The temps are scorching this summer. Christmas décor is far from most of our minds as we fill our days with BBQs and visits to the pool.
Call us crazy, but we are already seeking out Christmas décor this time of year, getting inspired and making plans for the holidays.
Big box retailers have been preparing for the months for their holiday roll outs and despite what the calendar says, Christmas has already kicked off for many of our go-to stores. And, we couldn’t be happier!
Why shop early?
Look for new trends
As the garland and ornaments start to fill the shelves of our favorite stores, it can be a time to sit back and take in any new trends for the coming season (and decide if you are going to follow that trend or not).
What have we seen already in 2019?
Pink! Muted pastels of pink and aqua harken back to retro Christmas decorations of the 50’s and 60’s, but this new pink trend is sleek and feminine.
Bling! Sparkle and glitter have always had a place in Christmas decorations, but this year the bling has been taken to a whole new level. Bejeweled reindeer and sparkly wreaths really add the glam to you Christmas décor.
Don’t go broke!
Shopping earlier in the year allows you to spread out what you are spending in Christmas decorations. Christmas in July sales offer deep discounts on holiday gear from last year.
Sale or no sale, its easier to spend a little each month, starting in the summer, than all in November or December.
Where to shop early?
Hobby Lobby
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING: June
Clearly a front runner in the in the early bird Christmas décor arena, Hobby Lobby began resetting their entire store to showcase their Christmas supplies in June. This craft and décor superstore has continued to unveil their Christmas collection week after week. We expect the full display to be set by August!
EARLY BIRD FIND: This oversized Santa portrait is AMAZING. Don’t forget to use your 40% off regular priced item coupon which is available online at HobbyLobby.com!
At Home
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING: July
This nationwide home décor superstore just opened in our hometown and we were some of the first to peruse the ginormous store. We were ecstatic to walk in mid-July to a healthy offering of Christmas ornaments and decorations. Only a few aisles of ornaments and décor were set up, but we were impressed and discovered some great finds!
EXTRA SAVINGS: Be sure to sign up online at least 24 hours before you shop At Home to receive a 10% off coupon. They don’t offer many discounts, so you will want to take advantage of this savings!
JoAnn Fabric and Craft Store
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING: August
A call to their corporate offices and some inquiries to the local store manager, but still no official word on when JoAnn stores will launch Christmas this year. Our educated guess is August. Fall décor was launched in early July, so we expect this retailer will begin to slowly introduce the Christmas décor within a month.
EXTRA FIND: Joann’s was one of the few retailers we frequent for our Christmas goodies that actually had a Christmas in July sale that included Christmas décor (not just a sale of non-Christmas items)! Of course, it was a mish mosh of last year’s ornaments and decorations, but at 70% off, we were able to find some worthwhile pieces.
Michael’s Craft Store
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING: August
Can we have a moment of silence for Pat Catan’s closing? Sniff. Sniff. Although Pat Catan’s may be gone, Michael’s will be growing its reach and offerings as a result. This craft store had owned Pat Catan’s before closing the brand this year.
Store officials told us that Christmas will launch in August….and we can’t wait!
Kirkland’s
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING: September
We both ‘rediscovered’ this store last year….and we couldn’t be happier about it! Kirkland’s has an incredible selection of Christmas decorations and home décor for the holidays. Although we don’t expect to see anything in stores until later this summer, there have been new seasonal products introduced online each day this summer. Check out Kirklands.com for holiday deals this summer!
HomeGoods (also TJ Maxx and Marshal’s)
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING: October
This store is dangerous. Dangerous to our wallets! And its probably best that HomeGoods, along with its sister stores TJMaxx and Marshal’s will not introduce its Christmas and holiday décor until fall. Each store provides only limited space for its seasonal décor, so until Halloween has almost completely wrapped up we won’t see what treasures await us for the holidays.
