The term Christmas in July is usually thrown around for a Summer Sale or an opportunity to purchase holiday items at discounted prices. While many stores are running this promotion, including Beneva, very few know the origins of the term.
Christmas in July is actually an unofficial holiday in the US. When celebrated, mostly by young people, it’s generally on July 26, Saint Joachim and Saint Anne’s day, Jesus´ grandparents. Many people do not celebrate this time, however, and even among those that do, it is far less important than Christmas.
In some parts of Australia and New Zealand where Christmas typically occurs in their summer months, they use the term “Christmas in July” as an opportunity to celebrate traditional Christmas activities. Why some of you may think it’s just bizarre to think of Christmas without Snowman, cuddling by the fire, or big home cooked meals, here in Sarasota we’re used to a “Sunny” Christmas.
McMurdo Station in Antarctica also celebrates Christmas in July. The tradition started due to delivery problems. July is the middle of winter in Antarctic’s and the high winds and ice made it too dangerous for planes to land and deliver supplies. Instead planes would parachute deliveries, which of course reminded everyone at the station of “Santa” delivering Christmas gifts.
