37 Crafty Ideas To Celebrate Christmas In July

Do you get crafty making Christmas in July decorations? It's a great time to prep for the holidays and  bring a little holiday fun to your summer vacation. 

And here are more than 35 ways to get you started.


Oh, Christmas in July, how you make me smile.

I get to sit down, relax and craft for the holidays in peace.

There's no pressure that I might not get it all done on time.

Or worrying that I should be shopping or decorating instead.

And I get to do it all with a cool drink in hand and pool breaks when the summer heat gets to be too much.

How fabulous.

I've found that over the years, I usually dedicate about one week during July to Christmas. I dive wholeheartedly into the season and break out all the red and green supplies.

This year, I've decided to share some of my old summer Christmas crafts in hopes of inspiring you, so today that's what I'm up to.

Tune in later in the week for some Christmas decor posts and on Saturday for a brand new Christmas craft.

But for now, let's talk about a few simple home decor, ornament, upcycle and family crafts for Christmas.

In July.

Simple Craft Ideas For Christmas In July

1. Makeover An Old Sled

Believe it or not, every sled I own, I found in the summer. Yup.


People clean out their garages, have yard sales and place them at the curb.

I've picked up too many to count over the years and I always get crafty with them in the summer, because I find when I wait, I forget about them and they stay stashed in my garage! 

Here are a few of my favorites:

• Red Toile Fabric Sled Makeover
• Vintage Flexible Flyer Sled Painted Upcycle
• Small Wooden Santa Sled

2. Make A Shell Wreath

This small shell wreath is one of my favorite Christmas in July crafts, because I get to spend time at the beach gathering my supplies.


It's also a great way to use all those shells you collected on your last trip to the shore. Create a vacation memento, if you will.

Plus, since I live on an island and in a 1920's beach bungalow, it's the perfect accent for my particular holiday home.

Although truth be told, I leave it up all year round in my kitchen. 

Of course I make other wreaths, too. You know if shells aren't your thing:

• Dollar Tree Snowflake Wreath
• Christmas Triple Wreath
• Mini Candle Wreaths

3. Make A Seasonal Wooden Sign

I think out of all the Christmas crafts I've shared over the past 10 years, none are more popular than my wooden signs, like this one. My first. 



I always pick the easiest way to get them done, whether it's by using gift bags, stencils, wall decals or printables. 

Flawless results are guaranteed. No matter which technique you choose:

• Merry Christmas Nailhead Gift Bag Sign
• Christmas Tree Decal Sign
  
• Santa & Mrs. Claus Porch Sitter Signs

4. Make An Angel

This super sweet, handmade sock angel ornament was another Christmas in July DIY that was ridiculously easy to make.


And one that was displayed in my house right through the fall and into winter.

I didn't have the heart to shove that warm smile and those delicate curls into a box for six months. Instead she floated around my rooms until she landed on the tree.

Of course, one angel is never enough, so I have others, but be warned, they're all too cute for storage:

• Traditional Macaroni Angel Ornaments
• Scrap Wood Winged Angels
• Fan Blade Junk Angel

5. Upcycle Some Junk

If you're a collector, like me, then you probably have some stuff hanging around that you plan to upcycle...someday. Like my stash of old ceiling fan blades.


Summer is a great time to dive into that pile, choose a few items, put your holiday thinking cap on and get Christmas crafting.

To be honest, when I picked most of these items up, I never dreamed they'd be Christmas decor, but a little sunshine and some time to dream is all it takes to feed the imagination:

• Red Truck Glass Plate
  
• Framed Button Christmas Tree 
• Let It Snow Cutting Board
  
  

6. Make A Tree

Well this one is a no brainer. Christmas is all about them, so why not whip up a few of your very own? Here's my latest, a trio of cottage style wooden trees.


But if you're not into woodworking that's fine. 

I've already shared a few painted, decoupaged, button and puzzle piece trees above. 

And here are three more ideas that might be more your evergreen speed:

• Starfish Christmas Tree
• Christmas Yarn Trees
• Patchwork Christmas Tree Apron
  
  

7. Adopt A New Tradition

Ok, so let's say that you love Christmas, but you're really not into the whole crafting thing. That's fine, I get it, it's summer. How about planning for a new Christmas tradition instead?

Whether it's baby's first Christmas, your first holiday in a new town, or your kids are transitioning to adults, it might be time to incorporate something new into your celebrations.

And last minute planning and the Christmas rush aren't always a productive pair.

Instead, you can lay on the beach and dream about a Christmas that might include:

• Making Gingerbread Houses
  
• Elf On A Shelf - Coat Pattern
  
• Family Crafting - Puzzle Piece Ornaments 

8. Make An Advent Calendar

Speaking of Christmas crafts that need a little prep...



My mom bought me the most beautiful advent calendar when my girls were small. Easy peasy. Just fill it up and go. 

However, when I got it in my head that I wanted to DIY my own advent calendar, well, that took some serious prep time. Twenty four days' worth.

If I'd started in July, it would've been a lot less stressful:

• Newspaper Cone Advent Calendar
• Gift Bag Advent Calendar Garland

9. Test Out Some Holiday Treats

Who says you can't eat Christmas cookies in July? It's the best time to test out all those new holiday treat recipes you've been collecting since last Christmas.

You can rule out what doesn't work, what takes to long to make (can you tell I'm not a cook?) and best of all taste test.

In your bikini. 

And then work it all off in the pool. 😉

Or be like me and forget the work out...just float around snacking on one of these simple holiday treats:

• Apple Pear Crisp
  
• Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
• 5 Minute Blueberry Pie - which is also perfect for July
  
  

10. Go Thrifting

Did someone say Christmas thrifting? Looks like we've come full circle...because we're back to people tossing their unwanted Christmas items in the summer. 

Like this charming vintage tree that I picked up for nothing. Over the summer.

The thrift stores know that Christmas in July is a shopping draw, so most of them have holiday sections front and center. 

And even if they don't, holiday items are always in demand, and always on display.

Plus the shops usually air conditioned and indoors.

So when you need a break from the blazing heat or the rain keeps you from hitting the surf, you can always escape and do a little Christmas shopping.

Well, there you go.

It's a wrap on my Christmas in July crafting.

Christmas wrapping? Get it.

Yeah...maybe a little too much sun for this girl today.

After all, it is July.

🎄🎄🎄

Merry Christmas, Friends!