Christmas in July

Don't be mad at me! I know...it's summer. Not Christmas. But I've been knee deep in Hallmark Christmas movies all month and gleefully loving every minute of them! (In full disclosure, I haven't kicked back to fully watch one, but I've had many rolling in the background while I work.)

But even though it's July, Christmas is coming, and it's good to plan ahead. I have a few ideas for you today.

FIRST: 

Source

Unless she ends the sale before you have a chance to read this post, Lindsay Sherbondy over at Lindsay Letters is running a 20% off sale for all her Christmas art. (She hasn't announced an ending date for the sale.)

I love her art. I first learned about her back when Shaunna Niequist published her book Bread and Wine. Lindsay did the lettering for the cover of that book, and I ended up interviewing her on Mid-Morning about her art. For a while, she had a brick and mortar store in this really cute little town in Wisconsin, and Ryan and I stopped there on our way to one of my speaking engagements a few years ago. I had the chance to meet Lindsay in person and get some of her art for our home.

I particularly love this nativity sketch, and she also has a handful of pieces that include lyrics to beloved Christmas songs. (For most pieces, you can choose if you want an art print or canvas, add framing if you want, and select different sizes, so the prices very widely.)

SECONDLY:

Ever Thine Home is running a sale on one of their ornament sets: His Advent Names. I believe this runs through the 28th. While this particular set is not one that I own (yet), I do own five sets of their ornaments, and I love them all so much. They are made of quality materials, are a generous size, and work together to make a beautiful, God-centered Christmas tree theme.

This set of four ornaments is normally $35, but with this sale, they're $24. (Totally worth it in my opinion.) We have lots of trees here in our house, once Christmas rolls around, and my tree filled with ornaments from Ever Thine Home is one of my favorite additions to the lineup. I will always, always recommend their products!

(The photo above is our tree with their ornaments.)

FINALLY:

I told you after Christmas was over last year (and it was no longer a spoiler) about the gifts we gave our family members, in an attempt to give them experiences rather than stuff.

Yesterday, my parents finally went on their Christmas excursion. I was SO PROUD OF MY MOM for documenting it well from start to finish. Seriously. My work here is done. I've taught her everything I know. She took pictures of the places they went, the food they ate, and they even made it INTO some of the pictures.

It was as much fun for me to read about their fun day out as it was for me to plan it last year before Christmas!

So if you're looking for a gift idea for someone (or all the someones) on your list this year, I highly recommend the adventure-planning idea. It's a keeper!