Christmas in July: Why It’s a Thing and Who Benefits

When we think of Christmas, images of snow-covered landscapes, cozy fireplaces, and twinkling lights usually come to mind. But what if I told you there’s another way to celebrate the holiday spirit in the sweltering heat of summer? Welcome to the whimsical world of “Christmas in July” – a delightful tradition that has captured the imaginations of people and businesses alike.

The concept of Christmas in July is believed to have originated at a girls’ camp in Brevard, North Carolina, in 1933. The camp, Keystone Camp, organized a summer celebration complete with a Christmas tree, presents, and even a visit from Santa Claus. The idea was to bring a bit of festive cheer to the middle of the year, when the traditional winter holiday was still months away .

Another notable instance is the 1940 Hollywood comedy film “Christmas in July,” which further popularized the idea. The film’s storyline revolves around a man who mistakenly believes he has won a large cash prize, prompting him to go on a spending spree as if it were Christmas. This playful narrative helped cement the concept in popular culture .

For many retailers, Christmas in July is a golden marketing opportunity. It allows businesses to clear out summer inventory and make room for fall and winter merchandise. Think of it as a mid-year Black Friday – a chance to offer discounts and boost sales during what is traditionally a slower time of the year.

Many companies, from small businesses to large chains, jump on the Christmas in July bandwagon with special promotions, sales events, and themed merchandise. It’s not just about moving stock; it’s also a way to engage customers with festive excitement and drive traffic to stores and websites. This can lead to increased brand loyalty and attract new customers who might otherwise overlook the store outside of the traditional holiday season .

Television networks, particularly those specializing in family and holiday programming, also find a boon in Christmas in July. Channels like Hallmark and Lifetime often roll out a lineup of Christmas movies during the summer, attracting viewers who crave a bit of holiday nostalgia amidst the summer heat.

These programming blocks not only provide a spike in viewership but also create advertising opportunities for companies looking to target a holiday-loving audience. It’s a win-win: viewers get their holiday fix, and networks enjoy increased ratings and ad revenue .

If you’re looking for other reasons to celebrate between July and December, here’s a list of notable holidays that might catch your interest:

• Independence Day (USA) – July 4
• Bastille Day (France) – July 14
• Parents’ Day – Fourth Sunday in July
• Friendship Day – First Sunday in August
• Labor Day (USA) – First Monday in September
• Patriot Day – September 11
• International Talk Like a Pirate Day – September 19
• Columbus Day (USA) – Second Monday in October
• Halloween – October 31
• Veterans Day (USA) – November 11
• Thanksgiving (USA) – Fourth Thursday in November
• Hanukkah – Varies (Usually in December, date depends on Hebrew calendar)
• Christmas Eve – December 24

So, whether you’re soaking up the summer sun or cozying up by a winter fireplace, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate year-round. Christmas in July is just one more way to spread a bit of joy and keep the festive spirit alive, no matter the season.

• Christmas in July: Keystone Camp
• The Origins of Christmas in July
• Hollywood’s Influence: Christmas in July
• Retail Strategies for Christmas in July
• Boosting Summer Sales with Holiday Cheer
• Television’s Holiday Surge

I hope this blog post brings a bit of festive cheer to your summer and gives you a fresh perspective on why Christmas in July is more than just a quirky tradition. If you have any other topics you’d like me to explore, feel free to let me know!