As a part of welcoming the coldest month of the year, the people of the Southern hemisphere often celebrate Christmas in July by making it an unofficial holiday, and taking advantage of the cozy nature of the winter season.
Not only in Australia and New Zealand, but many other southern countries celebrate Christmas in July with full festivity (and make a perfect excuse to settle in with friends and family to enjoy a delightful winter feast). People join in and offer seasonal packages and menus for all to enjoy. From ski trips to night markets, there is a range of entertainment you can enjoy for the whole month!
To fulfill your craving, here I have explained the common questions you may ask about Christmas in July extravaganza.
Let's take a closer look.
Which countries celebrate Christmas in July?
Many countries celebrate Christmas in July in both Southern and Northern hemispheres with the reversed seasons.
From Southern hemisphere, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Madagascar and Paraguay etc. celebrate this largely. In comparison, the popularity in Northern hemisphere is less; only observed in some parts of the USA and Canada.
When is Christmas in July celebrated?
While it's widely observed on 25th of July, you'll find sales and events throughout the whole month in Australia and New Zealand. However, in the USA and Canada, it is observed on 12th or 15th July - depending on the region.
Why do Australians celebrate two Christmas eves?
As Australia is in the Southern hemisphere, the seasons are reversed: when the Northern hemisphere is experiencing winter, they are experiencing summer. So when the rest of the world celebrates the birth of Christ on 25th December, Australians (and the folks of New Zealand) celebrate that eve during their summer.
However, when it's winter in Australia (usually in July), they could not help but take advantage of the seasonal festivity and celebrate 25th of July as 'Christmas' - spending wonderful family time with foods and activities, or go out with friends for night ski, Blue Mountain Christmas roast, sleeping wearing Ugg boots, etc.
To Aussies and Kiwis, celebrating Christmas in July is more of an excuse to feast on delicious foods and night-long parties, than its religious significance.
When and how did Christmas in July begin?
The precise origin of celebrating Christmas in July is still not very clear. Ironically, the common belief is that the Christmas celebration in July started in Europe around the 80s, to enjoy Christmas in summer. Since Australia (and similar countries) falls under Southern hemisphere, the inhabitants of these countries have adopted the concept for the exact opposite reason - allowing them to experience Christmas in winter instead.
Another widespread explanation connects the tradition of Christmas in July with ' Yulefest ' which is said to originate in 1980. It's being told that a group of Irish tourists went on a vacation on Sydney's Blue Mountains and celebrated like it was Christmas. The ceremony was an instant success as the proprietor saw a potential customer base, by welcoming more visitors with this unique festival during the time of Australian winter. The idea of being able to enjoy two Christmas became a popular tool to attract tourists ever since.
How do Australians celebrate Christmas in July?
Music: Unlike traditional Christmas, Christmas in July comes with a fusion of all kinds of happy, pop music from the 80s and 90s! The day starts with some classic Christmas carols even eventually the jukebox moves to traditional holiday songs with a mixture of popular contemporary music tracks.
Decorations: Christmas in July set its Christmassy atmosphere through its traditional decorations in residences, yard, streets - and pretty much everywhere! They stir up the festivity the day before Christmas by adding candles, handing tinsels-wreath on the front door and scattering festive Christmas gifts. The Christmas illumination all around the snowy decks and streets is undoubtedly one of the best things to experience in July!
Sale: Falling close to the end of the financial year many shops capitalise on both of these events crafting many Christmas in July themed sales and even releasing limited edition Christmas items.
Food: The best thing about Christmas in July is none other than food! That's why Australians take advantage of the winter to fill up on all the rich and decadent courses they can. The traditional celebration comes with five-course degustation of roast turkey, glazed ham, chicken, pork, trimmings, and sides like roast potatoes, steamed veggies, etc. As for the Christmas desserts, delicious gourmet Christmas pudding is a must addition along with other variety of condiments.
Parties: Christmas in July gives way to some of the best parties during Australia's winter. The Blue Mountains offers a traditional white Christmas celebration allowing friends and family, to gather around a crackling fire and enjoy the snow. Even in residences, it's a great occasion for family reunions, preparing homemade gourmet cookies and exchanging souvenirs.
Fun facts about Christmas in July
- The term could have originated in France in the late 18th century: The origin of the concept 'Christmas in July' and the most probability that led to the tradition itself dates way back to 1892. A famous French opera by the name of Werther had included a scene in the opera in which, a group of people performed a Christmas carol, despite that the play had been set in the month of July.
- There is a comedy film entitled Christmas in July: With the release of the Hollywood film 'Christmas in July' in 1940, the phrase entered into common vocabulary. Even though the plot wasn't necessarily related, as it was centred around the story of a man that mistakenly believes he has won the lottery and buys presents for his friends and family in July. It was originally used in the movie to invoke the idea that "Christmas has come early". However, it has since taken on a more literal sense.
- Its popularity spread in the 1940s: With the movie a commercial success, American advertisers had a big hand in popularising the idea throughout the mid-40s, for its commercial purposes. In 1944, various advertisers teamed up with the US Army, Navy, and other government bodies to throw a big Christmas in July celebration, which was a huge success.
Interesting, isn't it?
With the different cultural and religious values of the Christmas, celebrating it in July adds another flavour. And the good people in the Southern hemisphere countries, especially Aussies and Kiwis, are observing this occasion with great significance and growing festivities. You too can join the fun and plan a short tour to these places, next summer, maybe?
