#HowToHoliday
Your Christmas in July Guide
#HowToHoliday 2023 Checklist
What is the American Christmas Tree Association’s number-one recommendation this year? Make Christmas in July your holiday season kickoff! Use the summer season to take stock of your existing holiday décor items and make your shopping list for the Christmas season! Identifying décor needs before the holiday rush will help you find the best prices, shop planfully, and develop a holiday budget well before the rush of the season.
Use the checklist to guide your holiday shopping needs between now and the Christmas season!
When to Plan
According to the National Retail Federation, in 2022, 60% of consumers started planning and buying holiday items by early November. Get a jump on the early November shoppers by beginning your holiday planning on Christmas in July!
Christmas Tree Storage, Cleaning & Care
For consumers who celebrate Christmas with an artificial Christmas tree, celebrating Christmas in July is a perfect time to check in on tree storage and make sure your tree is ready for the Christmas season. Proper artificial Christmas tree storage, cleaning, and care is essential to maintaining your tree for the long term. Use these Christmas tree care and maintenance tips to help your tree look its best season after season. (Balsam Hill)
Christmas Tree Storage
Properly storing your tree is a key step in ensuring its longevity! It is important to check that your tree is:
Stored in a durable storage bag.
Stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat or sunlight.
Christmas Tree Cleaning and Care
While checking on your tree storage, you can remove the tree from its storage bag or box to check for any areas that may need repair or attention before Christmas decorating.
Use a dense fiber duster or a clean, dry cloth to lightly dust your tree. If the tree is pre-lit, be careful while working around the lights.
Avoid using water, soap, vinegar, or other cleaning agents on your tree.
What is Christmas in July?
According to Southern Living, Christmas in July was first celebrated at a summer camp in 1933 in Brevard, North Carolina. The Keystone Camp in Brevard dedicated July 24 and 25 to the holiday. In 1940, the holiday hit pop culture with the movie Christmas in July. But in the 1950s, retailers loved the concept and started celebrating the holiday with Christmas in July sales.
Now, consumers across the U.S. celebrate the holiday by throwing Christmas-themed parties, hosting Christmas movie marathons, participating in Christmas crafting, and planning gift exchanges among friends.
#HowToHoliday 2023 Checklist
Did You Know?
There are long-term cost savings associated with artificial Christmas trees that can be used year-over-year. Artificial trees are used for an average of 10 years, but most are guaranteed for 20 years.
(The American Christmas Tree Association (ACTA)
2023 Christmas Décor Trends
Want the inside scoop on 2023 holiday décor trends? We got you covered!
Vintage items, family heirlooms, and antiques will be making a comeback.
Using natural items like pinecones, dried fruits, and twigs to decorate interiors will be popular. See some of our favorite ways natural items were used in 2022.
In 2022, metals and metallics were all the rage. This year, we expect many households to integrate those elements throughout their homes.
Classic Christmas colors, like red, green, and gold, will never go out of style! Find traditional Christmas colors to bring cheer to your home.
What is the most significant décor trend of all? Decorating early! A Wakefield Research survey from 2022 found that 79% of participants agreed that the earlier they decorate for Christmas, the more holiday spirit they experience. 55% of respondents even started decorating before Thanksgiving.