Christmas in July: Ideas for Parties and Presents

In the media, pop culture, and in many parts of the world, the Christmas season is associated with cold weather, hot drinks, and plenty of fluffy, white snow. However, here in the Southern hemisphere, you're more likely to have a beachside BBQ on December 25th than you are a snowball fight. That's one of the predominant reasons why we Aussies have a little something called Christmas in July.

Each year, millions of people around the world celebrate Christmas, but not all in the same way. If you'd like to learn more about the history of Christmas in July and hear about some of the best Christmas presents you can buy for your nearest and dearest this year, we've got you covered.

Read on for everything you need to know about this unique way of celebrating Christmas in Australia...

What Is Christmas in July?

Aside from being a charming and adorable rom-com that dates all the way back to the 1940s, Christmas in July is also a concept that's popular in southern-hemisphere countries. Some of the nations it's celebrated in include South Africa, New Zealand, Argentina, and of course Australia. It refers to the practice of taking part in traditionally Christmas-themed events in the month of July.

Its popularity in these countries stems from the fact that they're not able to engage in a "traditional" Christmas on December 25th. This is, of course, due to the fact that seasons are opposite in the two hemispheres. While those in the northern hemisphere have their winters in December, in the southern part of the globe, December is the summertime.

The History of This Tradition

Did you know that having a Christmas celebration in July is a concept that originated in America, not Australia? It's true!

As the story goes, a summer camp for girls called Keystone Camp in Brevard, North Carolina started the tradition in 1933. But how did the concept become popularized in Australia?

Here's where another northern hemisphere nation comes in. It's said that the Australian tradition of Christmas in July all began with a group of Irish ex-pats.

They allegedly experienced snowfall in the Blue Mountains one July and spoke of how they missed celebrating cold Christmasses back home. They decided to organise an event to celebrate the holiday.

This prompted the owner of the hotel they were staying in to throw them a Yuletide party. It featured turkey and ham, mulled wine, a log fire, and festive decorations. This became a strong tradition year after year and the rest is history.

Celebrating Midwinter Christmas

Much like Christmas in December, each family or group will likely choose to celebrate Christmas in July a little differently. There's really no wrong way to celebrate this fun and silly holiday, but if you're looking for inspiration, don't worry because we've got plenty at the ready.

This celebration is first and foremost a chance for Australians to have a cold-weather Christmas. That means you can take inspiration from the parties, foods, and traditions those in the northern hemisphere usually have in December.

Have a Festive Feast

Eating lots of heavy, hot food when it's super warm outside isn't many people's idea of a good time. But now that the weather is a little on the cooler side, it's your chance to try some traditional Christmas foods.

Turkey, roast potatoes, sticky toffee pudding, mulled wine, hot toddies—you really can't go wrong. This month put on a festive spread and invite everyone you hold dear to break bread.

Throw a Christmas Party

Christmas is sometimes also referred to as the social season. Everyone's visiting their friends and family, and of course, office parties are a big thing. Why don't you throw your own Christmas in July party complete with decorations, Christmas music, and festive finger food?

Exchange Christmas-themed Gifts

One of the most magical parts of Christmas is the exchanging of heartfelt gifts with the ones you love. There's no reason why Christmas gift-giving has to be limited to December. If you really want to drum up that holiday spirit, why not pick out special gifts for your favourite friends and family members?

Christmas in July Gift Ideas

Christmas in July gifts can be similar in nature to gifts you'd normally give in December. It can also be helpful to look at the kinds of things that are popular as presents in the northern hemisphere. We've got the perfect Midwinter Christmas gift guide for you.

A Christmas Candle

The olfactory sense is one of the strongest and most evocative there is. We hold on to so many smell-related memories and a scent has the unique ability to arouse nostalgia and emotions in us almost as soon as we smell it. A Christmas candle, in particular, can do this. Why not give the gift of Cinnamon & Berries, Vanilla Nutmeg, Pine Needle & Sage or a Mulberry Spice candle to your loved one this July?

A Collection of Cards

What would Christmas in July be without carefully crafted Christmas Cards? If you're looking to add a thoughtful note to your gifts but are having a bit of trouble finding on-theme cards at this time of year, look no further. Buy a boxed set of 6 cards of either Tis the Season or Merry Christmas from Galina Dixon will have your friends feeling all fuzzy inside.

Only the Best Christmas Gifts This July

This Christmas in July, we hope you have fun, celebrate, and spend time with those you love. Christmas is a time to gather with friends and family. Just because it happens to be in July doesn't mean this time around should be any different.

To celebrate this fabulous festive season, we've got discounts on some of our most yuletide-appropriate products.

Browse the full Christmas range yourself for some gifting inspiration.