{"id":1970511,"date":"2023-07-12T08:19:01","date_gmt":"2023-07-12T12:19:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/christmas-in-july-five-homemade-gifts-you-can-start-now-to-beat-the-holiday-hustle\/"},"modified":"2023-07-12T08:25:32","modified_gmt":"2023-07-12T12:25:32","slug":"christmas-in-july-five-homemade-gifts-you-can-start-now-to-beat-the-holiday-hustle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/christmas-in-july-five-homemade-gifts-you-can-start-now-to-beat-the-holiday-hustle\/","title":{"rendered":"Start early on your Christmas gifts with these five homemade ideas for Christmas in July. Avoid the holiday rush and hustle by getting a head start now."},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">54<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fchristmas-in-july-five-homemade-gifts-you-can-start-now-to-beat-the-holiday-hustle%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=1970511&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><div class=\"article-content\">\n<p>July Fourth has come and gone which means it\u2019s that time of year again to start thinking about Christmas.<\/p>\n<p>I know, I know. I\u2019m not a fan of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health-news\/what-is-christmas-creep-and-why-it-can-stress-you-out\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Christmas creep<\/a>, the phenomenon in which festivity fiends, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/why-states-should-protect-religion-as-essential-during-emergencies\/\" title=\"Why States Should Protect Religion As \u2018Essential\u2019 During Emergencies\">big box stores<\/a>, and holiday jingle fans usher in the red-and-green time of year early, either. I am, however, big on planning ahead \u2014 especially when I have dozens of people to gift and a strict budget to follow. <\/p>\n<div class=\"fdrlst__b89e9-paragraph-2-long d-flex justify-content-center\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; \" id=\"fdrlst__b89e9-789661801\">\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-1379703300879-0\" class=\"mb-30\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fdrlst__b89e9-f351b33f9a937ea353fd202a9fc07c48 fdrlst__b89e9-paragraph-2\" id=\"fdrlst__b89e9-f351b33f9a937ea353fd202a9fc07c48\"><\/div>\n<p>For years, I\u2019ve done my Christmas shopping early with the intent of beating crowds and getting sweet summer deals. This year, I\u2019m taking preparations one step further by completing my betimes gift goals at home. <\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s something extra special about offering loved ones, close friends, and neighbors a gift from your heart made with your hands during the most commercialized season of the year. Here are five homemade gifts you can join me in making in July so we can enjoy Christmastime without losing our minds to the holiday hustle and bustle.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vanilla Extract<\/h2>\n<p>Anyone who bakes knows that a good <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/rustic-french-apple-tart\/\" title=\"Rustic French Apple Tart\">vanilla extract<\/a> is essential to the best sweets and treats, but it takes time to mature if made at home. Fortunately for you and me, it\u2019s relatively cheap, easy, and nearly perfect by Christmas if you commit to concocting it in the next few weeks.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll only need a few things: sealing containers like swing-top bottles or, as one of my colleague\u2019s family does it, repurposed bourbon bottles; a cheap vodka or other high alcohol content drink; and your choice of Mexican, Tahitan, or Madagascar vanilla beans. Once you\u2019ve obtained ingredients from your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/several-killed-including-police-officer-in-tragedy-at-boulder-grocery-store\/\" title=\"Several Killed, Including Police Officer, In Tragedy At Boulder Grocery Store\">local grocery store<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vanillaproductsusa.com\/what-would-you-like-to-buy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">online<\/a>, assemble the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.beanilla.com\/blog\/homemade-vanilla-extract\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">right ratios<\/a> in bottles and store them on a dark, cool shelf. Until you tie a ribbon around the bottle in December, your work is done.<\/p>\n<div class=\"fdrlst__b89e9-c3fde45c1744a2e100507dae2705025d fdrlst__b89e9-paragraph-6\" id=\"fdrlst__b89e9-c3fde45c1744a2e100507dae2705025d\"><\/div>\n<p>For bonus points, encourage your giftees to \u201cfeed\u201d the vanilla by adding alcohol after each use. This will turn your 10-minute project into the ultimate aromatic and tasty gift that keeps on giving!<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Garden Goodies<\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s about that time of year when gardens are overflowing with produce and herbs. If you\u2019re struggling to keep up with your plot\u2019s production, consider setting aside some of your yield for later this year. Can any high-acid foods you harvest in a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ballmasonjars.com\/water-bath-canning.html#:~:text=Check%20canning%20lids%2C%20jars%2C%20and,as%20this%20may%20prevent%20sealing.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">water bath<\/a> or opt to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simpleecology.com\/recipes\/make-your-own-dried-herbs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">dehydrate<\/a> your favorite fruits, veggies, or herbs for go-to gifts that will last, in a sealed container in a cool, dry place, for six months up to a year. <\/p>\n<p>Want to get even more creative? Find out which <a href=\"https:\/\/planthardiness.ars.usda.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">growing zones<\/a> your loved ones live in and plant them some winter, pot-friendly produce like leafy greens or flowers such as poinsettias. By the time Christmas rolls around, they will have their very own vegetation to take home and maybe even start in their own garden. <\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\n<div class=\"row no-gutters body-xs m-0\">\n<div class=\"col-12 col-md-4\">Even in a desert climate, Swiss chard does well for me year-round.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Candy<\/h2>\n<p>If you want to spice up your horde of fruit and veggies, consider embellishing some of your summer harvest. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marthastewart.com\/355599\/candied-citrus-peel\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Candied citrus peels <\/a>are always welcome during yuletide, but don\u2019t be afraid to branch out to other forms of produce. Pecans, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thepioneerwoman.com\/food-cooking\/recipes\/a40410570\/cowboy-candy-candied-jalapenos-recipe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">jalape\u00f1os<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.treehugger.com\/odd-things-you-can-candy-beets-vanilla-beans-4857060\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">select flower petals<\/a> all make excellent candidates for Christmas cheeseboard and cocktail topper presents.<\/p>\n<div class=\"fdrlst__b89e9-91f5de5a66b76a96adbb16d9a3066d1b fdrlst__b89e9-paragraph-10\" id=\"fdrlst__b89e9-91f5de5a66b76a96adbb16d9a3066d1b\"><\/div>\n<p>If you want to indulge your sweeter side, consider committing to making full-sugar items. Most <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/christmas-in-july-five-homemade-gifts-you-can-start-now-to-beat-the-holiday-hustle\/\" title=\"Start early on your Christmas gifts with these five homemade ideas for Christmas in July. Avoid the holiday rush and hustle by getting a head start now.\">wintery saccharine favorites including mints<\/a> and candy canes can even be made <a href=\"https:\/\/jacksonsjob.com\/hard-candy-without-corn-syrup-or-artificial-dyes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">without corn syrup or dyes<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>A good batch of candy or candied goods that is properly canned and kept in a sealed jar and away from sunlight will stay good for a year.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lotion Bars<\/h2>\n<p>I made <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ouroilyhouse.com\/the-easiest-homemade-lotion-bars-with-essential-oils\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">these<\/a> lotion bars with my mother-in-law one time, and they were a huge hit! All you need is beeswax, cocoa butter, coconut oil flower petals, essential oil fragrance drops, and some molds. Set aside a few hours with a friend and knock a batch of these out. <\/p>\n<p>Wrap in cellophane or any leftover gift material, tie with a ribbon, and set aside as the perfect stocking stuffer remedy for the cold and dry winter season. <\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Yarn And Fabric Crafts<\/h2>\n<p>I\u2019m not much of a knitter or seamstress, but I\u2019ve never turned down a handmade scarf, apron, set of dish towels, or quilt. If God gifted you with nimble hands and extra time, consider diving into the world of fabrics and quilts. Your family and friends who benefit from the beautiful and functional pieces you give them thank you in advance. <\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\n<div class=\"row no-gutters body-xs m-0\">\n<div class=\"col-12 col-md-4\">My husband and I were gifted this gorgeous patriotic quilt by one of our wedding guests.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Not Crafty? No Problem<\/h2>\n<p>If you\u2019re more of a shopper instead of a maker, do not fret! There is hope for all trying to get ahead of the Christmas chaos. Instead of buckling down and baking now, simply ask family members and close friends to share their lists now. As the saying goes, there\u2019s no time like the present. Happy Christmas in July!<\/p>\n<div class=\"fdrlst__b89e9-2459c95578f918e1afcd0a7406d27b7a fdrlst__b89e9-after-post-content\" id=\"fdrlst__b89e9-2459c95578f918e1afcd0a7406d27b7a\"><\/div>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\">    \t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>not a fan of the Christmas creep, when stores and fans start celebrating the holiday season too early. But now that July Fourth is over, it&#8217;s time to start thinking about Christmas again.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":490,"featured_media":1970512,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/cndimages.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_2758-scaled-1.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[546],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1970511","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-federalist"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/cndimages.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_2758-scaled-1.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1970511","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/490"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1970511"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1970511\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1970512"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1970511"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1970511"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1970511"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}