How to Celebrate Christmas in July – Part 1

Living with the heart of Christmas, introduced in Evergreen Yuletide‘s introductory blog brought you here today. As a result, you are either curious or fully onboard with living year-round with the joy of Christmas. Additionally, I am sending a very, warm welcome to this new and wonderful community of Christmas-spirited individuals. What are you hoping to find in this community? Please don’t be afraid to leave your comments, questions or suggestions. Furthermore, with your participation, we can build this community together. In the meantime, let’s move forward with our plan to have and spread joy 365 days a year by learning how to celebrate Christmas in July!

The Birth of Christmas in July

All in all, I bet some readers are rolling their eyes right now thinking that this evolution of Christmas was all about the money; however, that isn’t true. Take a quick peek at these origin highlights and move along. Ultimately, we all want to start planning for our Christmas in July celebration!

• The inception of Christmas in July dates back to 1933.
• It started at Keystone Camp in Brevard, North Carolina
• The celebration included decorating a Christmas tree, using cotton for snow, pillow cases for Christmas stockings and the arrival of Santa Claus!
• Next, Hollywood released the movie Christmas in July in 1940 bringing national attention to spreading holiday cheer even during the summer.
• Meanwhile, starting in 1942, the Calvary Baptist Church, in Washington, DC, held a Christmas in July service encouraging early donations for the missions.
• Subsequently, the U.S. Post Office, in 1944 and again in 1945, promoted early Christmas mailing campaigns for World War II overseas soldiers.
• Because of these events, retail marketing began to be used to boost Christmas in July sales in the 1950s.
• Consequently, the marketing continues today, with entities such as the Hallmark Channel hosting their Christmas in July movie marathon which, for instance, coincides with the release of the new Hallmark ornaments.

There you have it, Christmas in July’s humble beginnings. Curious about the camp that started it all? Click: Keystone Camp

Beginning to Plan for Christmas in July!

Put all of the commercial hype and pressure aside. Furthermore, lock it in a box and throw away the key! There are no absolute rules, and there are many ways to create and spread joy with your family and friends such as crafts, activities and parties. What’s more, the big bonus is that planning this summer celebration will teach you how to enjoy every celebration while making wonderful memories along the way! Because of this adventure, holidays and everyday will have more meaning and joy!

Let’s Start at the Very Beginning . . .

For instance, to make your Christmas in July merry and bright, you just need to start thinking about traditional winter activities and adapt them to a summer theme. On the other hand, if you happen to live Down Under, then you need to adapt your summer time Christmas celebration to the traditional Christmas winter celebration. With that being said, let’s create a short list of key components.

• Location, Location, Location! Warm weather makes traveling easier and allows for different venues.
  • Back yard
  • Beach
  • State Park
  • Campground
  • Amusement Park
• Crafts and Decorations – DIY – summer themes
• Games and Activities – winter themed events with a summer twist
• Budget-friendly Gift Giving – think simple- think homemade
• Adapted Christmas Menu Items in a Simple Summer Style
• Campfire Christmas Carols with Christmas Tree S’mores
• Decorating Party
• Story Time/ Movie Time
• Pool Party/ Slip and Slide
• Fairy Lights and other Illuminaries
• Flexible Schedule
• It Takes a Village – Learn to Delegate (and trust!) – Use Sign Up Sheet
• Printable Calendar/Planners

What is the First Step?

First and foremost, decide that you really want to experience joy throughout the year which means awakening that Christmas spirit with the anticipation of lots of fun and lasting memories. Hence, low-stress planning makes all the difference. In the meantime, talk with your close family members and friends suggesting a Christmas in July get together. Thereafter, you can start with choosing a way to organize your goals.

For instance, make a simple list with the names of those who are onboard with the idea. Then, connect with out-of-town family and friends who might like to get together for this celebration. Set a date for the weekend closest to the 24^th or 25^th of July. Those dates won’t fall conveniently on a Saturday or Sunday every year. If you can’t gather a large number of people, celebrate with your immediate family and best friends. Remember, there are no rules to follow or standards to achieve. In other words, the goal is to live with joy and share that joy with others while making as many lasting memories as possible.

Stay Tuned for the Second Step!

Meanwhile, in the next blog, we will look at ways to decorate with Christmas themes done in a summer style. You don’t have to spend oodles of money on decorations. Family crafting is a wonderful activity for all ages. I can’t wait to share some exciting ideas with you and provide a link or two to some helpful information. Preparing those decorations in advance will make your decorating party a breeze! Ultimately, the process of preparation will become part of your year-round Christmas joy!

Tell us your favorite summer Christmas tradition—or one you’d love to try!

Get a Head Start and a Free Gift

In conclusion, be inspired by my Christmas in July beach-themed wreath. First and foremost, create your own “summer” Christmas wreath and photograph it when you have completed this DIY Décor project. Secondly, send your photograph to paula@evergreenyuletide.com. Subsequently, once I have received your photograph, it will be kept in a file to be shared in a future newsletter or blog. Whether you start and complete this project this year or in the future, your wreath will be featured in a future blog(now or years from now)!😉

To wrap it all up, I have a free gift for you! Click on the photo for a download link(one click takes you to both versions) and let the party planning begin!

Love you with the heart of Christmas,

Paula

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Focus your life on joy and not on circumstances.