You can use the slower pace of summer to help ou get ahead on the big projects for the rest of the year.

When I travel on vacation (or for work), I make it a point to stop in cute little local shops, looking for unique things that might be good Christmas gifts.  If I find something inexpensive and really unique, I might buy a lot and build my annual gift basket around it.

Lazy days in the sunshine are great for doing crafts — so are long plane flights.  I carry cross-stitch projects and crocheting on the plane, so, even if there's a delay, I'm occupied.  And I'm working on gifts.

A rainy summer day is also a great time to attack big home projects, like cleaning out cupboards and closets.