A Christmas-in-July Giveaway

It's time for my annual reminder that now really is the month to start Christmas shopping, especially if you enjoy decorating with vintage and thrifted Christmas goodies. Of course, it's possible to visit your local antique mall in November or perhaps early December and still find some goodies, but I know from experience that Christmas things are much cheaper when you find them at thrift stores earlier in the year. Recently, I found a duplicate of an item I already own, this 2006 Madame Alexander Christmas ornament from Hallmark, and it's in mint condition and still in the box. Goodwill had this for just $1.99, but I treasure the one I have just like it that was a gift from Lani, a friend in Hawaii, some years ago. If you'd like to win this one, just leave an "Enter me" to this post between now and 7 a.m. EST on Friday, July 5, and you'll be entered to win it!

On Saturday, I found another tea-themed Christmas item at Goodwill, this teapot candleholder. I'm not sure I like that black and white on the handle and spout (it reminds me too much of the Chick-fil-A cow), but I like the shape and the fact that the candlelight will shine through the pierced design on the front at Christmas. Maybe I'll paint the black part gold. Maybe I'll paint the whole thing white.

Maybe I'll just use the bottom to hold a Christmas candle.

All I know is that for 89 cents, I saw a lot of possibility in this piece.

And this old Santa Claus bank isn't tea-related, but he was another recent 99-cent purchase. I've already collected a bag full of vintage Christmas goodies for this year's decor, and I have yet to spend $10, which is just the way I like it. My "stamping" friend Kathy has offered to get me started on making my Christmas cards for this year, and when I have a few of those ready to go, hopefully later this month, I'll feel like I've really made some pre-holiday progress!