Have you ever wondered why some folks celebrate Christmas in July? According to a Google search, the tradition came about because for those who live in the southern hemisphere, Christmas is celebrated in their summer season. The month of July is actually the peak month in winter for these residents. That’s the reasoning behind it all. Interesting, isn’t it?
I suppose for those of us who can’t wait for Christmas to arrive, this unofficial holiday is a good thing. Doubly so for those of us who love reading Christmas books all year round.
I never was much of a Christmas in July person until more recently. A big part of this change was due to the Heroes of Freedom Ridge series, a multi-author venture I’m blessed to be a part of. We started this series last year with 6 heartwarming Christmas books set in the fictional town of Freedom, Colorado. We’re so excited to share that we have 6 new books set to release this fall and winter!
In the meantime, we’re throwing a grand ole Christmas in July party on Facebook all month long. We’re doing cover reveals, games, and giveaways, and also having guest author takeovers. We might be halfway through the month already, but there’s still plenty of time to join in on the fun! I invite you to check out the Freedom Ridge Readers Group HERE! You’ll also get to hang out with fellow InspyRomance authors Mandi Blake, Tara Grace Ericson, and Hannah Jo Abbott there!
Are you a fan of Christmas in July? If so, what do you do to celebrate? Please comment below and let me know!
Giveaway: I’d like to give away a $5 Amazon gift card. One winner will be randomly chosen from the comments below. The giveaway will remain open until midnight on Sunday, July 18th.
A chauffeur and referee by day (AKA a stay at home mom of two), Liwen Y. Ho writes inspirational and sweet romance infused with heart, humor, and a taste of home (her Asian roots).
I love Christmas themed books (even if it’s in July).
Hi Terri! That’s great. :) Thanks for reading and commenting!
We are in the middle of winter in July, so even though I don’t celebrate this extra Christmas, I can understand it.
Hi Mary! Whereabouts do you live? It’s still hard for me to wrap my head around the idea of it being cold in July. Lol. Thanks for reading and commenting!
Hi, Liwen! I’ve never really connected with Christmas in July or anyone who joins in. My dad used to say, though, that every day is Christmas when we wake up to a new day with Jesus. So, I can understand the spirit of the thing.
On a totally different topic, I’ve been reading my way through the Spark brothers. So good! I still have Darren and Evan left to go and am looking forward to it!
Merry Christmas!
Hi Lincoln! Yes, I definitely appreciate the spirit of Christmas, whether in July or December.
Oh yay! Thanks so much for meeting the Spark brothers! :)
Merry Christmas to you, too! Thanks for reading and commenting!
Just a couple of words to add here: I. Love. Christmas. In. July!!!!!
Hi Jaye! Whoo-hoo! I hear ya loud and clear! LOL Thanks for reading and commenting!
Not really since my birthday is in july.
Hi Kim! Here’s wishing you a very happy birthday this month! Thanks for reading and commenting!
Hi Liwen! Living in the Northern Hemisphere, the Midwest, I enjoy Christmas in July because I can experience Christmas during summer. I enjoy watching Hallmark Christmas movies. I read Christmas stories all year around. Christmas is a season of JOY and HOPE, which I needed during this most unusual year. For this mom and Oma, Christmas in July is similar to celebrating my son’s and grandson’s Half Birthday -so they can have an outdoor party. Both have winter birthdays close to Christmas so they enjoy have a special day not overshadowed by Christmas. I enjoy have a variety of perspectives and experiences. Enjoy your day.
Hi Renate! How fun that you celebrate half birthdays for your son and grandson! Thanks for reading and commenting!
I love Christmas but equate it with colder temperatures and snow. Thank you kindly.
Hi Kelley! Yes, I’m the same. It’s hard to wrap my mind around celebrating it in the summer. Thanks for reading and commenting!
I love Christmas and I will celebrate it whenever I can.
Hi Jeanna! That’s awesome! Thanks for reading and commenting!
I love Christmas books anytime. Thanks for telling us why some people celebrate Christmas in July and thanks for the giveaway.
Hi Brenda! That’s great to hear. Thanks for reading and commenting!
I will read Christmas stories year round so I have benefited from the book sales. Love the the blog hops too.
Hi Jcp! Yes, the book sales during July are great! Thanks for reading and commenting!
Since I live in the northern hemisphere, and it’s hot in July, I can’t get excited about celebrating Christmas in July :-) However, my husband’s birthday is in July, so we celebrate that. I do enjoy reading Christmas books any time of year.
Hi Margaret! Oh, a very happy birthday to your hubby! Thanks for reading and commenting!
I read Christmas books anytime, but don’t really celebrate Christmas in July. To me, it’s another way to get people to buy things they may not need or really want, they get caught up in the “frenzy” of it. I’m in Florida, so Christmas can be hot or cold, anyway, lol!!!
Hi Trudy! Good point about it being too commercialized. But yay for being able to read Christmas books regardless of what the weather is like. :) Thanks for reading and commenting!
I watch Christmas movies on TV and read a few Christmas-themed books.
Hi Denise! That’s cool! Thanks for reading and commenting!
I enjoy Christmas in July now more than I use to. I like to watch the Hallmark Christmas movies and sometimes I’ll read a Christmas novella or two.
Hi Megan! That sounds great! Thanks for reading and commenting!
I think it is overdone and burns the season out.
Hi Lucy! Yes, it does seem like folks either love it or hate it. Lol. Thanks for reading and commenting!
Hi Liwen, well now I know why it is called Christmas in July, I had no idea, Thank you for sharing this. I love everything about Christmas. I really like Christmas in July because a lot of places have sales and that means it is time to stock up. :) Have a great rest of the week and stay safe. Looking forward to you all’s books.
Hi Alicia! Yes, what a fun fact, right? Glad you’re stocking up this month. Thanks for reading and commenting!
Reading Christmas books in July is wonderful because I never have enough time in December or January to read all the ones I want to…lol! It helps me catch-up on all the great holiday reads :-)
I’ve asked to join the group on FB, I didn’t even know it existed! Thanks for the link Liwen. God bless!
Hi Trixi! That’s a good point! We do need a couple of extra months to real all those holiday books!
Oh cool, I’m glad you’re joining the group! See you there!
The Christmas spirit is wonderful… no matter what time of year it is!
Hi Catrina! Yes, it sure is! Thanks for reading and commenting!
I think part of the reason for Christmas in July was the expats (Americans) that settled in Australia and NZ who missed having a white or cold Christmas and that’s partly why we have Christmas in July. I can remember probably around 15 years ago we had a Christmas in July at the Church partly due to the pastor having spent 12 months in America as an exchange student. Back then it was mainly Restaurants and food venues having a special Christmas in July event.
Now its moved to Christmas movies and more from Americans the Christmas in July book sales. (Not so much from This side of the world). Last year we had the movies but so far none have been on for the midday movie. And with so many lockdowns and restrictions haven’t seen any advertising for Christmas in July locally this year.
I will read Christmas books anytime and like to watch Christmas movies.
Hi Ausjenny! The reason you shared makes a lot of sense. Thanks for reading and commenting!
I haven’t celebrated Christmas in July, but it was fun learning about it. 😊
Hi Akemi! Hehe, yes, I thought it was interesting, too. Thanks for reading and commenting!
I’m not really someone who gets into Christmas in July, but I love Christmas books and movies any time of year, so I’m definitely not against it! I just don’t normally make an effort to read or watch Christmas things during July. I haven’t read this series yet, so I may need to add them to my ever growing TBR pile.
Hi Melynda! I hope you’ll give this series a try! Thanks for reading and commenting!
I enjoy reading holiday books all year long. I am celebrating Christmas in July with Freedom Ridge. We do not do anything special for Christmas in July. Thank you for sharing. God bless you.
Hi Debra! Yes, we’re so glad you’re celebrating with us over in the reader group. Hope you’re having fun! Thanks for reading and commenting!
We celebrate Christmas in July where we camp & my husband has been Santa & I was his Elf!! I find stores do great deals too. But it’s extra fun for kids to get a little gift & get to have lunch with friends.
Hi Amy! What a fun idea! I’d love to see you as an Elf. :) Thanks for reading and commenting!
When I was younger we camped with our parents & the park did it every year but still do just it’s not been the past couple years due to the virus. Our daughter loves it cause she gets a gift & lunch with friends plus a dance. I miss those childhood days.
Hi Sylvain! That is so awesome. It sounds similar to what Amy shared above. Those are some great memories to have. Thanks for reading and commenting!
I Love reading Christmas stories all year long!
Hi Sarah! That’s great! Thanks for reading and commenting!
We don’t celebrate per say but I love the idea of Christmas in July :) I would totally decorate if my hubby would allow it LOL
I read Christmas stories all year round!
Hi Natalya! Haha, at least you can read about Christmas decorations. :) Thanks for reading and commenting!
Hi Liwen!
Interestingly enough, while I do get the perks of “Christmas in July”, like enjoying a cup of hot chocolate because it’s winter, my family has never celebrated it (I actually had to explain the concept to my dad just a few days ago, and according to your description, it seems I got it backwards, lol). I didn’t even know it was a thing until I started following and hanging out with authors like you, but now I love the idea of getting to read a Christmas book when the weather outside finally matches it ;) (or as close to it as we’ll ever get xD). Can’t wait to read your book!
Hi Priscila! Oh, interesting! I’m trying to understand how you explained the concept backwards. But I think I get it. Lol. It still boggles my mind that it’s winter for you now. I hope you’re staying warm! Thanks for reading and commenting!
Hi Liwen,
I live in New Zealand and a “mid-winter” Christmas in July is quite common. My local radio station does a morning show even and I have been to Christmas dinners at church etc. I love reading Christmas books in the middle of winter. I think being that our summer days are so long and sunny it is a very different feel to a winter Christmas and we have different traditions, such as Christmas day at the beach and Santa wears shorts and arrives on a boat lol.
I have had winter Christmas’ in both London and Vancouver so I can appreciate the Christmas winter books but would love to see some Christmas books set in the Southern Hemisphere.