Celebrate Christmas in July: Hosting the perfect Mid-Year holiday event.

Christmas in July is more than just a whimsical notion; it’s a delightful way to break up the monotony of the year and indulge in the festive spirit. While traditionally celebrated in Australia and New Zealand to experience the joy of Christmas during their winter, the concept has spread worldwide as a fun and light-hearted occasion. Hosting a Christmas in July event is a fantastic way to bring friends and family together for a memorable celebration. Here’s how you can plan the perfect mid-year holiday extravaganza.

Setting the date and theme: Decide on a date for your Christmas in July celebration. It could be the actual 25th of July or any weekend around that time. Once you have your date, choose a theme. You could go for a traditional Christmas vibe with snowflakes and reindeers, or opt for a beachy summer twist with palm trees and typical decor.

Invitations: Send out invitations that reflect the theme of your event. Whether its through digital invites or traditional paper cards, make sure to include all the necessary details such as date, location, dress code (ugly Christmas sweaters are always a hit!) ad any requests for potluck contributions or special dietary needs.

Decorations: Transform your space into a winter wonderland or a summer paradise, depending on your chosen theme. String up fairy lights, hang ornaments form the ceiling, and scatter fake snow or sand around the venue. Don’t forget the Christmas tree real or artificial) adorned with twinkling lights and baubles.

Menu planning: Plan a festive menu that incorporates both traditional Christmas fare and summertime favourites. Think roast turkey with cranberry sauce alongside BBQ ribs and grilled veggies. Serve up refreshing drinks like mulled wine for the winter feel and fruity cocktails for the summer vibe. And of course, no Christmas celebration is complete without a  selection of decadent desserts like mince pies, yule log cake, and ice cream sundaes.

Activities and entertainment: Keep your guests entertained with a variety of activities and games. Set up a DIY ornament making station, organise a secret Santa gift exchange, or host a holiday themed trivia quiz. You could also screen classic Christmas movies or play festive tunes for everyone to sing along to. For outdoor events, consider setting up a bonfire for roasting marshmallows or a makeshift ice skating rink (if the weather permits!)

Gift giving: Embrace the spirit of giving by exchanging gifts with your guests. Set a budget and encourage everyone to bring a wrapped present for a gift exchange game like white elephant or Yankee swap. It’s a fun way to add an element of surprise and laughter to the festivities.

Capture the moments: Make sure to capture all the special moments of your Christmas in July celebration. Set up a photobooth with props and backdrops that tie into your theme or designate a photographer to snap candid shots throughout the event. Share the photos with your guests afterward as a memento of the wonderful time you shared together.

Spread joy and gratitude: Take a moment during your event to reflect on the joy of the holiday season and express gratitude for the company of loved ones. Whether its through a heartfelt toast or a round of applause for the host, acknowledge the warmth and camaraderie that make Christmas in July truly special.

By following these tips, you can host a memorable Christmas in July event that brings the magic of the holiday season to the middle of the year. So dust off those Christmas decorations, fire up the grill and ger ready to spread some mid year cheer with your friends and family.