him up the wall???

**Dutchie** · 08-07-2009, 03:59 PM

Originally Posted by frugalfranny

What...your DH has never heard of Xmas in July....or Aug....or????

Our stores here have Xmas in July SALES (fabric stores, etc).......wouldn't that just drive him up the wall???

Tell me that you are joking, please?????
Really?????

**madhen** · 08-07-2009, 04:04 PM

We have a big store out here called "The Christmas Store." It sells nothing but Christmas stuff YEAR ROUND. I have no idea how they stay in business, but they have been in business for years, so there must be enough of us nuts around to keep them afloat.

**frugalfranny** · 08-07-2009, 04:05 PM

Absolutely for real. Even some of the quilt shops will have a 'Xmas in July Sale'......for sure. They put their Xmas fabric on sale. Plus this is around the time that the DIY or 'homemade gifts people' start seriously thinking about what to make for Xmas and they want a piece of it.

**frugalfranny** · 08-07-2009, 04:08 PM

Originally Posted by madhen

We have a big store out here called "The Christmas Store." It sells nothing but Christmas stuff YEAR ROUND.

I am not for sure but I think we have one here and know there is one in the tourist town of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, too. They have both been around for a few years.

**Dutchie** · 08-07-2009, 04:16 PM

Now that you mention it, we do have a store in Amsterdam that is a Christmas store year round but it isn't really nice at all IMO - very touristy.
However, 'normal' stores having Christmas sales in July - WOW!!!!!

I have to say that I did enjoy my Christmas movies even though it was so hot outside.

**JanieD** · 08-07-2009, 04:40 PM

I totally understand! I see what others are working on & get excited. I thought Christmas in July would give me a jump on things. Of course, the month flew by & I didn't get much done. So, now I'm thinking I'll work a few things in August & September. It does feel a little early to be thinking about the holidays, but it would be great to get ahead of the rush!

**mauimagic** · 08-07-2009, 10:12 PM

I start getting ready for next year's Christmas the day after this year's Christmas - it's a tradition. Nope, not the after holiday sales - I take my crochet hook or knitting needles, yarn and start on my brojects!! It always puts me in a good mood to work on Christmas year round.

When we had our gift shop, we always sold Christmas ornaments year round - special handmade ones from Maui - they were always very porpular.

**Debbie-cat** · 08-07-2009, 10:20 PM

I too, like MM, started with my crochet hook and knitting needles right after Christmas last year and I am so happy I did! I love Christmas and think about it year round.

We have Christmas in July fabric sales here as well and it is great! That way you don't have to wait until closer to Christmas to get started on all those projects! In fact, Walmart here just put out their new Christmas fabrics last week and I LOVE them all.

**Luckybustert** · 08-07-2009, 11:03 PM

I think it's really smart to get a head start on the holidays! That way you'll be able to spend more time relaxing and enjoying the holidays instead of trying to get everything done at the last minute.

**Incognito** · 08-07-2009, 11:36 PM

Hand-worked Christmas gifts take lots of time: to gather the materials, to make the basic item, to finish with the extra touches, then to wrap for Christmas. 364 days isn't too much time, some years. Even buying presents and dealing with sales, Christmas parking and shopping is quite an ordeal and a treasure hunt.

If I think I have lots of time left and put it off, suddenly it's the 1st week of December, and I'm not ready. My gifts have to be mailed out too, so if they're not ready in November, they don't get there in time for Christmas.

PS: I like watching Christmas movies at other times of the year too, especially during a heat wave, because it's psychologically strategic.