Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, and many people choose to celebrate it twice. In the UK and other parts of the world, Christmas in July offers a chance to enjoy the festive season in the summer through fun activities and sale events.
In this article, we discuss Christmas in July’s origins and how it is celebrated today
What Is Christmas in July?
Christmas in July brings the festive spirit to the middle of the year. It allows people to enjoy cheerful traditions with a twist, creating a unique combination of traditional yuletide joy and summertime fun.
How Did Christmas in July Start?
It began so people could experience the merry season during the warmer months. Although no one knows the exact origin of Christmas in July, many stories explain how this mid-year event began.
It is said that Christmas in July originated in the United States at Keystone Camp in Brevard, North Carolina. In the summer of 1933, the girls’ camp included cotton snow, a decorated tree, gift exchanges, and a visit from Santa in their activities. The concept gained wider attention with the 1940 film “Christmas in July,” in which a man goes on a generosity spree after being pranked into thinking he won a prize. Retailers embraced the idea by the 1950s, and today, people celebrate Christmas in July as a popular sales event worldwide.
In Europe, mid-year parties began because people long for cool weather amid the summer heat. These festivities often involve recreating December traditions while enjoying cold treats such as gelato and fruit drinks.
Nowadays, different countries celebrate this event in various ways. In the UK, select shops hold Christmas-themed events in the summer for a bit of mid-year fun. Australia holds Yulefest events in the Blue Mountains and night markets where people can enjoy specialty drinks and treats. Meanwhile, some cities in the United States host themed fun runs, where participants receive a gift from Santa after crossing the finish line.
When Is Christmas in July?
People usually celebrate it on the 25th of July, but some observe it throughout the month. This mid-year celebration offers a perfect opportunity to gather with friends and family for a summer version of Christmas, complete with decorations, food, and fun activities.
How To Celebrate Christmas in July
Here are ways on how you can embrace the festive spirit in the middle of summer:
Decorate Your Home
Use traditional seasonal accents such as artificial wreaths, fairy lights, and even a Christmas tree to create a cheerful atmosphere. Enhance the festive vibe by incorporating themed baubles and bright, colourful ribbons.
Host a Summer Christmas Feast
Prepare a Christmas-style meal with all the trimmings, but consider adding fresh fruits, salads, and barbecued meats to keep with the theme. Remember to include festive drinks like punch or iced mulled wine to complete the experience.
Organise a Secret Santa
Bring this fun tradition to your mid-year celebration with a Secret Santa or White Elephant gift exchange among loved ones. To make it more exciting, set a theme, such as beach-themed gifts or homemade treats.
Plan Outdoor Activities
Take advantage of the warm weather by organising field games, a picnic, or even a Christmas-themed pool party. You can also set up a scavenger hunt or decorate bicycles for a Christmas parade around the neighbourhood.
Watch Christmas Movies
Set up an outdoor cinema or settle indoors to watch your favourite Christmas films while enjoying sweet treats. Create a cosy atmosphere with blankets and pillows and serve themed snacks like gingerbread cookies and cold eggnog.
We hope this article inspired you to celebrate Christmas in July in your own way. For decorating tips and guides, check out our Resource Centre. Click the button below to find deals on Christmas trees, greenery, décor, and more.
Learn More Decorating Tips and Guides
Read these to learn more guides and tips on mid-year festive decorating: