Christmas is a much loved holiday, and it’s a shame it only comes once a year. But why celebrate Christmas once a year, when you can celebrate twice? Christmas in July is a great way to bring the spirit of the winter season into your sun-soaked summer. Here are a few ways to celebrate Christmas in July.
To start, let’s go over the history of Christmas in July. Countries like Australia and New Zealand were originally settled by the British, and are located in the southern hemisphere. In the UK, Christmas has long been associated with the winter season, as Christmas is in winter in the northern hemisphere. In the southern hemisphere, however, Christmas Day falls in the middle of summer. While Australians celebrate Christmas on December 25th, they don’t get to experience the holiday season the way Americans or Brits do. Summer is just too hot to properly enjoy hot cocoa or wear an ugly Christmas sweater. Christmas in July came about in the southern hemisphere so that people in Australia could enjoy Christmas activities like decorating the house, buying Christmas gifts for girlfriend and family members, and arranging fun games in the winter, instead of summer. It’s also a great excuse to party. As the idea picked up momentum in the southern hemisphere, those of us in the northern hemisphere decided to get in on the fun as well. Now Christmas in July can be enjoyed in many different countries.
One way to bring the Christmas season into your summer fun is to get ready to send out holiday cards. The holiday season might be 6 months away, but now is the perfect time to take family photos for your cards. Use photos from your summer vacation, or take the family to the park for a photo op and a game of tag. The weather is perfect for outdoor family photos, so take advantage of it. Once you’ve got your photos, take a look at holiday card options. If you’re not sure where to get your cards from, try Basic Invite. They have a ton of options to choose from, and all their cards are completely customizable. You can make sure your holiday cards look perfect. Check out their christmas cards and holiday cards. It will be a huge relief come December to already have your Christmas cards picked out for the year. And you’ll have plenty of time between now and then to get them just right. Don’t wait, snap some photos in the summer sun and order your holiday cards now.
Another way to celebrate Christmas in July is to add a summery twist to your favorite winter activities. Throw a summer Christmas party for your friends and neighbors with food like iced hot cocoa, cranberry hot dogs, and gingerbread people wearing swimsuits. If you live near a beach or desert, you could have your party on the beach so everyone can try sand sledding. You can either buy sand sleds or use boogie boards. If you don’t live in an area where you can sand sled, you can always have a slip-n-slide instead. Have a kid’s table with activities like smores gingerbread houses, or edible shaved ice snowmen. Close out the party with a white elephant gift exchange or a Christmas movie. Your friends and family will have so much fun.
I hope your Christmas in July is sunny and joyful. Merry Christmas in July, and don’t forget your santa hat!