Hallmark Ornament Premiere – July 2015. Photo credits: Krista. Collage created with PhotoGrid iPhone app.

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas,

everywhere you go;”

Well, it may not be looking a lot like Christmas yet (or ever for those of us in southern California), but it is July and the spirit of “Christmas in July” is in full swing. Have you ever wondered about the origin of Christmas in July? Is it because we’re half-way to Christmas? No, not quite – the half way point would be June 25^th. After doing some research on the internet, I found there are a few different reasons (or theories) for this idea.

One reason the idea of Christmas in July is so popular is the lack of U.S. holidays that occur during the summer months – the period between Memorial Day in May and Labor Day in September. The idea of Christmas in July is sometimes a specific day (i.e. July 25^th) or a longer period of time during the month. One site I found explained that in 1940 there was a Hollywood movie comedy released called Christmas in July, but it was not until the 1950s that American advertisers started to capitalize with Christmas in July sales and other marketing promotions.

Another site said it is commonly believed that Christmas in July started in Europe as a way to celebrate Christmas in summer – when the weather turns warm and they wanted to think of colder weather and festivities. The idea of Christmas in July, as the story goes, spread to the Southern Hemisphere when some Irish tourists visited Sydney, Australia’s Blue Mountains in July 1980 and were so delighted to see snow in July that they convinced the hotel owner to host a “Yuletide” party. It was an instant hit and spread from there.

Of course, the main emphasis of most Christmas in July festivities today, at least in America, involve shopping and sales. July is when Hallmark releases their new Keepsake Ornaments at the annual “Ornament Premiere Weekend” held at Hallmark stores across the nation. It seems like all through July you hear and see advertisements for “Christmas in July” sales at a variety of retailers.

Hallmark Ornament Premiere – July 2015. Photo credits: Krista. Collage created with PhotoGrid iPhone app.

However, the holiday spirit in July isn’t focused only on consumerism. The generous spirit of Christmas is also evident with events like “12 Days of Christmas in July” by San Diego’s Jack FM 100.7 (KFMB-FM) Morning Show. Each year the DSC Show gives back to families in need by giving away $1,000 a day for 12 days. The recipients are selected from nominations on their show’s website.

In my family, we don’t celebrate with anything specific for Christmas in July. However, we do attend the Hallmark Ornament Premiere each July – we are usually there when the store opens for the limited edition ornaments or other special items. We then start making our plans for the upcoming holiday season in December and start looking forward to this festive time.

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas; soon the bells will start, and the thing that will make them ring is the carol that you sing, right within your heart!” — Robert Meredith Willson

So what are your thoughts about Christmas in July? Does your family do anything special?

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”