If you always dream of hand knitting cozy scarves, creating one-of-a-kind ornaments, or making batches of delicious jam at Christmas, but don’t get started until November, make this year different! Christmas in July is the perfect time to dive into those craft projects.
For anyone who knows me, I tend to be Christmas-obsessed… 12 months of the year. But there is something about the yearly mid-way point in July that really gets me thinking about how I can make this the best, most stress-free holiday ever.
Starting your holiday crafting now means less anxiety, more creativity, and a truly joyful holiday season when December rolls around.
Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just dipping your toe into handmade holidays, July is a great time to make festive decor, t thoughtful gifts, and heartwarming kitchen treats. Your future self will thank you!
Holiday Decor to Craft Now
Handmade Ornaments. Ornaments are small, portable, and easy to work on in short bursts. Try your hand at salt dough ornaments with the kids, embroidered felt shapes, paper quilling, or painted wood slices. Create a themed set to give away (or add to your own tree). Make sure to sign and date them for future generations!
Personalized Advent Calendar. One of my kids’ favorite Christmas traditions was always the hanging of our advent calendar. (A silly felt and sparkly affair that was the signal that Christmas was near.) This summer, take some time to design your own personalized advent calendar. You can use fabric, paper envelopes, or small boxes, and fill them with little surprises or treats closer to December. With time on your side, you can personalize it for your kids, partner… even your pets.
Wreaths. No holiday is complete at my house without one… or two! Start crafting holiday wreaths using natural materials like pinecones, twigs, and dried citrus slices. Store-bought faux greenery can also be used to make both elegant or more whimsical styles (some of the new sprays available are incredibly realistic). Crafting wreaths now gives you plenty of time to experiment with designs and materials.
Garlands & Bunting. Make a strand of crocheted stars, sewn felt holly leaves, or popcorn-and-cranberry alternatives using wood beads. Use garlands on mantels, doorways, or staircases for a festive look that’s unique and handmade. Or, try one of my personal faves – British inspired bunting (Click here for more bunting ideas.)
Gifts to Make Ahead
Knit or Crocheted Accessories. One of my daughters is something of a knitting expert. She has made scarves, hats, mittens, garlands, blankets, and even cozy socks as gifts for years. These gifts are oh-so-appreciated for their usefulness and beauty. But, the amount of time these pieces take means that, unless you are a speed knitter, you should start now!
Handmade Candles. Create candles in festive scents like cinnamon, pine, or vanilla. Use mason jars, teacups, or reusable tins. Personalize each one with tags or labels and store in a cool, dry place until gifting time. (Click here for a full tutorial on making candles.)
Photo Gifts. Sort through your favorite photos and design calendars, framed prints, or scrapbooks. You can even make ornaments featuring family photos printed on wood or transferred onto fabric. Last year, I gave my son a collage of framed photos of he and aa dozen of his closest friends over the years – from T-ball teammates, to first cars, to college graduations, to weddings. It was the hit gift of the holiday.
Homemade Spa Kits. Combine bath salts, sugar scrubs, and lip balms into a pampering gift set. Look for simple recipes using essential oils and natural ingredients. Package them in pretty containers with handmade tags or a custom tote. (Incorporating thrifted items such as unique glass jars and baskets makes this even more personal.)
Personalized Mugs or Tumblers. These are easier than you might think! Use vinyl decals, permanent markers, or paint pens to customize mugs or travel tumblers with festive messages or names. Closer to Christmas, fill them with cocoa mix, tea bags, gourmet coffee, chocolate spoons, or stick candy.
Jewelry. Never made jewelry before? No worries! Clasps, pins backs and findings are readily available at craft stores. And searching for materials is half the fun – thrifted pieces can be reimagined to create trendy new looks. One of my personal go-to faves is to create simple bead necklaces and bracelets. Broken necklaces, or those that look passé as is, can easily be reworked into new looks. (It is especially nice to incorporate bits from inherited pieces.)
From the Kitchen: Edible Gifts to Prep Now
Homemade Jams and Preserves. Summer fruits are in season now, so it’s the perfect for canning and preserving. Make extra batches of strawberry jam, peach preserves, or blueberry compote to gift in December. Add fabric toppers, ribbons and personalized labels for a festive look (One of my good friends makes a Triple Berry Jam every Christmas and I look forward to it every year!)
Infused Vinegar. Create gourmet gifts with herbs, citrus peel, or chili peppers infused in vinegar. These require at least a few weeks to steep, so summer is the perfect time to begin.
Homemade Vanilla Extract. Vanilla extract is one of the simplest gifts to prepare ahead. Combine vanilla beans and vodka in small bottles and let them infuse for several months. By December, you’ll have a fragrant, flavorful gift that the bakers on your list will love! (For my favorite, easy vanilla extract recipe, visit The Pioneer Woman.)
Cookie and Brownie Mix Jars. Layer dry ingredients for your favorite cookie recipes in mason jars. Tie on a personal recipe card and a holiday ribbon. They store beautifully and make adorable gifts (especially good for the many teacher, coaches and school staff that make be on your holiday list).
Celebrating Christmas in July doesn’t just mean watching holiday movies with the AC blasting (although I love that for you, honestly). It’s about getting a jump-start on the season that brings so much joy. By spreading out your crafting, gift-making, and edible gifts prep, you can avoid at least some of the December crunch. So, pull out your glitter, ribbons, mixing bowls, and crochet hooks. It may be 90 degrees outside, but it’s time to start crafting the most wonderful time of the year!
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