Hello, July. It sure is good to see you again.

It’s the first day of July, which basically means it’s the first day of Christmas…in July! Ah, the second ‘most wonderful time of the year’, why? Because this is the time of the year that we get to planning for the holiday season, when Hallmark stores across the nation have their annual Keepsake Ornament Preview celebration where we can check out the new Christmas ornaments for the next week, the Hallmark television networks air holiday movies, QVC puts out early decor and gift sales, and much more!

It’s one thing to have the Christmas spirit in your heart year ’round, but it’s even more exciting when you know that you’re not alone in your celebrating and you don’t have to rely on your own trusty DVD and music collection to enjoy some festive programming.

I have a lot planned for this month–from testing out new holiday recipes to enjoying some holiday favorite movies (including the Hallmark ones currently airing), picking up some new ornaments and getting a head-start on the actual holiday season later this year. How do you celebrate?

Stay merry!