Christmas in July

Once upon a time, many many years ago, in a classroom set high up in the trees, I was a teacher and my students were my children. 

We were blessed with a  comfortable classroom on the second floor with an exceptional view into the woods. Every change of season was breathtaking. Squirrels outside the window captivated my children’s attention with their silly antics. Daydreaming was a given on any day, by any one of us. Teacher included. 

We could schedule the school year as we wanted as long as we got in our 180 days. We often balanced generous breaks and school time throughout the whole year. One thing was certain, if we were in school, music was playing in the background. Classical, Selah, mountain music with the hammered dulcimer, along with a variety of other music. But…in July, it was Christmas. 

All through my years, the desire to listen to Christmas music began in July. Christmas movies typically started on Halloween night. (I’m not a big fan of Halloween.) 

Fast forward to today, I’ve been under the weather for about a week and a half. To make things easier on myself, I baked a turkey on Sunday. Today I made turkey potpie. And as I cooked, I watched a Christmas movie. Although currently I won’t eat potpie, my husband found it to be delicious.

There’s something about the holiday season that I crave. Yes, even in July. I believe it’s the closeness of family and friends in the comfort of a warm home. Laughter and love, common ground. Snowy pines with glowing watercolor lights from within its branches. The smells of holiday baking. A time for slowing down from the busyness of the summer. Yes, I love it all. 

Just so you understand, I’m not rushing the summer. I am enjoying this summer. (Well, except for the past week and a half.) My love for winter is waning as I get older. But…Christmas is different. It’s a season of its own. For me it begins in October, at the Park County Covered Bridge Festival and ends on Christmas Day. Just one long holiday. Sometimes I am able to squeeze in that last week before New Years too, but not always. 

Until then, I will enjoy Christmas in July. 🎶🎶🎄🎶🎶🎄🎶🎶

♥️

Andi