Christmas In July- Gifts From The Garden To Make Now For A Stress-Free Holiday

Christmas in July? With temperatures reaching triple digits in many parts of the country, the last thing you want to think about is Christmas and spending money.

The stress of the holidays can be overwhelming for families, so change the way you spend the Christmas Season by making your gifts now for a stress-free holiday later.

Put your garden-fresh tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and fresh seasonal produce to good use.
Amazing gift ideas from the garden that are perfect for gift-giving.

Is Christmas in July a Real thing?

Christmas in July was a movie released in Hollywood in 1940 and advertisers began using Christmas in July themes in print for summertime sales as early as 1950.

Although it isn’t as widely celebrated as Christmas in December, Christmas in July is actually a celebrated event.

What is it called Christmas in July?

Christmas in July, which is also known as Yulefest or Yuletide in Australia, is generally the coldest month of winter. While we have summer in the United States, Australia has winter. Celebrations emulate the atmosphere of the northern hemisphere winter. So that means hearty food like roasts, and warm drinks in front of fireplaces and bonfires.

Many Aussies, in particular those ex-northern hemisphere residents, thought something was needed to brighten up the winter months. This is where the concept of ‘Christmas in July’ comes in. It is usually celebrated on 25th July and is getting more and more popular as the years go by!

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What Day is Christmas in July?

Although there isn’t a nationally recognized holiday day, Christmas in July is typically celebrated on July 25th.

Who Started Christmas in July and why?

Christmas in July Started at This Girls Summer Camp in 1935The unorthodox celebration originated at Keystone Camp on July 24, 1935, complete with gift exchanges, Santa Claus and cotton imitation snow. From there, it was an annual tradition that remains ingrained in camp policy today.

Gifts From The Garden For A Stress Free Holiday

Christmas is my absolute favorite time of year. I enjoy all of the holiday festivities like baking cookies, having cocoa by the fire, and watching some of our favorite movies snuggled under the blankets. What I don’t enjoy is stressing about gifts- shopping in particular.

As we get older, the more we care about the time we spend together than the things we spend money on. Gifts that are homemade or handmade are more precious than anything one can buy at the store. Homemade gifts are special, they are telling the receiver that not only did you think about them, but you also spent your time and energy making something just for them.

Gifts From The Garden

Summer is a time where our gardens are in full swing, it’s the perfect time to make gifts for the holidays. Make them now so you can have a stress free holiday later and have time to enjoy the simple moments.

Extracts

Homemade extracts are so incredibly easy to make and very cost effective.
Some of them take a couple of months to cure, now is the perfect time to make them so they are ready in time for the holiday season.
To use an extract for gift-giving, use a pretty glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid, place in a basket with your favorite recipe using that extract and include a whisk or a cookie cutter.

• Vanilla Extract
• Almond Extract
• Mint Extract
• Lemon extract
• Stevia Extract – Stevia Extract is a perfect gift for those on your list who avoid sugar sweeteners.

Jellies & Jams

Not a whole lot can be compared to the goodness of homemade jelly and a warm slice of bread out of the oven.
When I give my jams and jellies for the holidays, I normally include a fresh loaf of bread- the two just go together.

• Low Sugar No Pectin Blueberry Jam
• Low Sugar Strawberry Jam and Strawberry Banana Jam
• Peach Jam Two Ways- Peach Vanilla and Fuzzy Navel 
• Yellow Pear Tomato Jam
• Strawberry Jam with no Commercial Pectin
• Hot Pepper Jelly
• Grape Jam
• Queen Anne’s Lace Flower Jelly
• Cantaloupe Jam

Vinegar and Herbal Infusions

Infused Vinegars are visually pleasing and rarely need any dressing up. Place your vinegar in a nice glass bottle with a ribbon or bow and your gift is complete.

Wines and Liqueurs

What is a holiday without a nice toddy by the fireplace? Wines and Liqueurs are a homemade gift every adult on your list will love.

• Blackberry Cordial and Simple Syrup 
• Black Walnut Liqueur 
• Berry Infused Vodka or Liqueur 
• Elderberry Wine
• Quackgrass Wine
• Rhubarb Cherry Wine

Sauces

You can take the ordinary and make it extraordinary with a beautiful presentation of your homemade canned goods. Grab an inexpensive wicker basket or saucepan and place a jar of your homemade Spaghetti Sauce in it along with a box of pasta and a wooden spoon. Food baskets make the perfect gifts to give during the busy holiday season when people have little time to cook.

• Best Ever Spaghetti Sauce
• Home Canned Salsa
• Seasoned Tomato Sauce
• Pickled Beets

Herbal Gifts From The Garden

Turn any dish into a gourmet when sprinkled with herbal salts and the whole family will enjoy helping with herbal jewelry and lip balms.

• Basil Sea Salt
• Homemade Poultry Seasoning
• DIY Mosquito Repelling Necklace
• Herbal Bath Salts
• Beads and Jewelry 
• 4 DIY Natural Skin Care Products

Want to know more about drying herbs? We have a step-by-step tutorial How To Dry Herbs Without Electricity

 

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