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Christmas In July - A Real Holiday Or A Marketing Ploy?
In July 1942 the Washington Post reported that a sermon was delivered in a Washington DC church entitled "Christmas presents in July." The idea was for the congregation to place donations on decorated Christmas trees that would be used to purchase presents for distribution to missions worldwide. Doing this in July would give ample time for the presents to arrive at their destinations. In July 1944 The New York Times reported the US Post Office, along with US Army and Navy officials, threw a Christmas in July luncheon to promote a Christmas card campaign for servicemen and women in World War II. Christmas in July has deeper traditions in Australia than in the United States though the tradition started in the US. One of the bigger reasons is the difference in climate. According to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology July is the coldest time of the year, - averaging 61° - while December and January are the warmest months, averaging almost 80°. July is the peak snow season in Australia. Most of the prominent ski resorts have special events and celebrations. I recently came across an article on SantasWarehouse.com.au about a Christmas in July Charity Ball. As I read on I discovered their first event was in 2007. Funds are raised for Vision Australia, providing services, facilities, and information to the visually impaired. I have worn glasses since grade school, but what has been more impactful are two dear friends who are legally blind with matching (almost) seeing eye dogs, Astro and Max. My father-in-law, who suffers from macular degenerative disease, has been compromised as well with visual impairment. Oh to see the twinkling of Christmas tree lights! May we not take the little things for granted. The second Christmas in July event in 2008 raised over $15,000 and benefited Hunter Life Education, empowering children and young people to make healthy choices. I had the privilege of working with the Education Foundation in my community which helped students earn their first two years of college through service and grades. Having transformed high schools into themed events for the Education Foundation, I found this event empowering! However, some would say that Christmas in July is nothing more than one of corporate America's Christmas ideas and a marketing ploy. Many major retailers such as Target, Sears, and Kmart are advertising specials to get customers in their stores and or even putting up special "Christmas Lanes." And it's not just Christmas ornaments, holiday decorations, and Christmas tree lights on sale. In addition to enticing people to buy Christmas presents early, many stores are offering back-to-school items. It seems to me that the reason for the season is the remembrance of Jesus Christ. I'm for anything that helps us remember our Savior, but I must admit that neither my clients or I have ever gotten in to the full swing of Christmas in July. Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Have you ever wanted to decorate your home for the holidays like a pro? I teach the elements of interior design and holiday decorating by sharing knowledge I learned over 25 years working with everyone from celebrity personalities to kindergarten teachers. I empower people to create beauty in their homes with their own hands and personal style at a fraction of the cost of hiring a professional designer. Visit with me at christmasdecoratingideastoday.com |
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