Christmas in July ~ Lynn Haney Collection Pre-Order

The American movie classic, Christmas in July was released in 1940.  It is the story of a young office clerk who loved to enter contests hoping to win a fortune which would make all of his dreams come true.  It was written and directed by Academy Award winner Preston Sturges, who apparently also invented a kissproof lipstick - Red, Red Rouge - in 1920, for his mother's company, Maison Desti! 

The story goes...in 1980, a group of Irish tourists visiting the Blue Mountains in Sydney, Australia, were so thrilled to see snow in July, they convinced a local hotel to hold a "Yulefest".  The idea of "Christmas in July" soon spread throughout Australia and is now a festive tradition, with the traditional Christmas dinner and all of  the trimmings, Christmas candles, streamers and in Australia...Christmas hats and whistles.

At McMurdo Station in  Antarctica, July is the middle of winter, with the coldest and windiest weather of the year. Since planes have great difficulty landiing during this time, packages and supplies are frequently parachuted in...just like Santa sending gifts from his sleigh!  Thus, Christmas in July.

In the Southern Hemisphere, Christmas on December 25, is actually a summer holiday.  Christmas in July is the chance to enjoy a traditional northern hemisphere holiday, with cold weather and snow. 

For most Americans, Christmas in July is an opportunity to get a head start on holiday shopping.  Many merchants offer special promotions..and Tournesol is happy to continue the tradition!

For 24 years, the artisans in the Lynn Haney Collection workshop in Lubbock, Texas, have created the most amazing Santas.  Each one is hand-crafted with exquisite detail, authentic fabrics and love. 

The first Santa that Lynn Haney made was a soft-sculpture Santa with a long bell-trimmed hat... stitched by hand.  With the encouragement of his wife, he began the process of perfecting his art, adding clay heads, wonderful fabrics and enchanting accessories.  In 1987, the Lynn Haney Collection began in Lubbock, Texas, where its workshop remains today.

Today, each Santa has a distinctive personality.  Each is meticulously design with Lynn designing and sculpting each head before it is reproduced in wood resin and hand painted.  Authenticity and quality are the hallmark of a Lynn Haney Santa. European braids, trims and furs are carefully sewn on the velvets, wood and brocade costumes.  Lynn has enlisted talented seamstresses in Hungary who recreate costumes that have been based on Hungarian folk art.  Vermont knitters hand-loom the knitted designs.  Some costumes are hand-embroidered by skilled artisans in India. Each piece is signed by Lynn Haney. 

New collections are introduced each year.  This year, Lynn Haney Collection has joined with the Woolrich Company, the 180 year old woolen mill in Woolrich, Pennsylvania, to create Woolrich inspired Santas. Of course, each outfitted with the incomparable Woolrich wool.


Until July 31, Tournesol is offering you the opportunity to pre-order any Lynn Haney Santa, including the 2010 Collection the New Woolrich Collection, shown as "Featured Pieces" on their website.  Your Santa will be made for you and delivered in December.  We offer Free Shipping or you can pick your up Santa at our Shadyside shop.


One gift to cross of the list...and it's only July!