Before I share my #1 tips for an epic Christmas in July, let's first answer a few foundational questions...

Christmas in July – what is it?

Here in Australia and other southern hemisphere countries, such as South Africa, Argentina, Brazil & New Zealand, Christmas in July or Mid Winter Christmas events are undertaken in order to have a cozy Christmas with a winter feel in common with the northern hemisphere.

Is Christmas in July an Australian thing?

Definitely not!  Christmas in July is believed to date all the way back to 1892 in Europe!  Christmas in July in the northern hemisphere is deliberately ironic and enjoyed in the summer months.

What day is Christmas in July in Australia?

Christmas in July is typically celebrated on July 25^th. 

This year the 25^th falls on a Tuesday, so the closest Saturday is often used i.e., July 22^nd, 2023.

How do you celebrate Christmas in July?

As a huge fan of Christmas in July, let me share some fun ways to enjoy a winter Christmas…

1. Christmas Jumpers!

As you can tell by the photo, I love a Christmas jumper / sweater and even a dress!  As we know, it’s too hot in December to really embrace the ‘sweater’ tradition, although we do have ‘ugly Christmas rashies’ in Australia!

So, for Christmas in July, grab some matching jumpers and sit around the fire with friends and family.

You can grab yourself and your friends / family Christmas jumpers all year round from the wonderful team at https://www.christmasjumpers.com.au/

2. Potluck and White Elephant

While you’re together with friends and family, make a night out of it by hosting a potluck & white elephant night (also known as Dirty Santa!).

Everybody brings;

• x1 dish / plate to share
• x1 gift (best to set a price limit)

It makes for an inexpensive, yet super fun party! Get that WhatsApp invite going, and save the date!

White Elephant Rules:

• Each participant supplies one wrapped gift, usually of similar value.
• The gifts are placed in a central location, and participants determine in which order (often by numbers randomly drawn prior to the start of the game) they will take turns selecting a gift.
• The first person opens a wrapped gift, and the turn ends.
• On subsequent turns, each person has the choice to either unwrap a new present or to steal another's.
• When a person's gift is stolen, that person can either choose another wrapped gift to open or can steal from another player.
• Each gift can only be stolen twice per game.
• The game is over when everyone has a present. At the end, the first player may, if desired, steal any gift – according to some rules, even a gift that is out of play.

3. Take a cold trip!

Depending on where you live, look to your local hinterland area, and find a cute little cottage or Airbnb to stay for a weekend and enjoy a night by the fire.

In the photo above we loved our stay at Spicers Tamarind Retreat – of course I took some Christmas lights and a Door Bow to really embrace the Christmas in July spirit!

As a Queenslander another great option is in the Stanthorpe region – the Granite Belt Retreat and Brewery holds a phenomenal annual Christmas in July event!  See here, for more details.

If you know of more events – feel free to pop them in the comments below!

4. Hallmark movies & Hot Chocolate

Are you more of the ‘stay home & chill’ type – well then The Hallmark Channel run blocks of their original Christmas television films in July!

So, settle in with some hot chocolate and enjoy a movie night!

5. Bring out your Christmas decorations, listen to music & bake!

Pop on some of your favourite Christmas music, set up some decorations and maybe even cook some warm biscuits!

Dip your biscuits into your hot chocolate and end your day watching your hallmark movie… *chefs kiss*.  

We had so much fun making these sugar cookies a few years back and they were delicious! 

I hope our list inspires you to enjoy your Christmas in July this year!

x Sofia