Part II by Contributing columnist Rebecca aka Raige Creations

Slide photo courtesy of All About The Buttons

Normally I am the type who embraces summer with no thoughts of the winter, cold, snow, or holiday shopping. Christmas is the last thing on my mind. I usually don’t even think of buying Christmas gifts until after Thanksgiving. Even then it is just a ’something I should think about doing soon’ sort of thought. Before I know it, Christmas is 2 weeks away and I NEED to start shopping. Those days are full of grasping, arguing about what to get, and quick! Needless to say, stress and desperation are the feelings that prevail until December 26th. Inevitably, I end up with generic, meaningless gifts that are relegated to the ‘donate’ bag by Easter. Year after year, I make a vow not to repeat these actions again. Yet while soaking up the sun and wasting away the lazy days of summer, I came to the realization that I was on the path to make the same mistake again this year. The rays of the sun and the sounds of nature reassured me there was still plenty of time. But then there was talk of Christmas in July by retailers. “Christmas? Now?” I thought. “Too soon!”, the sun tried to convince me. But after some contemplation, maybe this wasn’t a bad idea. Perhaps, just perhaps, the seasonal spell which had seemingly been cast, had falsely assured this weather would last. Logic crept in and started eating away at my summer fantasies. Not willing to completely surrender to reality, I managed to make my way to the house for the laptop to casually surf the web as I returned to worship the sun.

I found that Christmas in July celebrations can be traced back to 1933 in North Carolina. It didn’t take long after for the retail world to take advantage of this marketing opportunity in a time of generally slow sales. The first mention of Christmas in July in advertising was back in 1950, specifically “It’s Christmas in July at Browning King” (advertisement), The New York Times, July 20, 1950, p. 16. (Thank you Wikipedia) Since then, various retailers have used this campaign to stimulate sales, and the community of Handmade sellers are no different.

Sellers of Handmade and vintage items through most venues have completely embraced this tool, and you will be happy to find wonderful deals on all kinds of treasures. Off one wave, onto another as I surf some of my favorite sites and found a few unexpected discoveries.

To get in the Christmas spirit, perhaps some Nostalgic Victorian Childrens Christmas Gift Tags, by Southern Ladys Vintage. Gift tags are one of the things which we all need but never remember to buy until the last minute – or is that just me?

Let’s not forget the necessities for entertaining family and friends that is usually ’slim pickings’ in the weeks before Christmas. Green plastic plates usually adorn my table by default as festive serving dishes are always a last minute thought. But not this year. Resetar Glass Art Studio has a great solution, a White Christmas Tree Fused Glass Plate. Perfect for the hors d’oeuvres to go with the wine or the pastries and eggnog.
Speaking of wine, it would be nice to have an accessory to go with that too. These Wine Sock Bags by Catfluff, are also on sale for Christmas in July. The beauty of these is they can be used all fall, winter, or whenever, or even make great gifts for someone on your list.
Gift giving is a part of Christmas that we should look forward to, but for some, the mass produced commercial bombardment of options have left us dreading the shopping experience. For me, it has been particularly discouraging as I normally scramble to find something at the last minute at the nearest Super Center that the recipient would even want. I have discovered the Christmas in July sales provide the means to shop without the normal stressors of shopping in December. I can casually browse online and buy beautiful, handmade items made with care and full of meaning, without the crowded lines, the inevitble panic and grasping – and get a great deal!
I like to give gifts with significance to an individual that can be used year round. This Herb Gardening Planter, by AndrewsReclaimed on Etsy, is perfect for those people that love fresh herbs. Just pick up this set (BOGO sale!), either plant their favorite herbs or include a few packs of seeds, and it’s a gift that gives well past Christmas. That’s 2 gifts done in a single purchase.

What about those that are difficult to buy for? Yes, I know we all have them on our list, and it is particularly difficult because you have to get something for each one. This solution may be just the thing. A Catchall for all the little things they bring home and throw on the nearest table, or placed somewhere and forget where it was. Now they can can have a dedicated spot for such necessities or eccentricities. One can hope to achieve organization. A few family members of the male gender come to mind and would certainly benefit from more than one of these. Feltplanet is offering these great organizers in many colors and sizes of for any style and taste.

Rounding out the list are those teens who want everything new and trendy and cool. Those that fall into that category on our lists by far cause the most stress at Christmastime, not to mention the rest of the year. But a small token to let them know we ‘get it’ is usually appreciated. This Goth Rock Chic Skellington Cell Phone Charm, by itsmythingdesigns on Zibbet, might do the trick.
So now that I fully embrace Christmas in July and buying Handmade and Vintage, I encourage you to do the same. These are just a few examples of the variety and abundance of unique items that I stumbled upon browsing the Christmas in July Sales. Imagine what you you will be able to find. Rest assured, it will be a holiday season without the stress of frantic shopping! This year I am actually looking forward to wrapping meaningful, one of a kind gifts for those special people on my list. I never thought summer would include such pleasant thoughts of Christmas. This is definitely going to become part of my summer routine. And remember the sunscreen!

Don’t forget to check out Nikkie’s Part I on Christmas In July specials, artfire studios,Zibbet and Etsy spotlights for more great shops that may be having special summer promotions.

Edited by Barbra aka: All About The Buttons

Message from the publisher: As our holiday season creeps in to an end, enjoy the slideshow created by LindaGJ that displays one of the things that we all love about the holidays, young and old. Christmas Lights. Some of us adore our trees, our windows, our wreaths and others become very creative and “really go to town” it is truely handmade in the making! Speaking of Town and speaking of creativity…enjoy the light show at the Heights and Happy New Years!

By Contributing columnist LindaGJ aka LindaGJ

This year was the 22nd yr. of Lights in the Heights which is one of Houston’s Christmas Events. But what makes it extra special is the eclectic nature of the neighborhood. The Heights is a magnet for the quirky & off beat, the place where artists & musicians live, as well as young professionals who buy their homes there & are willing to restore & want a short commute since it is near downtown. The Heights is the “cool” , “hip” part of Houston & it’s like a small town in the center of the big corporate and suburban city. It has businesses that visitors will not find anywhere else & I’ve been watching it grow & change as far back as I can remember.

Growing up as an artsy person, it’s where I felt truly at home where the artsy people hang!

The Heights is well known for its history & beautiful Victorian homes & was the very 1st planned community in the city in 1887. Some of the oldest homes are found are found there! The Houston Height’s Association, formed in 1973 to uphold & protect the neighborhood’s unique ambiance.

The Lights in the Heights brings the whole neighborhood together and attracts people from all over the city on one special night.

There is a Santa drawn by a horse driven carriage, a small parade, Clydesdale horses, carolers, bells playing Christmas tunes, bands of all kinds from all parts of the world and styles. I was overwhelmed this year & did not make it all the way through the event, & could not catch up to take pictures of Santa or the parade turning the corner a few blocks away.

I’ve been there so many times, I’ve grown to learn each time will be a different experience, but what an experience it is! I only captured a small part of this special night in my little slide show and I certainly hope you enjoy it and I hope you will be able to get a glimpse of what I am talking about when I say it’s very Enchanting and Magical!
And Remember to:
ENJOY THIS SEASON & MAKE IT LAST ALL YEAR ROUND!

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From the publisher, HAPPY HOLIDAYS to everyone! Enjoy this amazing “Ets Lights” slideshow that was put together by LindaGJ she is so wonderfully creative and puts so much effort into her beautiful slideshows…so all of us can enjoy!

Thanks for stopping by Indiesmiles and we hope that you do return soon! em>

By Contributing Columnist LindaGJ aka LindaGJ

Lights from a few of the Etsy Artists
One of the things I look forward to during the Christmas time of year are all the enchanting beautiful lights that gives me this overwhelmingly magical feeling that I wish would last all year. No matter what religion you believe in, if you are happy or sad, all is welcome to enjoy the bright lights of Christmas. I just had to visit Etsy.com to see what kind of Handmade Lights were portrayed by these wonderful artisans. Wow, I was not disappointed at all in what I found! All the ingredients I needed were there to make up this recipe of my Enchanting, Beautiful, Overwhelmingly Magical Feeling that I wish could last all year!

This slide video is only a handful of what I found. If you are interested in visiting and/or purchasing any of these shops portrayed in the video, please point your mouse over the image and it will freeze the picture so you can jot down their shop address!

ENJOY THIS SEASON & MAKE IT LAST ALL YEAR ROUND!