Xmas in July
When did Christmas in July become a thing? Were we not paying attention? Has it just been a slow creep over the last several years? Will I see Halloween costumes in CVS next week? Candy canes in August? This year is going by too fast and there has been a lot to handle. And we would like to get off the roller coaster … even for a short breather!
Christmas in July? Thanks, but no thanks. As consumers, we hate it. As business owners, we’re ambivalent. Just when we’re finally in summer mode - in shorts and flip flops, sundresses and straw hats - growing herbs in outdoor pots, getting into our summer reading, grilling, eating watermelon, strawberries and fresh tomatoes; biking, hiking, kayaking and swimming … putting our toes in the sand and playing corn hole. Maybe picking up a paintbrush or a power washer. Summer can be reinvigorating and renewing; family-filled and fun.
And then one day you get the email. Christmas in July. Someone is already buying holiday gifts. Or maybe they’ve finished their shopping. Does it stress you out?
This email is not meant to stress you out at all. We just wanted to tell you that we get it. We aren’t ready for the holidays either. In fact, we are still waiting for some of our inventory. But we would like to take this mid-year milestone to say a quick word about family and family traditions with regard to the holidays: everyone seems to love them! Every year at the holidays, we put up the same decorations, cook traditional meals, bake well-loved, tried and true cookies. We buy a fresh tree or bring down the permanent one from the attic. We light the treasured family menorah. We hang the same ornaments and the same stockings every year and set up the same creche. It would seem like sacrilege to do something different. And yet, for some reason, we go out and buy these new rolls of wrapping paper, ribbon and tape - and a lot of it!- and then just throw it all away. Does that make any sense? This year, why not consider adding beautiful sustainable fabric gift wrap to your family traditions. You can use it for the holidays and then reuse it all year long. The same sheets work for the holidays and for summertime, too. Ditch the single-use wrapping paper and make the switch!
We will reach out to you again in the fall and will be very excited to show you our new fabrics which include a stunning Liberty of London berry print we LOVE and think you will, too.
In the meantime, please resume your regularly scheduled summer. Enjoy!