Do you know why Australia is commonly referred to as the "lucky" country?
It is because the nation is blessed with breathtaking scenery that arouses the imagination, a pleasant climate that permits outdoor exploration in expansive areas, and distinctive wildlife.
Well, there's another reason to call Australia blessed, and that is you get the opportunity to celebrate Christmas twice a year in this country! Yes, you heard it right. For many people, Christmas is a unique time of year, so why just celebrate it once? Even though Australia won't be able to have a snowy white Christmas, Aussies can still take advantage of the next best thing, which is the wintery weather in July.
Christmas in July is an opportunity to unwind with loved ones, slow down, and enjoy all the comforts of a winter meal. In this blog, there are plenty of recipes and advice to help you have the most fabulous Christmas ever in July.
The population of Australia is multicultural. Many Australians of European or British descent love all things related to a "traditional" Christmas, including the "wintry" atmosphere. Even fourth-generation Australians are drawn to the customs of the northern hemisphere because of films that depict Christmas in a chilly region.
Christmas is traditionally celebrated in December, of course. Additionally, that aligns with the Australian summer, which is really hot. Since there isn't any snow in Australia in December, there are no frosted windows from the freezing outside air and no snowmen to be seen. Because Christmas Day is so hot in many parts of the country, people frequently take a dip in the ocean or swim in a pool to cool off and cheer up their children.
Australia has a strong attachment to the custom of celebrating Christmas in cold weather because of its British and European ancestry. So, 'Christmas in July', also known as Yulefest or Yuletide in Australia, can be called a result of this. Since July is typically the coldest month of the winter season, festivities aim to imitate the wintertime climate in the northern hemisphere. That includes warming beverages in front of fireplaces and bonfires, as well as hearty fare like roasts.
Christmas in July is celebrated as an additional holiday and does not take the place of the actual Christmas in December. Although not everyone observes it, and it is not an official holiday, its popularity is rising.
With these charming Christmas in July ideas, you can turn your mid-year into a winter wonderland. Transform the Australian winter into a holiday atmosphere.
Christmas in July is an excellent time to gather loved ones around a hearty and filling meal, and there's never a bad excuse for a feast. While most Australians eat their Christmas meals at lunch to enjoy the fresh summer produce, a Christmas feast in July can include warmer dishes like shepherd's pie or roast to accommodate the cooler weather, as well as festive beverages like mulled wine to go with it all. Come together for a Christmas in July feast and wow your loved ones with your home cooking skills.
Get your group together for a festive photo shoot and dust off your Christmas jumpers—the uglier, the better! Wearing Christmas sweaters on the actual date isn't really an option because traditional Christmas falls during Australia's warmer months. That's why planning a Christmas celebration in July is so awesome! Encourage your loved ones, friends, or even co-workers to dress up for the event by donning ugly Christmas sweaters. For added fun, hold a contest for the ugliest sweater.
Any time is a good time for a party, and July Christmas is no different. Have a theme for your party, ideally something related to Christmas or winter, to make it feel more unique than any other celebration. You can use any theme that you and your friends will like, but popular Christmas themes like Winter Wonderland, Red and Green Carpet, or Grinchmas will also work for your July celebrations.
Consider taking a snow trip to a winter wonderland if you're searching for an exciting way to celebrate. The best time to take a trip may be in June or July when children have their winter break. To make the journey even more festive and enjoyable, don't forget to bring your winter clothing and some holiday-themed games or movies. Even a day at a spa will provide a pleasant diversion from the everyday grind and something to look forward to in the winter if that is not feasible.
No matter how fancy or experimental things you do, without the year's old traditional items, Christmas is never complete. Be it the Christmas tree décor or homemade food items, try to include the traditional items on Christmas in July. It's always the best option to make a good Christmas pudding that is perfectly moist, rich, fruity and flavoursome. Try to get the Christmas tree décor a week before the celebration to include the real festive vibe. Moreover, if you don't find all the ingredients in place but still want to taste the traditional flavours of grandma's Christmas pudding, you can easily get it at any time of the year from Pud For All Seasons.
Use Christmas arts and crafts to have some creative fun. Assemble a craft station with materials such as ribbons, glue, glitter, coloured paper, and more. Crafting enables everyone to express their creativity and create personalised holiday items, whether they are ornaments, holiday cards, or festive decorations. Purchase all the materials you'll need to know your crafty visions. Organise a craft party with loved ones and, at the conclusion of the session, trade your handcrafted items as one-of-a-kind July Christmas presents. A fun and inclusive way to celebrate, this activity is ideal for both children and adults.
It's the ideal time to curl up with a comfortable blanket and watch a movie in July as the weather turns cold. In fact, with the cold weather outside, Hallmark's Christmas classics, such as The Polar Express, will make much more sense. You can call over your loved ones, set up large projectors, and arrange some blankets to make it more festive. It's the ideal way to celebrate Christmas in July when paired with hot chocolate or mulled wine.
A Secret Santa gift exchange gives your July Christmas celebration a fun and unexpected touch. In order to decide who will purchase a gift for whom, get your friends, family, or co-workers together to draw names and establish a budget to guarantee equal participation from all. Because each participant purchases a thoughtful gift for their preferred recipient, the event is both thrilling and unpredictable. You can make it even more entertaining by asking everyone to guess who their Secret Santa is once the presents have been opened. Performing this task not only makes people happy but also makes their relationships stronger.
Christmas songs aren't just for December, is it? With Christmas Karaoke, you can embrace the festive mood all year long while belting out timeless songs like "Jingle Bells" or "All I Want for Christmas is You." In addition to the many advantages singing can offer, humming Christmas tunes in July gives a festive feel to any event, demonstrating that the power of these well-loved tunes is not limited by time of year.
When July finally arrives, it's time to plan a night by the fireplace. Gathering around a roaring fire creates a cosy and enchanting ambience as the chilly winter evenings arrive. You can sing some songs and make S'mores. Does anyone in your group have a guitar and could perform live? In that case, it would be perfect to create the right ambience. Additionally, you can play games like Heads Up, Two Truths and a Lie, and Never Have I Ever, which don't require cards or boards.
The mid-year slump is broken by a July celebration, which is a delightful way to bring the magic of Christmas back into your everyday life. To improve everyone's mood, throw parties, decorate your house, and engage in themed activities. We genuinely hope that this post encouraged you to observe Christmas in July however you choose to fit. Start making the arrangements for this year's upcoming Christmas of July by selecting the ideas that you like the most.
