The only season more fun than camping season is maybe…Christmas! But what happens when you bring these two great seasons together? You get a festive Christmas in July camping weekend at Hickory Hollow Campground. Now we’ll admit that the mountains in Pennsylvania aren’t hanging onto their snow-covered peaks like Colorado is, but remember the most popular Christmas color is green. Greenery reminds us to honor the everlasting transformative element of nature and the campground is just radiating with summer energy. So, we’ll take the sunshine and green over the white snow as we celebrate our Christmas in July weekend on June 15-16.
Christmas in July doesn’t have to be overcomplicated, just choose a few of your favorite holiday traditions and have the most wonderful time of year happen, twice. Planning ahead is important, so make sure to bring some fun decorations along this weekend. The annual decorating contest will be judged on Saturday evening so most of our campers will be going to sleep with the glow of lights and Christmas music playing in their heads, instead of waking up to it. Visit the camp store early for some great Christmas deals, or call the office ahead of time and you may also get a special visit from summer Santa. In years past, Santa has been seen wondering around the campground passing out gifts to naughty, I mean good little campers. If you fall into one of these categories, you may be on his list.
If the smell of molasses and spice make you think about Christmas, why not try cooking Gingerbread Pancakes over the open griddle on Sunday morning as you continue the celebration. Or cozy up to the morning fire with a peppermint or hazelnut hot chocolate, make it a hot toddy depending on your preference.
- For the pancakes: Mix gluten-free pancakes mix, 2 Tablespoons of allspice, 10 tablespoons of melted butter, 1/3 cup of molasses, 1 cup of milk in a large bowl and mix well to make the pancake batter. Pour batter on a non-stick or well oiled griddle and cook, making sure to flip after 2 minutes and ensuring they are golden brown
- For the gingerbread buttermilk syrup: bring 1/2 cup of butter, 3/4 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of allspice, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/2 cup of buttermilk to boil. Remove from heat and add 1 teaspoon of gluten-free vanilla & 1 teaspoon of aluminum free baking soda
- Add some sugared berries or whip cream to top it off.
The weather is expected to be beautiful this weekend, but if the heat starts to get to you later in the day, give a nod to the classic Christmas colors and bring out the more-season appropriate drinks like Strawberry Daiquiris or Margaritas. Turn your water station into a melted snowman station, or plan ahead by making festive ice cubes by adding strawberries, mint or other seasonal embellishments to the tray before you freeze.
You can’t really celebrate Christmas without the proper attire, so throw in a Santa hat, some red or green tank tops, or maybe go with a more tropical Christmas theme and think Hawaiian shirt or grass skirt to cover that bikini at the pool. We certainly aren’t opposed to seeing shining Christmas light necklaces, matching family pajamas, or ugly sweaters this weekend. Any other weekend this summer we may question those choices in attire, but not this one.
Remember, when planning for Christmas in July, keep it simple and work with the season. Check your Christmas list, before this weekend, so you’re prepared. Think small simple gifts, homemade cookies to share, pavement chalk to decorate the campground with Christmas artwork, novelty Christmas sunglasses, a decorative Christmas cactus, solar powered garden lanterns, twinkling lights, and a sunny Christmas disposition to share with everyone. Winter or summer, Christmas is a great time for extra hugs, counting our blessings, and sharing that special magic of the season with others. Merry July Christmas, from Hickory Hollow Campground!
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