Christmas

I know July is running away from us, but it's still not too late to put in a little "Christmas in July"! Christmas is my favorite holiday; the lights, the decorations, the music, the tree and the family parties. Other than birthdays I don't know of any other month so packed with parties! Now my husband would be turning off my computer if he saw what I was putting on here. He's a bit of a traditionalist/Grinch. And I mean that in the most loving way! For him, Christmas starts the day after Thanksgiving and ends December 25th. I on the other hand, happen to think the season starts October 31st (I don't really care for Halloween anyway) and ends January 1st! I take every inch of Christmas I can get. It's just so...beautiful to me. So, here is a little bit of insight on how Christmas in July came around...

Christmas in July- Wikipedia

And for good measure, some party/decorating ideas to get your brains started before November gets here. And it will be here before we know it!

1. Popcorn Balls
This is one of my family's traditions. You've heard the southern term "hot mess", that's exactly what this is, but oh so much fun! My family gets together, gets around a large table (people are literally arm to arm we're squeezed in tight) and dig in! It's very simple:
You'll need popcorn and lots of it!
To make the sugar coating for the outside of the balls you'll need:

• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tsp. vinegar
• 1 cup sugar
• Food coloring (red and/or green)

Once you get the sugar coating mixture to a boil the fun begins! Place popcorn in large containers, easy to grab and begin! Form a large ball in your hands (which should be covered in butter or Crisco, it helps with the sticking process) and then roll it in the sugar mixture. Be careful though the mixture will be extremely hot! We put out a few bowls of water to dip our hands into. Then place the balls into a separate container to dry and voila! You have yummy popcorn balls! My brother likes his coated so thick with candy that he chips a tooth!

To take it a step further you could definitely make them into ornaments! Not to go on the tree of course, unless you want ants. Get creative with red and green frosting, m&m's, licorice and candy canes! The possibilities are endless!

 2. Caroling Party
I know people think caroling has gone out of style, personally I love to sing so any opportunity is good with me! And it's a good party at the same time. Some of my fondest childhood Christmas memories involve caroling. Plan a night to go out, good times are about 5:00 to 8:00 when people are home and off work. Print up flyers or invitations with the date and time and meeting place. What's fun is after you are done caroling you can go back to the house for hot cocoa and cider, games and laughter! It's a mega party where you're not just stuck in one place. As a matter of fact you could get two or three other people to open their homes and house hop! Seeing everyone's decorations, smelling the delicious scents of Christmas and the wonderful food will definitely "make spirits bright"!

Traditional Hot Cocoa!!

Ingredients

• 1/2 c. sugar
• 1/3 c. hot water
• 1/4 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
• 4 c. milk
• 1/8 tsp. salt
• 3/4 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions

• Mix the cocoa, sugar, water, and salt in a saucepan.
• Stir consistently until mixture boils.
• Stir constantly for one minute while it cooks.
• Stir in the milk and heat, without boiling.
• Remove from heat, add the vanilla and stir well.
• Have several toppings out to add to your cocoa, including real marshmallows, chocolate shavings, whipped cream, cinnamon sticks, etc. for everyone to top off their concoctions.

Enjoy!