For countries in Northern Hemisphere such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada, the concept of Christmas in July is deliberately ironic. It’s celebrated during the heart of summer, allowing people to revel Christmas spirit amidst warm, sunny days. It’s an odd but welcome time to enjoy Christmas-themed activities, mixing the joy of the Christmas season with the carefree ambiance of summer.
How did Christmas in July become a thing?
In the United States
In 1935, the National Recreation Association’s journal, Recreation, painted a vivid picture of Christmas in July at a girl’s camp in Brevard, North Carolina. The description highlighted how “all mystery and wonder surround this annual event,” capturing the enchanting atmosphere of this summer celebration.
The term “Christmas in July,” if not the exact celebration, gained national attention with the 1940 Hollywood comedy Christmas in July, written and directed by Preston Sturges. The film tells the story of a man tricked into believing he has won $25,000 in an advertising slogan contest. Overjoyed, he buys presents for his family, friends, and neighbours, and proposes to his girlfriend, spreading unexpected cheer and warmth.
In 1942, the Calvary Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., embraced Christmas in July by singing carols and delivering a sermon titled “Christmas Presents in July.” The following year, they repeated the celebration, adorning a Christmas tree with donations. The pastor explained that this special service was inspired by a similar summer program at his former church in Philadelphia, where the congregation presented Christmas gifts early to ensure they could be distributed to missions worldwide. This service became an annual tradition, and by 1945, it was broadcast annually on local radio.
From The New York Times, Friday July 28, 1944During World War II, in 1944, the U.S. Post Office, along with U.S. Army and Navy officials and the American advertising and greeting card industries, hosted a Christmas in July luncheon in New York. This event aimed to promote early Christmas mailing for servicemen overseas, ensuring they received their holiday gifts on time. The luncheon was such a success that it was repeated in 1945, highlighting the importance and growing popularity of this mid-year celebration.
Spread to the UK
The enchanting tradition of Christmas in July eventually made its way to the UK, influenced by global media and the travel experiences of expatriates and enthusiasts. Over time, the concept gained traction, especially through the influence of social media platforms, where people shared their celebratory experiences and ideas.
British retailers and businesses also played a significant role in popularising the concept, offering themed promotions and events during the summer months. As a result, participation in Christmas in July has grown, with more people and businesses embracing this whimsical celebration.
A Summer Christmas Down Under!
July is the middle of the winter season in Australia and often holds the coldest temperatures of the year. So folks in the Southern Hemisphere celebrate Yuletide twice a year!
December finds Aussies in swimsuits on the beach (and Santa—see above!), so it’s not always the most “traditional” Christmas time of year. Rumor has it that a group of Irish tourists travelled to Sydney’s Blue Mountains in 1980 and were greeted by an unexpected snowfall on their summer holiday. Feeling Christmas vibes, convinced the locals to throw a “Yulefest” party.
Celebrity & Social Media Influence
Social media has played a significant role in popularising Christmas in July. These platforms provide a space for sharing celebration ideas, organising events, and building online communities around the festive occasion.
Several well-known celebrities celebrate Christmas in July, upping the cool factor across the world. And more than a few companies have also gotten in on the action. Here are a few notable examples:
- Amy Lee: Amy Lee, a British YouTuber and gamer, is famous for her Minecraft, Sims, and Fortnite videos. She has posted about her Christmas in July celebrations, featuring themed gaming sessions and festive decorations.
- KT Franklin: KT Franklin is a British TikTok star and social media influencer. Known for her POVs and comedy skits, KT has shared videos and photos of her summer holiday celebrations, including festive decorations and themed outfits.
- The Hallmark Channel: For over 12 years, Hallmark has created a festive lineup of movies for its Christmas in July programming. For 2024, in addition to Christmas movies all month long, the network will treat viewers with two original movie premieres — and new movies every Saturday.
- Jimmy Fallon: The comedian and host of The Tonight Show has also gotten into the spirit. One of my absolute favorite people on the planet, Jimmy’s a talent to be reckoned with, combining hilarity and kindness, with quick comic and insane vocal chops. Check out The Best Christmas in July Moments from The Tonight Show.
Fallon celebrated his first Christmas season on The Tonight Show with the then-five members of One Direction — Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, and Liam Payne — in 2014. They performed a “Classroom Instruments” version of “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” with The Roots.
A few other “Christmas in July” fun things
- Podcast: “Merry Britsmas 31: A Sunny Christmas In July Goes Wrong”
- Christmas in July: Santa for Hire!
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