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It's an Artisan Handmade Christmas in July!

 

 

 

I always thought Christmas in July was a very modern “holiday,” a marketing ploy since there are no holidays between July 4 and Labor Day (in the U.S.).  But much to my amazement, the first mention of Christmas in July was in Werther, an 1892 French opera with libretto by Édouard Blau, Paul Milliet, and Georges Hartmann.  In the opera, a group of children rehearse a Christmas song in July, to which a character responds: "When you sing Christmas in July, you rush the season."

 

 

 

Christmas Multi Gemstone Double Wrap Tan Leather Bracelet Handmade by Kathy of KatsAllThat

 

 

 

In 1935 in Recreation, a publication by the National Recreation Association, described a Christmas in July celebration at a girl's summer camp as having "all mystery and wonder surrounding this annual event."  Which is interesting, because I remember celebrating a Christmas in July when working as a horseback instructor at a Camp Fire girls’ camp. The evergreen tree in front of the dining hall was all decked out in paper chains and real candles.  Christmas songs were sung and small “secret buddy” handmade gifts were exchanged.  But what stands out most in my mind about this Christmas in July celebration was when part of the tree caught fire!

 

 

 

Christmas Peace Plaid Scrunchie Dog Bandana Handmade by Donna of SewAmazin

 

 

 

With the release of the 1940 movie comedy Christmas in July, directed by Preston Sturges, the term was given national attention.  In the story, Jimmy is fooled into believing he has won $25,000 in an advertising slogan contest. Excited, Jimmy buys presents for family, friends, and neighbors, and proposes marriage to his girlfriend.  And then he finds out he hadn’t won the contest and mayhem results.  And then he found out did win it!

 

 

 

Flower and Leaves Christmas Charm Bracelet Handmade by Sharon of Blonde Peach Jewelry

 

 

 

In 1942, the Calvary Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. celebrated Christmas in July with carols and the sermon "Christmas Presents in July.”  They repeated it in 1943, with a Christmas tree covered with donations. The pastor explained that the special service was patterned after a program held each summer at his former church in Philadelphia.  The congregation would donate Christmas gifts early so there would be ample time for their distribution to missions worldwide. It became an annual event, and in 1945, the service began to be broadcast over local radio.  

 

 

 

Crocheted Christmas Red Jumper Infant with Snowflake Applique and Matching Hat Handmade by Pamela of MagdaleneKnits  Free Shipping with Code:  CIJFREESHIPPING2018

 

 

 

In 1944, the U.S. Post Office and U.S. Army and Navy officials threw a Christmas in July luncheon in New York.  Held in conjunction with the American advertising and greeting card industries, it promoted an early Christmas mailing campaign for servicemen overseas during World War II.  The luncheon was held again in 1945.

 

 

 

Holiday Red and Green Christmas Jewelry Set Handmade by Mary of PrettyGonzo

 

 

 

American advertisers began using Christmas in July themes in print for summertime sales as early as 1950.  In the United States, it is more often used as a marketing tool than an actual holiday. Television stations may choose to re-run Christmas specials.  The Hallmark Channel reruns many of their original Christmas television films in July to coincide with the release of the Keepsake Ornaments in stores. Many stores, both brick and mortar and online, promote Christmas in July sales

 

I hope you enjoyed this brief history of Christmas in July . . . and all the artisan handmade items featured.  The beautiful items shown in the first half are all Christmas related in design.  The items in the scond half of the post may be "Christmassy" or not.  All would make perfect early gift purchases to give now or to wait until Christmas itself!

 

 

 

Hand Knit Christmas Tree All Cotton Picture Dishcloth or Washcloth Handmade by Sharon of HollyknitterCreation

 

 

 

Christmas Tree Shaped Green Venezia Crystal Earrings Handmade by Connie of Thesingingbeader

 

 

 

Crocheted Red and Green Poinsettia Coasters / Doilies, Set of 2, Handmade by Ruth of RSSDesignsInFiber

 

 

 

Rose Lampwork and Cross Christmas Bracelet Handmade by Roxanne of watercolorsNmore

 

 

 

Collectible Christmas Holiday Snowman Thimble Handmade by Julie of Blue Morning Expressions

 

 

 

Carnelian and Aventurine Gemstone Necklace and Earrings Set Handmade by Suzanne and Tony of RivendellRockJewelry

 

 

 

Pink Baby Shoes / Booties Ornaments for Baby Girl First Christmas Handmade by Jacki of Christie Cottage

 

 

 

Sparkling Swarovski Crystal Holiday Christmas Tree Earrings Handmade by Catherine of Shadow Dog Designs

 

 

 

Jasper Heart Pendant on Silver Chain Handmade by Jacki of Christie Cottage

 

 

 

Holiday Swarovski Crystal Choker Designer Necklace Handmade by Suzanne and Tony of RivendellRockJewelry

 

 

 

1957 Chevrolet Tri-Five Hot Rod Vintage Auto Key Chain Ring Handmade by Julie of Blue Morning Expressions

 

 

 

3 Scripture Encouragement 5 x 7 Watercolor Note Cards - Psalms, Philippians, Proverbs -  Handmade by Roxanne of watercolorsNmore

 

 

 

Hand Crocheted Holiday Red and Green Table Runner, 51 Inches Long, Handmade by Ruth of RSSDesignsInFiber 

 

 

 

Green Crystal and White Pearl Necklace Handmade by Connie of Thesingingbeader

 

 

 

Hand Knit Super Snowflake White Cotton Dish Cloth or Wash Cloth Handmade by Sharon of HollyknitterCreation

 

 

 

Dragonfly Pendant and Leather Boho Beaded Necklace Handmade by Mary of PrettyGonzo

 

 

 

Crocheted Christmas Red MaryJanes with Ivory Satin Rose, Newborn 0-3 Months, Handmade by Pamela of MagdaleneKnits Free Shipping with Code:  CIJFREESHIPPING2018

 

 

 

Silver Clip on Dangle Earrings Handmade by Sharon of Blonde Peach Jewelry

 

 

 

Pastel Watermelons Summer Scrunchie Dog Bandana Handmade by Donna of SewAmazin

 

 


Swarovski Red Pearl and Crystal Snowflake Christmas Dangle Earrings Handmade by Kathy of KatsAllThat

 

 

 

Mother Goddess with Spiral Yoga Necklace, Bronze Pendant and Pink Recycled Glass, Handmade by Catherine of Shadow Dog Designs 

 

 

 

I hope you enjoyed each and every one of these unique handmade creations - perfect for Christmas in July celebrations or as early Christmas gifts!  If you would like to make my day and the day of the talented artists featured, please leave a blog comment.  And any promotion you can do will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

 

My contact information:

 

Indiemade shop:  ShadowDogDesigns

Indiemade blog:  ShadowDogDesigns’ Blog

Artfire studio:  ShadowDogDesigns

ArtFire Blog:  ShadowDogDesigns' Blog

Google+:  Catherine ShadowDog

Facebook:  ShadowDogDesigns - Jewelry

Twitter:  ShadowDogDesign

Pinterest:  Shadow Dog Designs

Wanelo:  ShadowDog

Rebelmouse:  ShadowDogDesigns

Flickr:  Shadow Dog Designs' Photostream


 

SHADOW DOG DESIGNS

Beautifully Unique Handmade Jewelry

for the Discerning Woman

 

 

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Comments

How Fun

I just loved the history of Christmas in July - I, too, thought it was a shopping day made up by the merchants, but it's even better that it does have a great history. I am sorry about your Camp Fire Girl's tree, but it did make me laugh out loud. I am sure that you earned more than one badge during the fire drill. Great story and great selections. Thank you for including my key ring and my thimble. Have shared everyone far and wide until Facebook threatened me with spam jail. I have words for them ... Shared everyone's wonderful gift ideas and again, thank you so much for making a rather hot day cooler.

Cheers to the desert dog and his family.

What a gorgeous display!

So many beautiful items to tempt those early holiday shoppers. Catherine, you Christmas earrings are just stunning! Thank you for putting this post together and for sharing my Christmas wrap bracelet and red pearl/crystal snowflake earrings. Will be sharing on all social sites.

Christmas in July

Thank you once again Catherine for hosting your CIJ Promotions of wonderful Christmas items from so many talented artisans.
Thank you for including my MagdaleneKnits Christmas items! Promoting all items on my Social Media sties.
Free Shipping on all Christmas items: code: CIJFREESHIPPING2018
Thanks again!!!
Pam

Thanks Catherine

Love all the history.

Thank you!

Tweeted all items and the post too

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Christmas in July Blog Post

What a fun post Catherine! Thank you for sharing your amusing story from your younger years. So many beautiful items in your post here. Hoping for many sales for all from your promotion. Shared.

Thank you, Catherine!

This is so nice! I really enjoyed read about the history of Christmas in July and your Camp "fire" girls story. Wonderful handmade items, as always! Shared FB and pinned to my Christmas in July Pinterest board.

Thanks

Thanks Catherine, will promote.

Neat post,
How funny:
But what stands out most in my mind about this Christmas in July celebration was when part of the tree caught fire!

Thanks, Catherine!

It was good to read about all the historical reasons and purposes of "Christmas In July" -- I always think of it because I know of people who are smart and buy presents for all kinds of Holidays and Occasions that they gift on - all year long! I also have heard of people who go shopping for Christmas on Christmas Eve!! Different how people do things! I think the people who buy all year long and hide the gifts away are the smart ones! Thanks for including my Poinsettia Coasters and the Red and Green Table Runner! -- Sharing the blog post!

Promotion

I have scheduled tweets for all.

Pinned artNmore - to several boards.

My new Twitter Account. Please follow me: @RTobaison
I was locked out for almost a week.
Thank you

Thanks Catherine. This is a

Thanks Catherine. This is a gorgeous collection! Very honored to be included.

I have posted all on twitter, with pictures, on google+ and on pinterest.

I'll be back to post on facebook.

Blessings,
Suzanne

Re-promoting

Hi, Catherine,

I just went back and tweeted and google+e all of the items, this time with a link to your blog, also.

Hope sales are going well for all.
Suzanne

Wonderful blog!

Loved reading your blog and seeing all the gorgeous Christmas gift ideas!

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