It may be the middle of summer but it’s apparently also the middle of cough and cold season. Apparently, the bugs aren’t taking the summer off this year! As I was shopping for a sick friend, meandering down the aisles, I was astonished to see Halloween decorations on display. Not only that, the empty storefront beside my favorite book store now sports the sign, “Halloween Store.” Summer is still keeping me hot, hot, hot, but Halloween is definitely breathing down my neck

It’s a good reminder that now is the time to start some early holiday preparation. The bookstores have a handful of magazines out with early-bird craft ideas in them. Seems like it would be a nice break from the summer heat to enjoy their air conditioning for awhile as we peruse the magazine section, pick one or two good ones, and then head to our local craft store. There we can continue to utilize FREE a/c (always one of my favorite ways to save money) while restocking our craft supplies, including paints, markers, etc. While there, watch for early sales on fun new craft items for the holidays.

Think what a fun afternoon you’ll get to enjoy. Basking in cool air, stocking up on fun harvest-time, Thanksgiving, and Christmas craft supplies, and dreams of little pumpkins, turkeys, and nutcrackers dancing through your head. Then, the next time the grandkids come to visit, you’ll be all ready for them. Now you won’t have to listen to “Ahh, grandma, summer is so long! I’m bored!”  Instead, you can say, “Let’s have a craft parrr-taaay!” What fun memories you and the grandkids will have. First the ones created as you sing Christmas carols in August, while making Christmas decorations and gifts. Then the ones you’ll have all over again when you open one or two of those gifts at Christmas. Talk about a warm and wonderful Holiday Treasure of memories!