"Experience the Festive Vibes Down Under!"

Why do we celebrate "Christmas in July" in Australia

Christmas in July is a popular winter celebration that takes place in the month of July in countries with a predominantly cold climate like Australia. This tradition originated from the Northern Hemisphere where people celebrate Christmas in December, which is typically associated with snow, cold weather, and fireside gatherings. However, in Australia where Christmas is celebrated during the summer, many people also enjoy the festivities of Christmas in July to experience a winter wonderland during the colder months.

The phrase "Christmas in July" first appeared in the mid-twentieth century, as a way for people living in the Southern Hemisphere to replicate the Christmas experience of a winter wonderland, complete with snow and all the traditional holiday trappings that come with it. Some also believe that the tradition may have grown in popularity due to the influence of American TV shows and movies where Christmas in July is often referenced.

When Australians' think about Christmas it's usually beach weather, bbq's & beer, so when we get the chance to snuggle up in a warm rug by the fire with a glass of mulled wine or hot chocolate, we take the opportunity to celebrate the cold winter months with a second chance at Christmas!

Seems more and more Australians are taking the opportunity to have yet another celebration, even though there is no real holiday for the event.

What date is "Christmas in July" celebrated in Australia?

In Australia, Christmas in July is a winter festival that is celebrated on July 25th every year. This festival is not a public holiday, but it is a popular event among Australians who enjoy the idea of celebrating Christmas during the colder months of the year. The origins of this festival are unclear, but it is believed to have originated from Europe where Christmas is celebrated during the winter season. During this festival, Australians decorate their homes with Christmas decorations, cook traditional Christmas meals such as roasted turkey or ham, and exchange gifts with friends and family. Many businesses also participate in this festival, offering Christmas-themed promotions and events to customers. Christmas in July is a fun and festive way for Australians to celebrate the holiday season twice a year.

How did Christmas in July begin and what is the back story?

The concept of Christmas in July is believed to have originated in Australia, which is located in the Southern Hemisphere. Christmas in Australia is usually celebrated during the summer months of December and January, which is quite different from the traditional images most people associate with Christmas, like snow, sleighs, and cosy firesides.

To combat this disconnect, some Australians began hosting Christmas-themed celebrations in July, during the winter months, to experience the more traditional Christmas atmosphere they had seen in movies and TV shows from the Northern Hemisphere. It is also believed that the tradition may have been started by European expats who were accustomed to celebrating Christmas during the colder months in their home countries.

The first recorded Christmas in July event in Australia took place in July 1980 at a hotel in the Blue Mountains where Irish tourists convinced the hotel owner to host a "Yulefest" festival due to the fact it snowed in the Mountains.  Since then, the tradition has gained popularity and is now celebrated in many parts of the country. Celebrations typically involve decorations, festive meals, gift-giving, and other activities associated with Christmas.

The origin of Christmas in July in Australia is a way for Australians to experience the festive spirit of Christmas in a way that more closely aligns with the traditional images and feelings associated with the holiday, despite the country's warm weather and different celebration time.

What do we do to celebrate "Christmas in July" in Australia?

Some of the ways we celebrate in Australia are

• Christmas in July Feast: Australians love to celebrate Christmas in July by hosting a feast with family and friends. The feast is generally served with roasted meat, vegetables, and potatoes, followed by a traditional Christmas pudding.
• Christmas Decorations: Australians decorate their houses with Christmas decorations, such as wreaths, Christmas lights, and un-conventional Christmas trees. They also hang stockings and put up Christmas ornaments.
• Ugly Sweater Parties: Australians love to host ugly sweater parties, where everyone wears an ugly sweater to celebrate the festival.
• Winter Wonderland: Some Australians celebrate Christmas in July by creating a winter wonderland in their backyard. They build a snowman, throw snowballs, and decorate their backyard with snowflakes.
• Gift Exchange: Australians also exchange gifts during Christmas in July. They organize secret Santa and buy gifts for each other.
• Christmas Movies: Australians love to watch Christmas movies during Christmas in July. They enjoy watching classics like Home Alone, Elf, and A Christmas Carol.