By Ralphine Major

Growing up in the sixties, I never once heard of Christmas in July.  July was one of the three summer months we enjoyed not having to go to school.  The entire month was filled with summertime activities like celebrating the Fourth of July holiday, picking blackberries, going on picnics, riding bicycles all over the farm, and gathering summer's produce from the garden.  In 2022 the escalating gas prices have surely affected many vacation plans.  Some families may shorten their trips or take one-day trips closer to home.  As of late, there seems to be a bit of relief as gas prices have been coming down.

Nowadays, the Christmas in July theme is widely known as somewhat of a prelude to the real Christmas season.  It is not unusual to hear the beloved Christmas carols.  Favorite Christmas movies may also be enjoyed during that time.  Many stores and businesses capitalize on the early holiday spirit by offering special Christmas in July sales.  I have even seen where the popular s'mores recipe has been updated to include a taste of peppermint!  Soon, July's preview of December's Christmas holiday will be over.  Enjoy all things Christmas during Christmas in July.  It will be five more months until the real Christmas celebrating the birth of Christ.

Words of Faith: "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11 (KJV).

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