We celebrated our second annual CHRISTMAS IN JULY on July 25. It's a great way to spice up the summer and a great way to spend a fun day together as a family.
Last year, we did it as a complete surprise for the kids. My favorite part of the day was Caleb waking up, seeing the tree, and saying, "I'm SO glad it's Christmas!" This year, we decided to let the kids know it was happening. That way, they got to be a part of it. They helped get out a few decorations and decorate the little tree. They loved it! It was a lot simpler than even last year, but we've had such a busy summer that I didn't want to take the fun out of it by making it a big ordeal that I had to plan for days. A few stocking stuffers, a few small gifts, some yummy food...CHRISTMAS IN JULY.
Katie really wanted to help hang the ornaments. Apparently, she thought they ALL should go on the same branch!
Our little tree, all decorated and waiting for little people to be ready to open gifts!
I wasn't feeling well so Jason, bless his heart, wrapped the gifts for me. He was quite pleased with the "Christmas Tree" stacking toy that he wrapped for Katie.
Stockings...haven't found a place to hang them in the new house yet!
Before stocking and presents were opened, we feasted on our now-traditional Christmas in July breakfast: red and green Thai sticky rice.
Alaina and Caleb with their stockings
Miss Katelynn...
Caleb...who told us at least 100 times that he loved ALL his presents (all two of them!) and all his stocking stuffers. Easy to please!
The littles with their stockings
Katie breaks into her tree
Levi with his new animal puzzle...this kid could do puzzles ALL. DAY. LONG.
Apparently Katie likes her puzzle too!
She's a pro...
Levi opens yet another set of plastic animals. He just LOVES them. They live in his nightstand drawer and they are his #1 go-to toy on airplanes. He just sets them up and plays with them for hours!
Now, this may seem like the oddest gift for a six year old EVER, but for Caleb, it was the perfect gift! What is it, you ask? A TAPE DISPENSER! He was so excited to add it to his growing selection of office supplies on his desk. He absolutely ADORES organizing and setting up his desk...everything having a place. With a new bulletin board and a new tape dispenser, he informs me that all he needs now is new paper and glue.
So from our house to yours, MERRY CHRISTMAS (in July!)
Merry Christmas Janet! You and Jason are amazing parents.
Posted by: Kellie | July 27, 2010 at 06:41 PM
OMGosh! That's adorable, Janet! So fun for your cute family - I love it! :)
Posted by: Andrea Graves | July 27, 2010 at 09:59 PM
Oh this is so much fun have a merry Christmas!!!
Posted by: Miranda | July 28, 2010 at 12:30 AM
Janet...are you having another baby? Don't know why...I just kinda have a feeling
Posted by: Tara Kelley | July 28, 2010 at 02:27 AM
I love the office supplies. I just want to hug that kid!
Posted by: sally | August 06, 2010 at 07:48 AM
I would love to start that tradition here too, best time for a celebration since my birthday's in July!
Posted by: Verabear | August 20, 2010 at 10:45 PM