Have you ever heard of Christmas in July? This summer tradition has become increasingly popular in recent years, but where did it come from and how do you celebrate it? In this article, we’ll explore the history and origins of Christmas in July, why it’s celebrated, and how you can celebrate too.
What is Christmas in July?
Here in the United States, Christmas in July is a festive celebration that takes place during the month of July, bringing the joy and spirit of Christmas to the summer season. It’s an opportunity to experience some of the traditional elements of Christmas, such as decorations, gift-giving, and holiday-themed activities, outside of the usual December timeframe.
For many people, it serves as a way to beat the summer heat and inject a bit of holiday cheer into the warmer months. It’s a chance to gather with loved ones, indulge in delicious treats, and participate in activities that capture the spirit of Christmas.
Christmas in July also has a special significance for those living in the Southern Hemisphere, where December falls during their summer season. It offers an opportunity to experience a more traditional winter Christmas atmosphere, complete with snow-themed decorations, cozy sweaters, and hot cocoa, despite the warmer temperatures outside.
The Origins of Christmas in July
The origin stories vary greatly between the Nothern to Sountern hemispheres so let’s explore both.
Northern Hemisphere
There are many stories of the origins of this tradition. In the Northern Hemisphere. The first mention is in an 1892 French Opera libretto by Édouard Blau. Children are rehearsing a Christmas song in July when one of the characters says “vous chantez Noël en juillet… c’est s’y prendre à l’avance.” This translates to “When you sing Christmas in July, you rush the season.”
The first recorded Celebration of Christmas in July in the United States was in 1933 when a girls’ camp, called Keystone Camp in North Carolina, held a Christmas-themed event at the request of camp co-founder Fannie Holt. Check out this really great article by Southern Living for a deeper dive into the story of how this tradition began in America.
Southern Hemisphere
Things are very different in the Southern Hemisphere where Christmas (December 25th) falls in the Summer. Instead of chilly weather and winter activities, Christmas is a summer holiday and is celebrated in the warm summer sun, outdoor activities, and visits to the beach or pool.
Christmas in July is a new-ish tradition for the Southern Hemisphere. The story goes that in July of 1980, a group of Irish tourists were visiting the Blue Mountains in Australia. While visiting, they convinced the owner of a local hotel to throw a Yulefest party to enjoy all the wintery Christmas activities in July. The next year the Irish Tourists returned and so did the Yulefest, and with that, the tradition began and has grown to be a popular one.
Why People Celebrate Christmas in July
Northern Hemisphere
In the Northern Hemisphere, Christmas In July is an Ironic celebration. Although the calendar shows it’s only 5 months away, it couldn’t feel further from winter. It’s a time when people are fully entrenched in Summer activities. Soaking up the sun, visiting the beach and lakes, and getting their toes in the sand. You just know Santa is taking his summer vacation doing those very same things.
Southern Hemisphere
Christmas in July or “Mid-winter Christmas” provides an opportunity for the Southern Hemisphere to experience the traditional winter holiday festivities during the cooler months of June and July. It gives the Southern Hemisphere a chance to enjoy the winter activities often associated with the Christmas holiday. A chance to break out the crazy Christmas sweaters, set out festive decorations, sip egg nog by the fire, and enjoy a traditional feast.
How To Celebrate Christmas In July?
Regardless of where you live in the world, the Christmas in July celebration is the same, it’s all about bringing that Christmas spirit to July. Blast that Christmas music, have a traditional Christmas feast, watch Christmas movies while sipping hot cocoa, and shop those July sales. If you want to get in on the bandwagon, below are some things you can do to celebrate.
Activities
‘Tis the season to celebrate Christmas in July with joyful activities that capture the spirit of the holiday while embracing the warmth of summer. Dive into the festive fun by organizing a beach-themed BBQ or picnic with your loved ones, complete with Santa hats, tropical decorations, and a delectable feast of traditional Christmas treats. Build Sandmen, listen to Christmas music, sip cranberry cocktails, and soak up the sun while enjoying the delightful fusion of summertime bliss and holiday cheer.
If you prefer an indoor celebration, gather your family and friends for a cozy movie marathon featuring your favorite Christmas films. Snuggle up with blankets, sip on chilled eggnog, and revel in the heartwarming stories that remind us of the joy and magic of the holiday season. You can even add a creative twist by hosting a Christmas-themed potluck or a gingerbread Beach House decorating contest to get everyone in the festive spirit.
Whether you’re basking in the summer sun or enjoying indoor festivities, these activities will bring the enchantment of Christmas to July, creating unforgettable memories that will warm your heart all year long.
July Sales
Get ready to sleigh those Christmas shopping deals in July! It’s the perfect time to discover incredible savings on Christmas items and decorations. Whether it’s a fantastic “Christmas in July” sale or you find a dedicated section within stores filled with deeply discounted holiday treasures, you’re in for a treat. Don’t miss out on these opportunities to get a head start on your Christmas shopping while snagging some amazing deals along the way. To help you navigate this festive retail wonderland, here are some retailers I’ve discovered that offer great savings in July. Feel free to share your own fantastic finds in the comments section below.
- Target – If you have kids this is the Big Daddy of Christmas In July sales. Although they don’t market it as that, in July, Target puts a load of toys on clearance. The Semi-Annual Target Toy Sale is expected to run from mid-June to late July. Check out this article by The Krazy Coupon Lady on how to make the most of the sale. This is a great time to stock up on Christmas presents. I am always surprised at how great the clearance prices are.
- QVC.com – Christmas in July on QVC is a sale worth checking out. In addition to a huge selection of Christmas Decor, you can find sale prices on other things like toys, beauty, and electronics.
- Zuilly.com – Will offer lots of different sales of Christmas-related items: Decor, ornaments, pajamas…
- Joann (Fabric store) – Keep an eye out for a small section of previous season decorations deeply discounted. Last year I took home two decorations that (after sale and coupons) I got for 90% off.
Christmas Movies
Looking for a delightful dose of sappy and romantic Christmas movies? Look no further than the Hallmark Channel! They’ve got you covered with a month-long lineup of heartwarming films (the best kind!). Experience the magic of the 2023 Hallmark Christmas in July lineup and indulge in all the cozy goodness. Be sure to mark your calendars for two brand-new original movies: “A Royal Christmas Crush” airing on July 8th and “Take Me Back For Christmas” airing on July 15th.
But hey, I get it. Hallmark Christmas movies might not be everyone’s cup of cocoa, and that’s perfectly okay. Luckily, you have a world of options at your fingertips! Check out the wide selection of Christmas movies available on popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and more. From heartwarming classics to fresh new releases, there’s something for everyone. Or perhaps you already have a cherished collection of Christmas movies that you love to revisit. Break out your own stash and create your very own cozy movie marathon. The choice is yours!
Christmas Music
Celebrate Christmas in July with the perfect blend of Christmas music that captures that unique summertime vibe. It’s not just any Christmas music; it’s the kind that perfectly complements the joy of basking in the summer sun while embracing the festive spirit. Look no further than my carefully curated YouTube Playlist below. Let these upbeat melodies transport you to a world where Christmas and summertime bliss intertwine. These tunes are guaranteed to make your July days merrier and brighter. Get ready to soak up the sun and savor the enchantment of Christmas with this handpicked collection of perfect melodies. Click play and let the magical fusion of Christmas and summer fill your heart with joy!
Christmas In July Playlist
