Unwrapping Christmas in the sweltering heat of July

Many of my family, friends, and readers know I am a procrastinator by choice. So for me to begin any task early is a miracle in and of itself.

I knew summer was going to be busy so I began pondering weeks ago what I wanted to write about for the month of July. Impressed?

My thoughts have been about how to spread peace, love, and hope in the midst of all the strife and unrest, turmoil and suffering that is going on in the world.

Perhaps, what we all need is a little Christmas in July. Let your heart be light.

Frosty the Snowman, White Christmas, Winter Wonderland, Let it Snow — all kindle imagery of the winter holiday. I can almost feel a chill in the air.

My inquiring mind had me searching Google to find out why the second month of summer merriment began.

Historical roots of the mid-season secular Christmas-themed entertainment date back quite a few years. Celebrations began in the year 1933, specifically on the 24th and 25th of July.

The unofficial southern-roots holiday originated as a tradition at Keystone Camp, a camp for girls in Brevard, N.C. Fannie Holt, co-founder of the camp, is credited for launching the bright idea.

She thought perhaps celebrating Christmas in July would be a summertime escape from the blistering-hot days. Fake snow, Santa, trees, decorations, lights, carolers, and presents helped to make the hot days of summer merry.

The girls used laundry bags as makeshift stockings and hung them with care outside cabin doors. The hope was that a jolly ole’ soul would leave a few sweet treats.

Campers were encouraged to craft a gift for giving. One of the counselors at Keystone received a “bejeweled toilet plunger decorated with feathers and glitter.” Now that is a gift that keeps on giving. Put that on your list.

Everyone likes to receive a thoughtful gift. Although I don’t consider myself a sentimental person, I do have a few treasures that continue to make my heart grow three sizes.

Hanging on my living room wall is a piece of cedar from my grandpappy's woodshop my children took and decorated with their own personal artwork and gave to me one Mother’s Day. An invaluable gift.

When I was 12 years old, my grandpappy made and gifted me with a jewelry box and my granny gave me a sterling silver spoon ring. Memorable gifts.

While at the top of Seven Falls in Colorado Springs, Colo., my husband gifted me with a pewter spoon ring to commemorate our 30th wedding anniversary. Adorning my dresser is a musical snow globe with two turtle doves inside that my true love gave to me for a special occasion. Cherished gifts!

According to The Emily Post, “Gifting is a way for us all to show affection and spread positivity with those we care about. A great gift can be hugely meaningful and something that both the giver and receiver remember for a long time.” So, give it some thought and bless another with a gift. Remember to wrap it in pretty paper and tie it up with ribbon and bows. Everyone likes to unwrap a gift.

Maybe just not a plunger.

Slowly over the years, jingle July festivities became a cultural staple for many and still exist today.

In 1940, the comedy film “Christmas in July,” featuring Dick Powell, Ellen Drew, and Raymond Walbourn, spread cheer across the country.

The United States Postal Service began a similar drive during the World War II years to send gifts to soldiers overseas.

In 1942, according to the Courier Journal, a church in Washington, D.C., began a Christmas in July summer drive collecting gifts for missions around the world to be distributed just in time for the traditional Christmas holiday.

Last week, my favorite sister and her sister-in-law, Suzanne All, accompanied me on a road trip to North Carolina to attend a family wedding.

Chatter along the way included details for icing 300 cupcakes, the latest happenings in Covington, the Apostles' Creed, and the 2025 Christmas in July Hallmark films.

I am willing to bet a few candy canes that some of you have already donned an ugly Christmas sweater, cozied up with the air-conditioning cranked up, tuned in to the Hallmark channel. The entire month of July you can watch both classics and a new series.

If you bring your own frozen hot chocolate and Boom Chicka Pop Kettle corn, Kathleen and Suzanne may be willing to host you girls this weekend for a movie night. The last of the four-part series “Unwrapping Christmas” airs Saturday.

Bah, humbug.

We checked into our abode for the few days of celebration. I carried my few belongings upstairs to the room where I would be sleeping.

On the nightstand was a plaque that read, “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” Although I don’t think the words were specifically referring to the winter holiday, I did immediately think of Christmas.

The song, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” is a popular holiday song that was written in 1963 by Edward Pola and George Wyle. The song was recorded that year by pop singer Andy Williams. It sets the tone for a celebration for sure.

I am sure you know some of the lyrics by heart. Kids jingle belling. “Be of good cheer!” It’s the hap-happiest season of all. Parties for hosting. Marshmallows for toasting. Caroling out in the snow. Much mistletoeing. Hearts will be glowing when loved ones are near. Sounds perfect for celebrating.

“What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?” asked the Grinch.

Christmas is not just a once a year tradition. You see, Christmas is indeed the most wonderful time of the year.

The greatest gift and the perfect reason for celebrating Christmas is “Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord; Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary.”

The Son of God was sent to earth to save humanity from their sins. Christmas is a season to celebrate the glorious reality of grace-undeserved pardon. The peace, love, hope the world needs is found in Christ alone.

“If Christmas is just a nice legend, in a sense you are on your own. But if Christmas is true, then you can be saved by grace,” said Timothy Keller.

Unwrap the gift.