Here’s a simple as can be Christmas Journal to use for journaling, Christmas list or any holiday writing. Check out the directions at: Favecrafts 

The members of MHH forums have been blogging Christmas in July. Using journal prompts they are writing down their reflections, thoughts, dreams and memories! You can read all about it HERE.

Isn’t this a beautiful display? You might think it cost quite a bit in a retail store but guess what, over at In My Own Style, you can read about how this wonderful Christmas display was created using junk from a resale shop!  In tough economic times there’s no reason to spend a fortune when you can create something this breath taking for pennies and a bit of effort.

Currently there are some pages under construction here at Magical Holiday Home. The Great Pumpkin Day page and the Rudolph Day page have under went some changes. I think the framework listed on each page will help with year round holiday preparations and provide a monthly focus. Those pages are just the beginning. Additional information, ideas, recipes and crafts will be added weekly.

The Celebrate Me page is next on the list followed closely by Turkey Day and Hippity Hoppity Day.  After that each of the Monthly Magic pages will be updated and coordinated with the “special day” lists. Each page is designed to help you organize and prepare for holidays. Holidays help create memories and joy within families and make our lives richer. Magical Holiday Home is honored to share them with you!

It’s one of my favorite Rudolph Days….Rudolph Day during Christmas in July. As strange as it sounds, this is truly the beginning of the holiday season for me. From now until the end of the year, the focus will be on holiday prep and the home!

As posted earlier, July is Finish Stocking Stuffers Month…so before the next Rudolph Day (in August) rolls around I plan to have my stocking stuffers bought, stored, and ready for Christmas Eve!

Another focus for July: Christmas Cards. For those that make handmade cards figuring out the design and creating the cards takes time so this early start is a must. If you use store bought cards then take some time to sign them now and perhaps even address envelopes. At the very least, update your Christmas Card List.

I have a fun announcement for this special Christmas in July Rudolph Day and that is a new site called RudolphDay.com   As Rudolph Day has gained popularity across the internet, James from WhyChristmas.com had the great idea of purchasing the .com name. It sat idle for quite some time and then a few weeks ago he brought it to my attention.  Some members of the Christmas Crew from the Merry  Network started developing it. Rudolph Day will be authored by several members of the Merry Network, myself included. We plan to follow the outline from Magical Holiday Home as far as monthly focus and ideas for monthly tasks. In addition, there will be crafts, monthly recipes, and traditions to read about and explore. Who knows…there might even be a few posts by Rudolph himself!  So take a few minutes to visit the new site and post a comment or two. We love feedback and suggestions.

Merry Christmas in July and Happy Rudolph Day!!!

A “Night Before Christmas” theme would be wonderful for Christmas Eve dinner or a holiday party.  Use these place cards, little stockings for the silverware, and a Santa centerpiece to round out your holiday table!

Make sure you scroll down and see her step by step directions for making Big Mac Cookies

Here’s a way to use up old puzzle pieces. It’s a frugal yet cute Christmas craft. You can find the simple directions for this cute little star at About.com Family Crafts.

Over at the Old Christmas Barn, blogger Jacqueline, is getting in the swing of Christmas in July. Just look at her cute little CIJ tree that she has up in her kitchen. Isn’t it adorable? With some lights, pine cones and snowmen, she has created the perfect little accent for July!!

• It’s Christmas in July. This is the month for a bit of Christmas fun and a little Christmas prep. Here at MHH, it’s Finish Stocking Stuffers Month….so be on the lookout for cute little items!
• Get out your Christmas notebook and make sure it’s up to date….we are moving into the second half of the year and Christmas is just around the corner.

Simple Pleasures:

• It’s time for a pedicure. there’s nothing better for tired feet!
• Find a little corner table or shelf….and create a fun little display…something inspiring….I enjoy shells, ocean pictures and little trinkets from the beach. Put them together and make a relaxing display that soothes the mind.
• Grilling season is in full swing. Browse through your recipes and find a nice new marinade to try. Life is for living and interesting flavors make it even more enjoyable!
• Visit the farmer’s market for fresh produce and vegetables at the height of their flavor!
• Take an evening stroll and enjoy the cool breeze of the evening hours.
• Spend a little time each day in your flower beds or garden. Early morning or late evening. Think of it as a labor of love and you will reap the benefits. 

Magical Holiday Home Highlights:

• It’s not too late to join us for some Christmas in July Magic….on the boards….we are having a weekly cookoff, weekly giveaways, and crafts. Please check out the creative ideas our members come up with!
• KimLovesSnow…has collected some wonderful Christmas Tips from members and is posting one a day…these are so simple and yet very helpful!
• Pixiestick is leading us through Christmas Journaling this month. What fun to write down Christmas memories and thoughts by following the prompts she posts.
• It’s just the beginning of the holiday season here at MHH (yes we start early).

Ginger’s Message:  The Long Haul

It’s easy to get frustrated when there’s so much to do and time seems to slip by. I look around and think…”this is never going to get done.” Yet what is the alternative? To give up and do nothing? Not really wise. So I play a little game and find at least two or three things to accomplish a day and then I rejoice that they are finished. It may be something really little like sorting some magazines or cleaning under the bathroom sink. Little things make a difference and they release energy for me to move forward into another chore, project, or adventure.

As I write this I realize that the goals, the projects, the chores, are all under my direction. No one is telling me that this HAS to be done…it’s just me…I am the painter of the portrait of my home….my life….it’s time to realize that the cycle never ends…there will always be something that needs to be done….so thinking I will get the a finish line is counter productive…there is no finish line!

So little accomplishments are just as important as big ones…and the joy they bring is important. In the end….I’m in this for the long haul and I shall just keep smiling and know that what I do get accomplished is exactly as it should be!