If you’ve ever seen someone sipping eggnog in flip flops or hanging stockings next to a pool floatie and thought, “What on earth is going on?” — you’ve stumbled into the wonderful, slightly wacky world of Christmas in July.
But where did it come from? Why do people celebrate it? And more importantly… should you?
Let’s unwrap it together. 🎁
🎁 Where Did Christmas in July Come From?
The idea of celebrating “Christmas” in the middle of summer goes back further than you might think. While it’s hard to pinpoint a single origin, the most popular theory is this:
👉 Christmas in July started at a summer camp in North Carolina in the 1930s.
Campers decorated trees, exchanged silly gifts, and sang carols — all to break up the long, hot stretch of summer. It was joyful, fun, and gave everyone something to look forward to while sweating through July.
The concept took off — especially in places where December doesn’t come with snow (looking at you, southern states + Australia). Retailers loved the idea too. Why wait until November to get into the holiday spirit?
🌴 Why People Still Celebrate It Today
In a word? Fun.
Christmas in July is a way to:
- 🎶 Revisit holiday nostalgia without the stress
- 🌞 Bring cozy vibes to the summer slowdown
- 🛍️ Score mid-year deals on your favorite festive finds
- 🎉 Throw a themed party with mistletoe and margaritas
It’s the holiday spirit — just with better weather and fewer casseroles. If you love twinkle lights, peppermint everything, and unapologetic comfort — July is the perfect time to bring it back in a low-pressure, laugh-out-loud kind of way. Here are 5 fun ways to celebrate!
🎉 5 Fun Ways to Celebrate Christmas in July
Not sure how to celebrate? Here are five fun, low-pressure ways to bring a little holiday cheer into the summer heat:
1. 🎅 Host a Backyard “Yule + BBQ” Party
Trade the ham for hamburgers and the cocoa for sweet tea. Add some dollar-store garland to the picnic table, wear your favorite Christmas tee with cutoffs, and serve desserts with candy cane sprinkles. Bonus points if someone brings potato salad in a gift bag.
2. 🎁 Do a Summer Secret Santa Gift Exchange
Get a few friends together for a $10 gift swap — wrap your presents in leftover holiday paper, cue up the Christmas playlist, and sip peppermint margaritas. It’s silly, easy, and way more fun than the December rush.
3. 📺 Have a “Christmas Movie + Chill” Night
Blast the A/C, light a pine-scented candle, throw on your favorite festive sweatshirt, and binge your holiday favorites (The Holiday, anyone?). Add popcorn, peppermint bark, and iced hot chocolate for full effect.
4. 🧣 Wear Your Festive Favorites (Yes, in July)
Pull out that sassy Christmas tee, layer it under denim overalls, or wear your holiday hoodie to the grocery store just because. It’s giving “Santa, but make it southern.”
👉 [Link to your Christmas Collection here]
5. ✨ Shop Early + Score a Deal
Avoid the December madness and snag your favorite holiday shirts now — especially while they’re on sale. It’s one less thing to think about later, and your size is still in stock. Win-win.
🛍️ Our Christmas in July Promo Just Dropped!
To help you get in the spirit, we’re bringing back a holiday fan favorite:
🎁 Buy One, Get One 50% Off all Christmas designs — now through July 25!
From festive tees to cozy sweatshirts, these styles bring holiday magic with a summer twist. Perfect for gifting early (or just treating yourself because, well... you deserve it).
👉 Shop the Christmas Collection Now →
So yes, Virginia — Christmas in July is real.
It’s weird. It’s wonderful. And it might just be your new favorite tradition.