Don’t let the summertime heat affect your jingle bell rock this summer. Celebrate Christmas in July! Let’s delve into the origins of this concept and explore its associated traditions and how you can be jolly with your family and friends this year.
In the Northern Hemisphere, Christmas is celebrated in the winter months, with Santa and his reindeer and lots of powdery snow. But in the Southern Hemisphere, in places such as Australia, Christmas looks very different, with warm sunshine and pool fun. Let this concept influence you in July, pretend you’re from the land down under, and sing the Aussie holiday tune: “Christmas where the gum tree grow, there is no frost, and there is no snow.”
Christmas in July started back in the early 1900s at a summer camp in North Carolina, where they decorated with fake cotton snow, a tree, a gift exchange and, of course, Santa for the children. Then a movie in 1940 called Christmas in July started to make this concept more popular. And, of course, retailers now have Black Friday Sales in July, which can help those who wish to get an early start for December 25. Feel festive in the Christmas spirit with an iced matcha latte while escaping the 100-degree days, and shop for those deals.
If you want to be even more holly and jolly this July, host a tropical Christmas paradise party for Santa’s summer vacation. Decorate the party with a tropical twist incorporating elements like palm trees, coconuts and beach-themed decorations. Take some mini paper umbrellas and make a wreath out of them. Decorate a pineapple like a Christmas tree. Add some mini-Santa hats to your floating flamingo pool floats.
Have guests wear their best Hawaiian shirts (a play on an Ugly Christmas sweater) and provide some festive green, red and white leis. Or some guests might want to depict what Santa, Mrs. Claus or the elves would look like on a summer getaway or what they look like in Australia that time of year.
Serve festive cocktails like Grinch Juice in coconut cups or mini beach pails. And make a Christmas tree Jell-O shot tower. But be sure your guests stay hydrated and provide plenty of melted snowman water. No party is complete without food and snacks. Include tropical Christmas-inspired treats like Santa hat fruit skewers, coconut macaroons in green, red and white or Christmas-themed ice cream sundaes with holiday sprinkles. Make some marshmallow snowman skewers for s’mores. And cut watermelon slices shaped like a Christmas tree.
Don’t forget to take festive pictures. Include a photo booth or photo wall with props like Santa hats, mistletoe, tropical scarves, and sunglasses.
If a party sounds too exhausting in the heat of the summer, stay indoors, crank up the AC and cozy up with a Christmas movie marathon. Have a Christmas-themed movie night with everyone in their favorite Christmas pajamas or onesies for the ultimate movie night experience. Set up a comfortable viewing area with Christmas or winter-themed blankets and pillows. Grab the snacks like popcorn, Christmas cookies and adult hot chocolates. You can even include the snowman marshmallows again for this party.
Remember, Santa is always watching who is naughty and nice. Ensure the nice list this year by giving back to the community. Reap the most significant ROI and investigate local nonprofits or charity organizations celebrating Christmas in July with a charity event to volunteer at or donate to.
Life is stressful enough, so simply have a wonderful Christmas time twice this year and enjoy a whimsical midsummer celebration!
