Christmas in July, a time-honored tradition in Australia, where the chill of winter is embraced, and the festive spirit is ignited. As the country experiences its winter season, Australians gather to celebrate this unique and fun twist on the traditional Christmas holiday. Here are 5 ways to celebrate Christmas in July in Australia.
Understanding the Concept of Christmas in July
Christmas in July is a popular phenomenon in Australia, where people come together to celebrate the festive season in the midst of winter. The concept is believed to have originated in the 1980s, as a way to experience a winter Christmas, similar to those in the Northern Hemisphere. Today, Christmas in July has become an integral part of Australian culture, with many people hosting and attending festive events, parties, and gatherings.
1. Host a Christmas in July Party
One of the most popular ways to celebrate Christmas in July is by hosting a party. Invite friends and family over for a festive evening of food, drinks, and merriment. Decorate your home with Christmas decorations, set up a Christmas tree, and cook a traditional Christmas dinner, complete with all the trimmings.
Here are some tips to make your Christmas in July party a success:
- Send out invitations well in advance, to ensure everyone can attend.
- Plan a festive menu, including traditional Christmas dishes, such as turkey, ham, and mince pies.
- Set up a bar with festive drinks, such as mulled wine and hot chocolate.
- Create a playlist of Christmas music to set the mood.
Christmas in July Party Themes
- Winter Wonderland: Create a winter wonderland theme, complete with snowflakes, icicles, and fairy lights.
- Traditional Christmas: Go for a traditional Christmas theme, with red and green decorations, and a Christmas tree.
- Australian Christmas: Celebrate an Australian Christmas, with a BBQ, outdoor games, and a festive atmosphere.
2. Attend a Christmas in July Event
If hosting a party is not your thing, consider attending a Christmas in July event. Many cities and towns in Australia host festive events, including Christmas markets, parades, and festivals. These events are a great way to get into the festive spirit, and enjoy the company of others.
Here are some popular Christmas in July events in Australia:
- Christmas in July Festival, Blue Mountains: This festival features a festive market, live music, and a Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
- Christmas in July Parade, Melbourne: This parade features floats, marching bands, and of course, Santa Claus.
- Christmas in July Markets, Sydney: These markets offer a range of festive goods, including decorations, gifts, and food.
3. Take a Christmas in July Getaway
Why not take a break and enjoy a Christmas in July getaway? Many resorts and hotels in Australia offer festive packages, complete with Christmas decorations, meals, and activities.
Here are some popular Christmas in July getaway destinations in Australia:
- The Blue Mountains: Enjoy a festive getaway in the beautiful Blue Mountains, complete with Christmas markets, and a festive atmosphere.
- The Hunter Valley: Celebrate Christmas in July in the Hunter Valley, with a range of festive events, and activities.
- The Snowy Mountains: Experience a white Christmas in July, in the Snowy Mountains, complete with snow sports, and a festive atmosphere.
4. Enjoy a Christmas in July Feast
A Christmas in July feast is a great way to celebrate the festive season. Many restaurants and cafes in Australia offer special Christmas in July menus, complete with traditional Christmas dishes.
Here are some popular Christmas in July feast ideas:
- Traditional Christmas Dinner: Enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner, complete with turkey, ham, and all the trimmings.
- Seafood Christmas Feast: Celebrate Christmas in July with a seafood feast, complete with prawns, lobster, and fish.
- Christmas BBQ: Enjoy a Christmas BBQ, complete with festive foods, such as mince pies, and Christmas pudding.
5. Get Creative with Christmas in July Crafts
Get creative this Christmas in July, with a range of festive crafts. From decorating Christmas trees, to making Christmas decorations, there are many ways to get crafty.
Here are some popular Christmas in July craft ideas:
- Make a Christmas Tree Decoration: Create a unique Christmas tree decoration, using materials such as felt, glitter, and ribbons.
- Create a Christmas Wreath: Make a festive Christmas wreath, using materials such as evergreen branches, holly, and ribbons.
- Make Christmas Cards: Create handmade Christmas cards, using materials such as paper, glue, and glitter.
As the festive season comes to a close, we invite you to share your Christmas in July experiences with us. Whether you hosted a party, attended an event, or simply enjoyed a festive feast, we want to hear about it. Share your stories, and photos, and help us celebrate the magic of Christmas in July.
What is Christmas in July?
+Christmas in July is a popular phenomenon in Australia, where people come together to celebrate the festive season in the midst of winter.
How do I celebrate Christmas in July?
+There are many ways to celebrate Christmas in July, including hosting a party, attending an event, taking a getaway, enjoying a festive feast, and getting creative with crafts.
What are some popular Christmas in July events in Australia?
+Some popular Christmas in July events in Australia include the Christmas in July Festival, Blue Mountains, Christmas in July Parade, Melbourne, and Christmas in July Markets, Sydney.