Why do we have Christmas in July?

Why do some people celebrate Christmas in July? This is a question that we found ourselves discussing in the office the other day.

Christmas in July was first celebrated at a girl’s summer camp in 1933.
Keystone Camp in Brevard, N.C. (United States of America) decided to dedicate two days (July 24 and 25) to the holiday.
They celebrated the occasion complete with cotton fake snow, a decorated tree, a gift exchange, and, of course, Santa.
This was done at the request of camp co-founder Fannie Holt.

In Australia, Christmas in July is not an official holiday. it’s not celebrated by everyone, but its popularity is growing.
It is not a replacement of the real Christmas we all celebrate on the 25th of December during the Australian summer but enjoyed as an additional celebration.

Australia has British and European heritage, so there’s a strong attachment to the tradition of celebrating Christmas in cold weather.
July is generally the coldest month of winter, so celebrations emulate the atmosphere of the northern hemisphere winter with hearty food like roasts, and warm drinks in front of fireplaces and bonfires.

‘Christmas in July’, is also known as Yulefest or Yuletide in Australia.

A bi-annual celebration is a great way to bring people together and a perfect excuse to have a few drinks and laughs together.
This could be with a traditional Christmas dinner, a beautiful party with friends or a staff cocktail evening.

So this July, light the fire, dig out your most colourful Christmas jumper, decorate your place with fairy lights and get together with family and friends.