🎲 Part 3: Games, Guests, and Why It Matters ☀️

One of the best parts of Christmas in July is how it brings people together through fun—and a little friendly competition.

🎲 Board Games That Stick

We always have a few family favorites, but it’s also a chance to test new ones. Last year and this year, the surprise hit was Shifty Eyed Spies. I’d picked it up on clearance at Target and forgotten about it for years. When we finally played, we couldn’t stop laughing. The game’s discontinued now, but if you ever spot it—grab it and say yes!

👶 Welcoming New Faces

Every year, we welcome new attendees—friends, partners, babies. Our group is quick to embrace anyone, and just as quick to tease them in good fun. It’s part of what makes the event feel like family, even for newcomers.

💞 Why We Keep Doing This

At the end of each weekend, everyone heads home a little closer and a little more loved than when they arrived.

When my daughter was younger, my mom hosted what we called Family Olympics. Each family brought an event—egg-on-a-spoon races, Mother May I, bingo, and more. Winners earned Monopoly money, and at the end of the night, we held an auction with donated items. One year, we even made family flags and displayed them proudly all weekend. I kept ours as a momento from the weekend.

But after my brother passed away, the gatherings stopped. We all needed time to grieve and heal in our own way. It took years before we could come together again.

Now, Christmas in July is more than a party. It’s a reminder that even after loss, we can find new ways to connect. It’s about honoring the past, celebrating the present, and making sure our family traditions carry forward with love.

And that’s why—no matter how chaotic the week leading up to it may be—Christmas in July will always be worth it.

💬 I’d love to hear about the traditions that bring your family together. Drop a comment and share your story.

📸 Got a summer celebration photo or a quirky holiday twist? Tag me—I’m always inspired by how others make memories.

🎄 And if this series made you smile, feel free to share it with someone who could use a little sunshine and sparkle.

Thanks for following along with our Christmas in July celebration. From karaoke and dirt bikes to painted rocks and new faces, this tradition reminds us that joy can live in any season—and love can grow even after loss.

Until next time—keep celebrating, keep connecting, and keep carrying love forward.

With love and glitter, Valerie