Happy Christmas in July My Friends!

Today is a fun day in my household. My daughter spirit started off a little slow, but next thing I know she's wrapping gifts, playing Christmas music, helping prepare dinner and even put together a little surprise for our guest tonight. I was lacking a little enthusiasm to get things together the past week, but it's all coming together. It's just after one and most of the food is prepped and ready to go or cook in the crockpot later in the day. I enjoy this day for several reasons. For one, it's a way to get my mind off the long heated days of July and helps me "daydream" about the cooler temps. Next it just makes me and my guest happy and laugh a little. You can't help but smile when a Christmas Tree is present and Christmas music is playing. Third, I love the small reminder of how we need to celebrate the Birth of Christ all year long. Lastly, I love having one more crazy excuse to have my friends and family over. It's kind of like St. Patricks day, everyone knows that on July 25th, Michelle's  house is the place to be. Above is a photo of the small tree we've decorated and below is a poem I found. I hope you enjoy both and tomorrow I'll be back with our full menu and recipes to share. Have a Merry Christmas in July everyone...Love you all!

The Spirit of Christmas

The spirit of Christmas is often found
 In things that we can see
A street of gold and silver
A sparkling Christmas tree.

It’s found in quiet serenity
Of freshly fallen snow
In lights upon the river
A candles’ gentle glow. 

It’s found in pretty presents
 And treasures of delight
In stories told of Christmas’ past
On cold and wintry nights.

It’s found in Yuletide carolers 
Who stand out in the street
And spread good cheer and tidings
To everyone they meet.  

It’s found in bustling cities
As choirs get up to sing
In sleepy little villages
Where lonely church bells ring.

It’s found within a beggar’s heart
Who kindly takes the time
To help a cold and hungry child
By sharing his last dime.

It’s found within the prisons walls
And temples made of stone
It’s found within the orphanages 
And in the nursing homes.

It’s found within the wise men
Who brought gifts from far away
And the eastern star that led them
To the stable where He lay.

It’s found within the Spirit
This gift from up above
It’s filled with  pure salvation
And wrapped in His sweet love. 

It’s even found in old St. Nick
As he kneels down to pray
To Jesus, Blessed Redeemer
Who was born on Christmas day.

Author/Written By:
Marilyn Ferguson
©2002