Christmas in July Thoughts

On It · ‎03-15-2021

Throughout each day I do a lot of reading and research. I am getting a vibe that this year Christmas in July may be a really good idea. If you see something that strikes your fancy whether decor or gifting, get it now. We may not be moving about as freely later in the year as we are now.

My family is very small so we do not go all out like the "Hallmark Movie" families, but I am getting gifts together now. As my daddy used to say, "Make hay while the sun shines."

lynnie61 · ‎04-28-2010

@On It We buy way less than we used to, and no small kids left to buy for but what I will get will be early. You are right who knows where we be this fall again. We are enjoying more family things, a weekend, a nice dinner out, a day trip than MORE stuff that any of us need. Fun to watch though.

BlueFinch · ‎08-31-2019

I so agree. One thing we've learned through all of this is, don't put off things until tomorrow.

I've picked up gifts for all my special neighbors so far and will continue to add for family. I'm really enjoying that I already have a stash.

If possible, I plan to put my tree up early. I want ample time to enjoy it and the season. At least, I'm hoping that's the case for all of us this year, but right now, it's still not a given.

Carmie · ‎10-25-2010

I am not watching and vow to never buy anymore Christmas decor...ever.

I have spent six weeks cleaning out an elderly friends home who is in a nursing center. She had thousands of dollars worth of holiday collectibles and decor. Some items were over $200 for each piece and she had hundreds and hundreds of items.

I found many unused items still in boxes with the receipts in the box.

It has been very, very difficult to get rid of these items. Charities won't take them. Some were sold at a yard sale and some on Facebook marketplace,but very little in relation to what she amassed.

I ended up throwing most of the items away. Her house sold and everything needed to be gone..ASAP. Yep, I feel guilty.

I am going to go through my stuff and I will get rid of most of my holiday decor and only keep the pieces I really love. I wouldn't want my children to have to try to get rid of this stuff some day.

It is easy to get hyped up over beautiful decorative things...we all love to make the holidays special, but really, all this overpriced stuff does not make a holiday special.

Christmas in July? No way. Christmas is in December as it always is. I have enough Christmas stuff to last me a lifetime plus some.

Shop if you like, but you might keep in mind how much stuff you already have. Don't forget to get rid of stuff too. I wouldn't wish cleaning out a holiday decor junkie's home on my worst enemy.

Sorry, for my rant. This experience has me terribly unsettled. I feel better now. Thanks.

PS. I forgot to mention that it cost $740 to get a dumpster to throw out all this stuff.

traveler · ‎03-09-2010

Carrie, I so agree with you. No one in my family wants to inherit decor. I've been trying to donate a 4 ft tree and no charity wants it. May toss in dumpster. And I have Jim Shore figurines to move on. I agree it is hard to move decor on.

amyb · ‎04-05-2010

@Carmie (Disclaimer...to each their own and enjoy..that said..) I could NOT agree with you more. I have turned a blind eye to it all.

Your comment..."we all like to decorate and make the holidays nice" true..also true what you said "but all this 'stuff' (more than we need) does not a memorable holiday make. But if it's what someone enjoys still I say great...ENJOY it.

Someone else said here..."one thing we've learned is to not put things off." Yes.

But honestly...what I've personally felt about this...I've learned to be fully present in the moment. AND summer is my favorite season, so I'm "head, neck and stomach" fully presently enjoying it all. To me...Christmas comes in December. It isn't slightly on my radar presently. And, I have plenty to decorate with for the rest of my life. I've simplified as well, and have keepsakes from my childhood and my mom that mean the most mixed in. It's all enough. Each year I don't even put it all out...I change it up, so I have plenty.

Last....I too emptied our family home to sell when mom went into Assisted Living. A BIG job. She was not a collector or hoarder, but was a shopper. Still...so much to sort through of 46 years in a home. Papers alone took days, and boxes to sort and shred...dating to when my dad kept all their financials etc in boxes in the garage...and he'd been gone 20 years previously. (I found tax returns from the 60's!)

I'm all about keeping the "stuff" now to a minimum. Give me an experience anyday instead. But...just me. Again. I know...for those for whom Christmas in July brings any joy or fun...so be it, enjoy. Me...I'm at the beach. 😎⛱

BlueFinch · ‎08-31-2019

@Carmie I totally get what you're saying, since I'm in the process of clearing out my mom's home for sale. Estate sale is scheduled for this month, but I've already been advised not to expect much in sales. They say they'll take everything that's left. For nothing, of course.

It's interesting how we collect all of our lives, believing others will appreciate how special and valuable are trinkets are, when we're gone. Nope, it's just a big job for those left behind.

I'm glad I'm not a collector. For me Christmas is all about my tree, holiday scented candles and some good food. So when I get my shopping done, I can relax and enjoy the reason for the season.

Mominohio · ‎08-08-2010

Supply chains are indeed a mess, and honestly, who knows if this dumb virus will rear it's ugly head again with some variant.

I'm sure a lot of what is on advanced orders from here won't come, as has happened in the past.

We have been buying ahead for holidays and birthdays, when we find exactly what we want for someone. Selection is down everywhere.

amyb · ‎04-05-2010

@BlueFinch For me Christmas is all about my tree, holiday scented candles and some good food. So when I get my shopping done, I can relax and enjoy the reason for the season.

Well said. I totally agree! Less is more at this stage of my life. And that's fine.

Side note...and again this is just me...only child, sentimental nature...it was a sentimental journey (as well as a HUGE TASK) to go through some of mom's special purchases, things she loved. She was alive then so it wasn't sad, just sentimental. I have the things that are precious to me that were hers.

And I have friends, my age that feel the same and have things that belonged to their mom, grandmom, aunts. But this generation...not so sentimental about all our chotchkes I think. I don't have kids so NO one will be wanting things, and that's fine with me. I've enjoyed them. ...as I also hope OP's friend enjoyed hers throughout her life...I hope they brought her joy.

FancyPhillyshopper · ‎05-02-2017

@Carmie wrote:
I am not watching and vow to never buy anymore Christmas decor...ever.

I have spent six weeks cleaning out an elderly friends home who is in a nursing center. She had thousands of dollars worth of holiday collectibles and decor. Some items were over $200 for each piece and she had hundreds and hundreds of items.

I found many unused items still in boxes with the receipts in the box.

It has been very, very difficult to get rid of these items. Charities won't take them. Some were sold at a yard sale and some on Facebook marketplace,but very little in relation to what she amassed.

I ended up throwing most of the items away. Her house sold and everything needed to be gone..ASAP. Yep, I feel guilty.

I am going to go through my stuff and I will get rid of most of my holiday decor and only keep the pieces I really love. I wouldn't want my children to have to try to get rid of this stuff some day.

It is easy to get hyped up over beautiful decorative things...we all love to make the holidays special, but really, all this overpriced stuff does not make a holiday special.

Christmas in July? No way. Christmas is in December as it always is. I have enough Christmas stuff to last me a lifetime plus some.

Shop if you like, but you might keep in mind how much stuff you already have. Don't forget to get rid of stuff too. I wouldn't wish cleaning out a holiday decor junkie's home on my worst enemy.

Sorry, for my rant. This experience has me terribly unsettled. I feel better now. Thanks.

PS. I forgot to mention that it cost $740 to get a dumpster to throw out all this stuff.

I am so sorry that you have had this issue to deal with. I know you have been supporting your friend and her needs for some time.

Unfortunately, dealing with our passing is a part of life for us and for our friends and families.

I would never recommend that people focus on all the things that must be gotten rid of after they die, or tell them to stop shopping. It may be a real issue, but it is also a somewhat pessimistic perspective and negates the ability to find ongoing joy in life.

I have definitely shopped for Christmas in July this year even more than in the past and made many purchases. I find the experience fun and hopeful. I also know to reserve early because items definitely sell out!

Like many, I have a lot of holiday decor already, and I do find myself purchasing more special food treats.

I also have items in my collection still with tags and unused/unworn--dresses, shoes, ornaments, etc. Everything I bought were purchases made with pleasure and I do not regret them. I also have good china and silver that is rarely used, but I still adore it. I suppose it is that way for many middle-aged/older people in a consumer-driven society. We have been collecting for decades!

All those purchases helped somebody else keep a job.

We should also expect that after our passing whatever happens to all our "possessions" is no longer our concern. The best thing we can do is occasionally give away special items to friends and colleagues while we are still able to in a meaningful way. However, I will probably not stop shopping until I can no longer fully function!