10 Joyful Ways to Celebrate Christmas in July!

Who doesn’t love a good Christmas In July party?? Each year, my family breaks out the tinsel and jingle bells, decks out the porch and lawn, and enjoys our favorite holiday dishes under the sun. As the time for this annual celebration draws near, I began thinking: what would it really mean to have Christmas in July?
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​Depending on the beliefs and traditions of your family, Christmas can look a variety of ways. However, I think most would agree that Christmas is generally characterized by love, goodwill, and charity. How amazing would it be to infuse summer with a little of that giving spirit? THAT is a Christmas in July I could get on board with!
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​In celebration of this most wonderful time of year, I have come up with 10 fun ways you too can spread a little joy this July! 
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1. Donate to a local charity

Many charities survive off of holiday giving for the rest of the year. Give them a joyous boost this summer so they can continue to do good for others!

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​2. Volunteer at a charity

​Charitable organizations are often flooded with volunteers during the holidays, but find themselves begging for help throughout the rest of the year. Make their day and donate a few hours to a good cause!

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​3. Bake cookies for your neighbor

These days, it isn’t rare to not know the name of one other family on the block. Take a few minutes to introduce yourself and chat when you drop off your treats.
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​4. Sing at a nursing home

Much like charities, nursing homes receive countless visitors during the holidays, but few visit on the off season. Adding to the issue is the fact that many family members are only able to take time off work to see their loved ones during Christmas, so summer can be a lonely time for those in nursing homes. Put together a small musical show, read a book out loud, or simply visit and talk with the community members.  You’ll probably hear some great stories!
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5. Leave a treat for your garbage collector or mailman

Those summer days can be long and hot! Leave a cool drink and a kind note to show your appreciation!
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6. Donate toys and make cards for kids at the local children’s hospital
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7. Make a conscious decision to smile and greet everyone you see

This is something small that can have a big impact.
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8. Be a secret Santa!

Buy a little gift or make a card for a coworker, friend, or family member and leave it for them anonymously
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​9. Mow your neighbor’s lawn

The snow may have melted, but there is still outdoor work to be done! There is nothing quite so wonderful as coming home after a long day of work to see your lawn has been freshly mowed!
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​10. Pay for someone behind you in line

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​Do you celebrate Christmas in July? Tell us how you spread the joy in the comments below!
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​It’s never too early to start picking up gifts for Christmas in December!  With their fun, creative, and educational qualities, nothing makes a better gift than a book. Pick up a copy of This Is A. Blob today!

​This is A. Blob is a masterfully illustrated picture book suitable for children ages 4-8. Written by Lori Kefalos, author of several animated shorts, including “Who’s that Knocking,” “Chug,” and “Croc, Pots and Wildebeests,” which was nominated for Best Independent Short Short, Ages 5-8, at the 2009 Kid’s First Film Festival and for best short at The Los Angeles Women’s International Film Festival, This is A. Blob is the first of a series following this bully.

This first installment follows the antics of A. Blob, a slimy, purple, blob-like creature who wreaks havoc on the elementary school playground with its bullying ways. As the story progresses, however, readers learn that A. Blob may have more than meets the eye.

Along with its powerful illustrations and rhymed verse for early readers, this story invites children to put themselves in the shoes of another. The book encourages readers to consider why bullies behave the way they do – and start to consider what can be done to help.

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​​BOOK 2 NOW AVAILABLE!​
A. Blob is back, and this time it's on a bus! As the slimy bully pokes and pesters the children of Lincoln Elementary School, it seems like they will never be able to ride the bus in peace. That is, until one brave girl takes stand. 

Can one act of bravery change everything--including A. Blob? Find out in this second installment of The Blob Series!