So, it's that time of year, but this time in July! We celebrate Christmas in July! So, let's have a party and enjoy time and good food and drink with the people we like!
I've put together a wonderful collection of recipes for you here with sweet and savory delights for a unique Christmas in July party!
But before you dig into the delicious recipes, why do we celebrate Christmas in July? I mean, yes, you can always celebrate, right? But where does Christmas in July come from? So let's take a quick detour to find out:
What Christmas in July is all about?
Christmas in July or Christmas in Summer is a second Christmas celebration held around the summer season, mainly during July. It is centered around Christmas-themed activities and entertainment, including small gatherings, seasonal music and specials, and shopping, with the goal of getting the public in the "Christmas spirit" during the summer season in the Northern Hemisphere.
Origin
Werther, an 1892 French opera with libretto by Édouard Blau, Paul Milliet, and Georges Hartmann, had an English translation published in 1894 by Elizabeth Beall Ginty. In the story, a group of children rehearses a Christmas song in July, to which a character responds: "When you sing Christmas in July, you rush the season." It is a translation of the French: "vous chantez Noël en juillet... c'est s'y prendre à l'avance." This opera is based on Goethe's The Sorrows of Young Werther. Christmas features in the book, but July does not.
In 1935, the National Recreation Association's journal Recreation described what a Christmas in July was like at a girl's camp, writing that "all mystery and wonder surround this annual event."
The term, if not the exact concept, was given national attention with the release of the Hollywood movie comedy Christmas in July in 1940, written and directed by Preston Sturges. In the story, a man is fooled into believing he has won $25,000 in an advertising slogan contest. He buys presents for family, friends, and neighbors, and proposes marriage to his girlfriend.
Source: Wikipedia
Another explanation for Christmas in July is that the concept of Christmas in July itself was originally a way for people living in southern hemispheres to make up for missing out on that typical white Christmas we’ve been dreaming of. Celebrating in July gives those living in the southern hemisphere a chance to eat all the hearty Christmas cuisine and wear ugly Christmas sweaters as seen on TV. But it’s not just isolated to the individual with many shops and restaurants offering Christmas in July sales or meals for the season.
Source: pudforallseasons.com
How to celebrate?
- Deck your halls
- Get creative with your Christmas in July menu
- Bring back the Elf on the Shelf
- Keep it simple with your Christmas in July gifts
- Find other ways to bring some holiday fun to your summer
Source: realsimple.com
Which countries are celebrating Christmas in July?
- Australia
- UK
- New Zealand
- South Africa
- USA
Source: pudforallseasons.com
Interesting, isn't it? But now it's time for the promised recipes.
36 Christmas in July Recipes for your awesome Party
A delicious beverage can not be missing at a Christmas party, even more so. Therefore, we begin our journey into the party recipes with a few delicious drinks!
Party Drinks
Savory Party Food Recipes
It does not always have to be sweet! Here are delicious savory recipes to discover for your Christmas in July party!
Learn how to make four Festive flavors: White Cheddar Rosemary Pomegranate, Cheddar Pimiento, Garlic Chive Goat Cheese, and Blue Cheese Cranberry Pecan.
These will be the star holiday party appetizer on a cheese board, and don't they just say Merry Christmas..
Sweet Party Food Recipes
But if it should be something sweet, you will certainly find the right recipe here!
You won’t believe how easy homemade marshmallows are to make! With a few simple ingredients, you’ll have all-natural, sweet and fluffy marshmallows, and they’re fun to make!
Looking for more recipe collections like this one? Check out the Christmas Appetizer Recipe Collection Part I and Christmas Appetizer Recipe Collection Part II, Christmas Dinner Soup Collection, and the Christmas Dinner Main Course Recipe Collection for more inspiration!
With this amount of both sweet and savory party food recipes and delicious drinks, you now have various ideas for your upcoming Christmas in July party! I hope you have fun celebrating! Let me know which recipe it turned out to be! I would be so happy to hear!
If you want to save the recipes for later, download my link list in PDF form, with all the recipes, then you'll have them on hand when you need them!
Have a great summer! And Merry Christmas in July! 😎 🎄
Jeannie says
We dont celebrate Christmas in July so this is a fun idea. I know in Australia its winter time there in some parts so I guess that’s why. But love all the recipes here
Nora says
Thank you, Jeannie!
Gabriela Herrera says
The strawberry Christmas lights are the cutest. Great roundup.
Nora says
Thank you, Gabriela!
Lindsay Howerton-Hastings says
I love this idea! We don't celebrate Christmas in July where I live but...no reason we can't start! 🙂
Nora says
So true! Thank you, Lindsay!
Alexa says
I never heard about this but love it!!! I want to celebrate Christmas now. Thanks for the post and the great selection of christmas recipes!!
Nora says
That is so wonderful to hear, Alexa!
Mihaela says
I'd be happy if it were Christmas four times a year! Although I live in the UK, I've never heard anyone mentioning the Christmas celebration in July, but I saw plenty of Christmas merchandise in stores in August! I think an Irish coffee would do for me, but I wish I could put the tree up!:)))
Nora says
Sounds great, Mihaela!