This post is all about Christmas in July ideas a festive celebration that brings joy and cheer during summer. It’s a time to gather with loved ones, indulge in delicious food and drinks, and exchange gifts. Whether you’re looking to beat the heat or spread some Christmas spirit, there are plenty of fun ideas to make your festival memorable at your very best!
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The possibilities are endless, from outdoor barbecues and beach parties to decorating your home with twinkling lights and having a Secret Santa gift exchange.
So grab your Santa hat and get ready to celebrate the holiday with these creative Christmas in July ideas to keep the holiday spirit alive all year round.
Keep reading for some festive inspiration, and let the merriment begin.
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What is the Christmas in July?
Christmas in July is a popular holiday celebration that takes place during July.
It’s often called a mid-year Christmas or half-Christmas and has become a fun tradition for many people worldwide.
This holiday originated in the southern hemisphere, where December falls in the summer, making it challenging to celebrate traditional Christmas festivities.
What is the origin of celebrating Christmas in July?
The origins of celebrating Christmas in July can be traced back to the southern hemisphere, where the holiday is celebrated during winter.
In countries like Australia and New Zealand, July marks the peak of winter, and many people festively celebrate Christmas to break up the long and cold winter months.
Christmas in July Ideas
There are plenty of fun ideas to celebrate Christmas in July! Here are some suggestions to get you in the holiday spirit.
July Decoration Ideas.
You can say goodbye to the traditional red and green color scheme and embrace a summer-inspired decor.
Think beachy ornaments, seashell wreaths, and colorful string lights. Let your creativity run wild.
Christmas Activities.
What’s a holiday without some fun activities? Get your friends and family together for a day filled with holiday-themed games, crafts, and treats.
From making snowmen out of cotton balls to having a gingerbread house decorating competition, there are endless possibilities for keeping the Christmas spirit alive in July.
Outdoor Celebrations.
Take advantage of the warm weather and plan an outdoor celebration. Set a bonfire, roast chestnuts, and enjoy hot cocoa under the stars.
You can even have a Christmas tree decorating party outside or set up a makeshift ice skating rink using a tarp and water. The possibilities are endless.
July Food Ideas
A holiday is complete with indulging in some mouthwatering food. Whip traditional Christmas dishes like roast turkey, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.
Or get creative with some fun “Christmas in July” themed treats like candy cane brownies or red and green fruit skewers. Remember the eggnog.
Gift Ideas for Christmas.
You can exchange gifts in July, regardless of what others may say. Seize the sales opportunity and kickstart your holiday shopping ahead of time.
You can even make it a game by setting a budget and seeing who can find the most unique or creative gift for each other. Remember to wrap them in some festive wrapping paper.
Beach and Tropical Themes.
You can mix Christmas with summer if you want to! Embrace the warm weather and create a tropical twist on your holiday celebrations.
Decorate with seashells, pineapples, and palm trees, and serve refreshing drinks like coconut eggnog or cranberry margaritas.
You can even have a Christmas lunch party. The possibilities are endless.
Movie Marathon.
You can watch your favorite holiday movies in December. Just have a movie marathon with all the classics like “Home Alone,” “Elf,” and “The Grinch.” And remember the snacks.
A big bowl of popcorn and some frozen hot chocolate will make it feel just like Christmas. You get bonus points if you have a cozy fire in the background.
Outfit ideas.
Don’t just stop decorating your home for Christmas in July. Get creative and decorate your yard with festive Christmas lights and July decorations as well!
Consider having a friendly competition with your neighbors to see who can create the most over-the-top display.
Is it possible to recreate traditional holiday activities during the summer months?
Absolutely! There’s a magic to the holiday season that can be captured and enjoyed all year round, including during the sun-soaked summer months.
A big part of the holiday charm lies in traditions, many of which can be adapted for summer.
For instance, you might trade your hot chocolate for a chilled version garnished with a sprig of mint.
Instead of a traditional tree, consider decorating a tropical plant with light summer-themed ornaments.
Outdoor movie nights with holiday-themed films can replace cozy indoor evenings.
And remember summer versions of holiday foods – BBQ turkey, anyone? So, yes, with a touch of creativity and a dash of holiday spirit, you can recreate traditional summer holiday activities.
How do I plan a Christmas in July party?
1. Start by choosing a theme: Christmas in July is about bringing the holiday spirit to the summertime, so choose a fun and festive theme that reflects this.
Some popular options include “Beachy Christmas” or “Christmas BBQ.”
2. Create an invitation: Get your guests excited for the holiday party by designing an invitation that incorporates your chosen theme.
You can even include a fun message like “Santa’s taking a vacation this year, so we’re bringing Christmas to July!”
3. Decorate with summer and holiday elements: Combine beachy decorations like seashells and palm trees with traditional Christmas decor such as lights, wreaths, and stockings to create a unique atmosphere.
4. Serve up seasonal treats: No Christmas in July party is complete without delicious food and drinks!
Incorporate traditional holiday dishes like roasted ham or eggnog and summery favorites such as grilled pineapple or refreshing cocktails.
5. Don’t forget about Christmas music: Create a festive playlist that mixes classic holiday songs with upbeat summer tunes to keep the party going all night.
6. Encourage guests to dress up: Get everyone in the spirit by encouraging them to come dressed in their best Christmas in July attire.
This can include Hawaiian shirts paired with Santa hats or even a Christmas-themed swimsuit!
7. Have a gift exchange: Keep the gift-giving tradition alive by organizing a Secret Santa or white elephant gift exchange.
This is an excellent way for everyone to receive a fun and unexpected present and get into the holiday spirit.
8. Set up a photo booth: Create lasting memories by setting up a themed photo booth with props such as Santa hats, reindeer antlers, and summer sunglasses.
Encourage guests to take silly photos together and share them on social media.
What should I serve at my Christmas in July party?
Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a large party, here are some july party ideas to get you started. First things first, let’s talk about the main course.
A traditional Christmas dinner typically includes roasted turkey or ham, but since it’s July and possibly hot outside, why not switch it up with something lighter and more summery?
Grilled chicken or fish, along with some fresh salads and grilled veggies, would be a great alternative.
Of course, every Christmas party is complete with some delicious desserts. Instead of the usual Christmas cookies and fruitcake, try making a festive trifle with layers of angel food cake, whipped cream, and berries.
Or you could make an ice cream sundae bar with all the toppings- perfect for beating the summer heat.
And remember the drinks! Mulled wine and hot cocoa may be a staple during Christmas, but for July, why not serve some refreshing cocktails or mocktails?
You can get creative and make them festive by adding red and green garnishes.
Why you should have Christmas in July?
July may be known for its hot temperatures and summer vacations, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate Christmas, too!
A “Christmas in July” celebration can bring much-needed Christmas cheer during the middle of the year.
Here are a few reasons why you should consider having your own Christmas in July:
- Beat the holiday rush: The holiday season can get pretty hectic. By having Christmas in July, you can avoid the crowded malls and long lines at the stores.
Plus, it gives you more time to enjoy the festive decorations and atmosphere without feeling rushed.
- Spread out expenses: We all know buying gifts and hosting holiday events can be expensive.
By having Christmas in July, you can spread out those expenses throughout the year, making it easier on your budget.
- Cooler weather: July can be sweltering, depending on where you live. A winter-themed celebration in the middle of summer can provide some much-needed relief from the heat.
Who doesn’t love snuggling up with a cozy blanket and hot chocolate?
- Bring loved ones together: With summer vacations and busy schedules, gathering all your loved ones in one place during the holidays can be challenging.
Christmas in July allows you to unite everyone for quality time without conflicting with other plans.
Tips and Tricks
Whether you’re hosting a festive party or simply looking to get into the spirit of the season, here are some tips and tricks to help you plan the perfect Christmas in July celebration.
Deck the halls with summer-inspired decorations.
Who says Christmas has to be all about snowflakes and mistletoe? Embrace the warm weather by incorporating beachy elements into your holiday decor.
Think seashell ornaments, palm tree lights, and a surfboard adorned with garlands.
Serve up some seasonal treats.
While traditional Christmas fare like turkey and eggnog may be less delicious in the middle of summer, there are plenty of ways to put a summertime spin on your menu.
How about grilling up some festive kabobs or whipping a tropical fruit punch? Get creative and have fun with it.
Plan fun activities for all ages.
From Christmas-themed scavenger hunts to poolside games, ensure your guests of all ages have something to do at your Christmas in July celebration.
You can even set up a DIY ornament-making station or organize a Secret Santa Claus gift exchange.
Remember to stay calm.
With the sun shining and temperatures soaring, keeping yourself and your guests comfortable is essential.
Make sure there are plenty of shady spots to relax in, and keep refreshments on hand to beat the heat.
You can even set up a sprinkler or water balloon fight for extra summer fun.
This post was all about Christmas in July ideas.
Before you go…
Christmas in July is the perfect opportunity to bring some holiday cheer into the summer months.
With these festive ideas, you can celebrate the spirit of Christmas. So gather your loved ones and get ready for a jolly good time.
Read our next article about Colorado Christmas to see how to steal their christmas celebration into yours this year!
Other Posts You May Like:
* Grinch Christmas Decorations | Get Into the Holiday Spirit
* Pink Christmas Decorations | Add a Festive Touch to Your Home
* Colorado Christmas | A Winter Getaway to the Rock Mountains
Featured Question About Christmas in July ideas
In what country is Christmas in July?
Christmas in July is traditionally celebrated in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
However, it has also become popular in other countries, such as the United States and Canada. The origins of this mid-year celebration are still being determined.
Still, it is believed to have started as a way for people living in the Southern Hemisphere to experience a traditional winter holiday during their colder months.
Does anyone celebrate Christmas in July?
Yes, some people do! It’s a fun and unique tradition where people embrace the holiday spirit during the summer months. S
ome may decorate their homes with lights and trees, while others exchange gifts or have a festive BBQ. It’s a great way to spread joy and cheer during the warmer weather.
How old is Christmas in July?
Christmas in July is a relatively new celebration that started around the 1940s.
It was created initially as a marketing strategy to boost retail sales during the summer months. However, it has now become a popular tradition and is celebrated worldwide.
So, while it may not be as old as traditional Christmas, it still has a rich history and brings joy and cheer to many people.
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