Christmas is one of the most anticipated times of the year, but you don’t have to wait until December to feel the festive spirit. With Christmas in July, you’ll experience the joys of the season much earlier through fun activities and great deals. Ever wonder how this tradition began? Read on to learn its history and why this midsummer event is the best time to do your Christmas shopping.
WHAT IS CHRISTMAS IN JULY?
HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS IN JULY
There are different stories on the origin of Christmas in July. Here are some key EVENTS around the world that helped form this tradition:
EUROPE
It is believed that Christmas in July started in Europe out of a yearning for the winter’s coolness and seasonal festivities amid the summer heat. Some throw parties to recreate Christmas traditions and enjoy cold treats like ice cream. These ideas can also be fun to try in your own celebrations this summer.
UNITED STATES
One of the earliest celebrations of Christmas in July happened in 1933 at the Keystone Camp in North Carolina. Then, in 1940, a comedy film titled CHRISTMAS IN JULY introduced the term to a wider audience. Other Christmas in July events were held in the 1940s, including an annual church program in Washington, D.C., and an early Christmas mailing campaign for overseas U.S. servicemen.
AUSTRALIA
In the Southern Hemisphere, winter runs from June to August, making July the perfect time to recreate Christmas traditions. This is often traced back to a group of Irish tourists who travelled to Sydney’s Blue Mountains in 1980. Inspired by the sight of snow during their summer vacation, they convinced a local hotel owner to hold a “Yulefest” party.
TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD
Different cities across the globe put up night markets, such as the Winter Wonderlights in Sovereign Hill, Australia. This street market offers many attractions, including beautiful light displays, live plays, and faux snow falls. Meanwhile, hotels and restaurants in the BLUE MOUNTAINS continue to celebrate Yulefest through themed decorations, feasts, and other festivities. In the U.S., Christmas in July festivals and fun runs are held in various states.
WHY SHOP DURING CHRISTMAS IN JULY?
1. YOU'LL FIND THE BEST CHRISTMAS TREE DEALS OF THE SEASON
You have greater odds of finding the best artificial Christmas tree sales outside of the year-end rush. There is lower demand for Christmas merchandise and prices are adjusted accordingly. Christmas in July is your chance to get the perfect tree at prices you won’t find anywhere come December.
2. YOU AVOID CROWDS AND STOCK-OUTS
The Christmas rush often leads to crowded stores, long queues, and low stocks. Buying during Christmas in July is one way to address these common shopping woes. Alternatively, Balsam Hill sales offer the convenience of online shopping so you can sit back and relax as you wait for your parcels to arrive. For more information on our sale events, read this GUIDE.
3. YOU ELIMINATE DELIVERY DELAYS
Delivery companies tend to get overloaded with orders due to a seasonal peak in demand, resulting in delays. Ordering your Christmas items before the busy season helps ensure that you get your purchases sooner.
4. YOU HAVE MORE TIME FOR CHRISTMAS PREPARATIONS
Shopping early gives you a head start on Christmas preparations. You’ll have all the time you need to set up your tree and decorate to your heart’s content. With shopping and decorating out of the way, you can put your mind at ease and truly enjoy the festive season.
Look forward to a stress-free Christmas by planning months ahead. Find Christmas in July deals on the Balsam Hill website.
LEARN MORE
Learn when to buy and how to choose artificial Christmas trees and décor through the links below.