By Rebecca Yee
You hear about Christmas in July every once in a while. Fun activities and events pop up around the theme. But have you ever wondered where Christmas in July started? To be honest I never knew. I just thought it was a fun idea, but I got curious. So I started doing some research and here is what I found.
Christmas in July started 84 years ago on July 24th and 25th in 1933 at a girls' camp called Keystone Camp in Brevard, North Carolina. "Christmas in July" was at the request of camp co-founder Fannie Holt. The first Christmas in July included carolers, a Christmas Tree, Santa Claus, presents, and fake snow made of cotton. As the tradition evolved, campers would use laundry bags as makeshift stockings, which they placed outside their cabins to be filled with candy overnight. Eventually, elves, reindeer, and Mrs. Claus joined the act, along with a camp-wide gift exchange, counselors included. Lemel, who is the fourth generation in her family to hold the title of director, said the gifts were crafty and creative." And the tradition carries on today.
How much fun is that???
Now, since I am a children's book author and have many author friends, we have decided to team up and give you guys some FUN and FREE Christmas e-books tp help you celebrate the holiday.
Click HERE to get all of these e-books for FREE July 24th & 25th!
Where Does Santa Go on Vacation By Kim Ann
Santa and Mrs. Claus are ready for their own vacation. After a busy holiday season all around the world, Santa can’t wait to spend time with Mrs. Claus and have some fun. But with the whole planet at their fingertips, where will they go and what will they do?
The Worst Christmas Book in the Entire World By Joey Acker
The Worst Christmas Book in the Whole Entire World is a humorous and witty tale for young and seasoned readers. Deck the halls this season and get into the holiday spirit with a book so bad it might actually be good...
It's not easy being Santa!: A Christmas Story About Kindness! By Pragya Toma
It's Christmas eve and Bug accidentally finds a stack of letters that kids have written to Santa. Santa won't receive the letters in time, so Bug wishes on a shooting star: "I WISH I WERE SANTA!" His wish is granted and he gets a surprise visit from his considerate team of reindeer.
When the Clock Strikes on Christmas Eve By Lisa Ferland
"Dream a dream as sweet as you, 'cause on Christmas, dreams come true."Sweet illustrations and easy-to-read rhymes describe a magical Christmas Eve while reinforcing time-telling skills with an analog clock on every page.
The Magic of Friendship Snow By Andi Cann
Making friends is hard! Once you find a friend, how do you BE a good friend? Jojo looks around and everyone seems to have friends but her. She feels sad and lonely. Then, Jojo meets Puddles, the snowman made with magic friendship snow.
Arial the Secret Santa By Mary Nhin
Follow Arial through her day at school, in her community, in nature where your child will learn how easy it can be to share kindness. From giving a compliment to smiling at someone who’s having a bad day, Arial shows children that words and acts of kindness MATTER, no matter how small!
Mission Fat Hearts By Rebecca Yee
Are your kids ready to be secret agents? If they are, here is a Christmas mission the whole family will love! Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to join Pookie, Thor and their new friend Kisa the Elf spread kindness EVERYWHERE this holiday season.
There are 25 Random Acts of Kindness Missions at the end of the story for your family to spread holiday cheer.
Also, you can help us make Mission Fat Hearts the Movie! Learn how HERE.
The Elf Who Couldn't Read: A Christmas Story About Learning To Read By Sonica Ellis
Santa wants Jingles to help read the Christmas list, but Jingles doesn't know how to read yet. Jingles isn’t feeling confident about it and could use your help practicing sounding out the letters and getting the Christmas magic flowing through him once more.
A Christmas Cookie Exchange By Sheri Wall
Should you ever judge a cookie by its sprinkles? Meet Phil. With just a plain oatmeal exterior, he feels shy and a bit jealous around all the fancy Christmas cookies on the holiday buffet. He thinks they are more popular or famous because of their extras. He longs to be more like them.
Find out how the other fancy Christmas cookies help Phil realize that regardless of the differences of their outside appearances, it's what's inside – your good values – that really count.
Love Christmas so much?!
Help us make our first animated Christmas movie based off of the book Mission Fat Hearts above! CLICK HERE to get exclusive rewards and gifts!
