Photo by The Sharpteam
Today we are celebrating Christmas in July with my husband’s extended family.
No-Really! For about the last 6 years we’ve done this. Instead of having everyone try to drive and get together when the weather is cold, icy and dangerous~and when everyone’s schedules are filled to the brim to boot~we get together in July.
My dear sweet Mother in law is the hostess. She gets out her small tree, decorates the living room and prepares the feast. Clams and BBQ 🙂 Everyone brings a dish to pass. This year I’m bringing my Fruit Kabobs again by request.
All my husbands Aunts & Uncles are there as well as most of his cousins (all grown) and the various kiddos. The kids get their Christmas presents today from the extended family (Nana and the closest Aunt & Uncle give on the real Christmas) and we give to all the other youngsters. The adults do a $10 Yankee Gift Swap, which is always fun.
We also have a birthday cake to celebrate the fact that 2 family members (Buddy is one of them) have their birthdays in July.
Kids run around outside screaming, adults sit on lawn chairs under the pole barn and chat, we all eat. For entertainment we do the gift swapping inside in front of the tree. The kids play with their new toys while the adults drink coffee, eat cake and do more chatting.
All in all it is a lovely day each year that we look forward to with great anticipation!
So how is this frugal? Let me list the ways:
#1-Yankee gift swap instead of a gift for each adult. This cuts down on the number of gifts needed to purchase and saves money for all.
#2- $10 gift limit.
#3-Somehow, by having it in July instead of during the actual Christmas season it is easier to keep yourself from ignoring #1 & #2 🙂
#4-We all pick up the gift wrap, decorations etc after the real holiday season is over, which saves a ton of money as well.
#5-The food is “dish to pass” style. That always helps on costs! And even though the fruit for my Kabobs isn’t dirt cheap, it isn’t going to break the bank either.
So, what do you think? Does your family have any unusual ways that it celebrates holidays?
What a great idea! All of our relatives live far away (1000 miles plus) and flying up at Christmas to visit both families is fun but very busy and stressful. We’re looking forward to spending Christmas at home this year with our 3 and 1 year olds and anyone who wants to come visit is invited.
Hope you had an enjoyable day!
What a fun and creative idea! I love it!