The middle of summer might not seem like the typical time to break out the Christmas cheer, but “Christmas in July” has become a delightful tradition for many. Celebrating Christmas in July offers a whimsical way to enjoy the festive spirit without the winter chill. Whether you’re looking to throw a party or just add a touch of holiday magic to your summer days, here are some creative ideas to celebrate Christmas in July with fun decorations and activities.
What is Christmas in July?
Before diving into the celebration ideas, you might be wondering, what is Christmas in July? Christmas in July, also known as Half Christmas and Christmas Summer, has become so ingrained in culture every year that you might not even have considered who came up with the idea for this upbeat, albeit corny, midsummer festival in the first place. This offbeat holiday is believed to have originated at a summer camp in North Carolina in 1933, where the campers celebrated with a Christmas tree, gift exchange, and even a visit from Santa Claus. The idea caught on, and now Christmas in July is celebrated in various ways worldwide, offering a mid-year dose of holiday cheer.
Christmas in July Decorations
Transform your home into a summer wonderland with these Christmas in July decorations:
1. Beach-Themed Christmas Tree
Trade the traditional pine for a beach-inspired Christmas tree. Decorate it with seashells, starfish, and nautical ornaments. Use a blue or sandy beige color scheme to evoke the seaside vibe. Top it off with a sun instead of a star for a unique twist.
2. Tropical Wreaths
Create a tropical wreath using vibrant flowers, palm leaves, and perhaps a few ornaments. Hang it on your door to welcome guests with a splash of summer and Christmas combined.
3. Christmas Lights with a Twist
Hang string lights around your patio or backyard, but give them a summer makeover. Add mini lanterns, flamingos, or other summer-themed decorations to the lights to blend the two seasons.
4. Santa in Summer Attire
Swap Santa’s traditional red suit for a Hawaiian shirt and sunglasses. Place a life-size Santa figurine in your garden or by the pool, ready to greet guests with a summery smile.
5. Frozen Treats Station
Set up a station with festive holiday-themed frozen treats like peppermint ice cream, snowman-shaped popsicles, or red and green snow cones. Decorate the station with candy canes and holly for a Christmas touch.
Christmas in July Ideas for Activities
Planning activities that combine summer fun with holiday cheer will make your Christmas in July 2023 unforgettable. Here are some exciting ideas for Christmas in July activities:
1. Christmas Pool Party
Host a Christmas-themed pool party complete with inflatable reindeer, snowflake floaties, and Christmas music. Encourage guests to wear Santa hats and Christmas-themed swimwear. You can even organize pool games like a water balloon toss or a treasure hunt for holiday trinkets.
2. Holiday Movie Marathon
Set up an outdoor movie screen and have a holiday movie marathon under the stars. Classics like “Home Alone,” “Elf,” and “The Grinch” will be even more enjoyable with a summer twist. Provide cozy blankets, popcorn, and festive snacks for the ultimate movie night.
3. Christmas Crafts
Organize a craft station where kids and adults can create their own Christmas decorations. Options include making summer-themed ornaments, decorating seashells, or designing holiday cards. This activity is not only fun but also allows everyone to take home a piece of the celebration.
4. Holiday Baking Contest
Host a holiday baking contest featuring summer flavors. Think gingerbread men with a tropical twist, such as adding coconut or pineapple. Guests can compete for the best decorated cookies, cupcakes, or cakes, with prizes for creativity and taste.
5. Secret Santa Gift Exchange
A Secret Santa gift exchange is a staple of Christmas traditions. Adapt it for July by setting a summer-themed gift requirement. Gifts like beach towels, sunglasses, or fun summer gadgets will keep the spirit alive and are perfect for the season.
Ideas for Christmas in July Party Themes
Choosing a theme can help tie your decorations and activities together, making the celebration even more cohesive and fun. Here are a few Christmas in July ideas for party themes:
1. Tropical Christmas
Combine the warmth of summer with Christmas cheer by decorating with palm trees, tropical flowers, and bright colors. Serve tropical drinks with festive garnishes and play holiday music with a reggae twist.
2. Christmas Luau
Throw a Christmas Luau complete with Hawaiian leis, hula skirts, and tiki torches. Serve traditional luau dishes with a holiday spin, such as pineapple-glazed ham or coconut snowballs. Have a limbo contest and hula dance competition to keep guests entertained.
3. Snowy Beach
Create a snowy beach scene with artificial snow, sand, and beach balls. Decorate with a mix of beach and Christmas elements, such as sandcastles adorned with holly or a surfboard decorated like a Christmas tree.
4. Winter Wonderland BBQ
Host a Winter Wonderland BBQ with a mix of summer and winter decorations. Think snowflakes and icicles alongside BBQ grills and picnic tables. Serve BBQ favorites with holiday sides like cranberry sauce or sweet potato fries.
5. Retro Christmas
Go back in time with a retro-themed Christmas in July party. Decorate with vintage Christmas ornaments, old-fashioned lights, and classic holiday music. Encourage guests to dress in retro swimwear or holiday attire.
Wrapping Up Your Christmas in July Celebration
As your Christmas in July 2023 festivities come to an end, consider sending your guests home with a small memento of the celebration. Personalized ornaments and stockings, homemade treats, or holiday-themed beach accessories are all great options. Remember, the goal is to create a fun and memorable experience that blends the best of both seasons.
Celebrating Christmas in July is a wonderful way to break up the summer and bring joy and festivity to the middle of the year. And with these ideas, you’re sure to host a celebration that will leave everyone smiling and full of holiday cheer. So, deck the halls with summer flair and let the Christmas in July festivities begin!
