When bringing a Christmas book to market, there is usually a short seasonal window that your book will be featured in bookshops, libraries, schools, and churches. But shouldn’t a good book be read and enjoyed in all seasons? As the author of RAVEN’S GIFT: A Feathered Flight of Faith (illustrated by Desiree Cordon and published byt the Bless this Press imprint of The Little Press) I say “Yes” to Christmas in July.
Christmas in July is an actual holiday celebrated on July 25th. Supposedly this celebration began in 1933 at a girl’s summer camp in North Carolina. The fun continues to this day, and why not? Here are 5 ways to celebrate Christmas in July with RAVEN’S GIFT.
5. Keep it simple. Christmas is a hectic season with decorating, shopping, gift-giving, and entertaining. By limiting the holiday to one or two days, you can focus on what is most important, the birth of Christ. Skip the gifts.
4. Use what you have. Bring out the mismatched napkins, plates, and soaps that usually just fill up those storage boxes.
3. Make a fun menu focusing on summer treats. Include lots of red and green. Here’s a few of the things we serve:
- Red and green Jello jigglers
- Watermelon and strawberries
- Red and green grapes
- Turkey and cheese roll ups in spinach tortillas
- Red and green popsicles
- Lime and Raspberry sorbet sundaes
2. Summer Fun based on Raven’s Gift:
- Help Raven Share the News Game (pin the gift on Raven)
- Ducky Toss Game (rubber ducks tossed into various sized gift bags)
- Face painting
- Raven and Dove ornaments (here’s the downloadable link)
1.Storytime
Read RAVEN’S GIFT: A Feathered Flight of Faith and share the story of a young Raven who hears the news of the birth of Christ and flies through the night to share the news with the other birds. They all have gifts for the baby but what can Raven bring? Why the best gift of all – the gift of the good news!
The Little Press is offering a giveaway of Raven’s Gift. There’s still time to enter. On Instagram or X, like, comment and share.
Let me know if you have any suggestions on ways to celebrate Christmas in July.
Purchase RAVEN’S GIFT on Amazon or Bookshop.org
You have some very fun activities! Happy Christmas in July! I shared it on my IG.