THURSDAY, JULY 25TH, 2024
The moments of our lives may be bright with possibility, dark with fear or sadness, or even plain everyday gray, but God's glory never fades. May God's glory shine into the exciting lights, upsetting darks, and boring grays of your every day.
Slightly adapted from one of my morning devotionals
Life is a special occasion!
Today is Christmas in July which is a second Christmas celebration held on July 25th, that falls outside of the traditional Christmastide. It is centered on Christmas themed activities and entertainment, including small gatherings, seasonal entertainment, and shopping.
July Christmas celebrations typically accommodate those living in the Southern Hemisphere, in which they have their annual winter, although the main goal is getting the public in the Christmas spirit during the season in the Northern hemisphere.
In 1935, the National Recreation Associations journal described what a Christmas in July was like at girls camp in Brevard, North Carolina, writing that all mystery and wonder surround this annual event.
The term, if not the exact concept, was given National attention with the release of the Hollywood movie comedy in 1940, written and directed by Preston Sturges. In the story, a man is fooled into believing he has won $25,000.00 in an advertising slogan contest. He buys presents for family, friends and neighbors, and proposes marriage to his girlfriend.
In 1942, the Calvary Baptist Church in Washington, DC celebrated Christmas in July with carols and the sermon Christmas presents in July. They repeated it with a Christmas tree covered with donations. The pastor explained that the special service was patterned after a program at his form church in Philadelphia, when the the congregation would present Christmas gifts early to give ample time their distribution to missions worldwide. It became an annual event, and in 1945, the service was broadcast over local radio.
The U.S. Post Office and the U.S Army and Navy officials, in conjunction with the American advertising and greeting card industries, threw a Christmas in July luncheon in New York in 1944 to promote an early Christmas mailing campaign for service men overseas during WWII. The luncheon was repeated in 1945.
American advertisers began the Christmas in July themes in print for summertime sales as early as 1950. In the United States, it has become more a market tool than an actual holiday. Television stations may rerun Christmas specials and many stores will have Christmas in July sales. Some individuals choose to celebrate themselves, using it as an excuse to have a party.
I used to always start making my Christmas gifts this time of year. It takes a long time to get them all ready for my large family and friends. I haven’t been to craft store in quite awhile, so maybe I should be going to look and see if I can find something for this year.
There is no reason why we have to wait for one specific day to celebrate love, friendship and peace. Every day should be like Christmas. Happy Christmas in July to All!
To see the bright side, polish the dull side
Maybe Christmas, the Grinch thought, doesn’t come from the store.
Dr. Suess
The first time I celebrated Christmas in July was when I started camping with DD and DS#1 years ago. We no longer do that but I do miss those days.
Everyone decorated for Christmas and the owner threw a party. There was a Santa in shorts and an Hawaiian shirt for the kids to talk to and we all shared small gifts with each other. I had Christmas lights and stockings hanging from the camper awning. And there was a Christmas Parade through the campground led by Santa on a golf cart. Truly it was a lot of fun.
Today we are expecting our company from Michigan to come in. It will be lots of exciting fun, but not quite a Christmas celebration.
It’s another partly cloudy and 80 degree day here, so it should be a good one!
I hope you all have a GREAT day ! Happy Thursday!
Christmas is a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, two be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.
Calvin Coolidge
Counting at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for. There is truly is always something to be thankful for.
12,530. for the spirit of Christmas
12,531. for company coming to visit
12,532. for the moderate temps we are getting in July
Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!
PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS
Please pray for God's protection of
our troops and HIS wisdom for their
commanders.
Almighty and eternal God,
Protect our military
as they discharge their duties
with the shield of your strength,
may the power of your love
enable them to return home in safety
that with all who love them
they may ever praise you for your loving care.
AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters and EMT’s.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.
Charles Dickens
a smile, a word of cheer,
A bit of love from someone dear…
3 comments:
Keep Christmas in your heart all year long. It wasn't meant to be celebrate for just one day!
Ha! I was a week early!
I didn't know any of these backstories before; only that the summer camp I attended in 1961 did that (observation).
I hope your company arrives safely and a good time's had by all!
I live in Michigan too
Enjoy your visit 🎅🏻🤶🏻
Post a Comment