Christmas In July

It’s A Thing

What’s a nice Jewish woman doing celebrating Christmas? And in July? It’s not that complicated. In fact, it’s a thing.

The History of Christmas in July

Apparently, I was misguided in my belief that my uncle came up with Christmas in July. The first Christmas in July dates back 84 years according to legend. It took place at a girl’s camp called Keystone Camp in Brevard, N.C. On July 24th – 25th, the camp co-founder gave the names of the cabins tied into Christmas. The jr. and sr. campers were called Elves and Pixies.

The event included carolers, a tree, Santa Claus, and fake snow made of cotton. Campers made stockings out of their laundry bags. Years later they added a gift exchange.

My aunt and uncle celebrated Christmas my entire life. It was more for the joy and not in a religious sense. Long before we moved to Florida, we would visit them in Fort Lauderdale every December. My uncle had an office party. He would still dress up as Santa and decorate his office with a Christmas tree and lights. Of course, he also included a charitable component and had his guests bring non-perishables to donate to a local food bank. Because everyone’s calendars were full, he moved it to July. Thus, Christmas in July.

What I Love About This July Celebration

I have a  July birthday daughter so there is that to celebrate. She works in events and throws a theme party every year. One of her favorites was her Christmas in July party a few years back. Her friends all came in ugly Christmas sweaters.

Hallmark’s Christmas in July

It must be official when Hallmark runs their Christmas in July with releases of their most popular Christmas movies. For those who love Hallmark movies, it’s like Christmas all over again.

Ways to Celebrate

It is certainly easy to be cynical about the commercialization of Christmas in July. I get it; I used to hate when the stores would put out decorations right after Halloween. Truth be told, after the year and a half we have been through, who doesn’t need a way to celebrate and bring some cheer into our lives?

Plan a themed party complete with floating pool lights, a wreath pool float ring, and even artificial snow powder. You can add in games like a snowman toss cornhole game too. Throw in some photo props. If it’s an adult party, you can make candy cane shots (1 part Rumple Minze, 1 part whipping cream, and Rose’s Grenadine) and play beer pong but using green and red solo cups and racking the cups in the shape of a Christmas tree.

Christmas in July Sales

July is when I start my holiday shopping. Getting to the commercial aspect of the month could give you a jumpstart on holiday shopping by taking advantage of some great sales.  I’ve been putting away cash each week toward holiday shopping. Between inflation and a market downturn, it is a great time to try to save on the items you already know you are buying for the holidays. Sales will be continuing throughout the rest of the year as many retailers start unloading inventory.

My favorite Christmas in July sales events are:

Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale – Credit cardholders get early access. You can preview the sale starting June 29th. Your cardmember level may give you early access starting July 6th. Icons on July 6th- 14th, Ambassadors July 7th-14th, Influencers July 9th-14th, and open to the public on July 15th. The sale ends on July 31st. I’ve put together a list of recommendations because who has time to go through thousands of items.

Amazon – Amazon’s first of two Prime Day deals events will be July 12 and 13th

Zara – My daughters love Zara. I have to admit, I like some of their clothes too. And, I really like Zara Home. I recently purchased a duvet, blanket, and standing mirror for one of my bedrooms.

 

Christmas Tablescape

I love a decorated table. So while yes, I am Jewish, I could not wait to try my hand at a Christmas-decorated table. I’m sharing my finished table. Many of the items I used are on sale now so you may want to grab it before the prices go up.

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