Posted on June 21st, 2024
Picture this: the sun is shining brightly, the warm breeze is fluttering through palm trees, and everyone is in the mood for a cheerful gathering. In this blog post, we will explore the magic of celebrating Christmas in July. We’ll delve into creative ideas for decorations that blend holiday spirit with summer vibes, offering tips on how to transform your space with handcrafted ornaments, wreaths, and garlands.
What is Christmas in July?
Christmas in July is a whimsical celebration that combines the joy and festive spirit of Christmas with the vibrant energy of summer. Originating from the Southern Hemisphere, where July falls in the midst of winter, this mid-year festivity has gained popularity worldwide, particularly in regions experiencing the peak of summer. The concept allows people to enjoy the merriment of Christmas traditions without the cold, offering a unique twist on the usual holiday customs.
The celebration typically includes familiar Christmas elements such as decorated trees, festive lights, and holiday-themed foods, but with a summery flair. Imagine beachside barbecues with Christmas decor, poolside parties featuring holiday music, and summer activities infused with festive cheer. It’s an opportunity to break out the holiday decorations and indulge in seasonal treats, all while basking in the warm sun.
Setting the Scene with Festive Decorations
Creating that festive ambiance for Christmas in July can be an exciting and refreshing way to bring holiday cheer into your sunny summer days! Here are some ideas to help you set the scene using our handcrafted goods:
- Hand-Painted Ornaments:
- Ornaments adorned with beach scenes, seashells, and palm trees.
- Combined with classic Christmas colors like reds, greens, and golds.
- Hang on a small, festive tree or place strategically around your home.
- DIY Wreaths:
- Materials: driftwood, tropical leaves, bright summer flowers, pine cones, and berries.
- Family bonding activity to create unique, eye-catching pieces.
- Summer-Themed Holiday Garlands:
- Vibrant paper cut-outs of suns, tropical fruits, stars, and bells.
- String along fireplace mantles, over doorways, or around outdoor spaces.
- Personalized Decor:
- Hand-painted signs with messages of summertime joy and holiday spirit.
- Custom items featuring family interests or special dates for added sentimental value.
- Fairy Lights:
- Repurposed from your usual holiday stash.
- Add twinkling charm to both indoor and outdoor spaces, creating an enchanting atmosphere as the sun sets.
Hosting a Christmas in July Celebration
Hosting a Christmas in July celebration is all about making the day joyous and filled with activities that resonate with both Christmas and the season of summer. One exciting way to kick off your Christmas in July celebration is by sending out handmade invitations. These can be created with a blend of beach and Christmas designs. Imagine a postcard-style invite featuring a sandman (a snowman made of sand) wearing a Santa hat, or a tropical scene with Christmas lights strung along palm trees.
When it comes to party favors, think handmade and meaningful. Consider creating small, custom items that your guests can cherish. For instance, personalized hand-painted mini ornaments that they can use for their own holiday décor come wintertime. You could also craft small keepsakes like sea glass magnets with festive designs or even aromatic potpourri sachets that combine the scents of summer and Christmas.
Activities are the heart of a truly memorable Christmas in July celebration. For those sun-drenched summer days, blending traditional holiday games with seasonal outdoor fun can be an exhilarating experience for everyone. Consider these activities:
- Themed scavenger hunt: Clues revolve around both holiday and summer elements – searching for hidden candy canes in the garden or locating seashells with attached festive wishes.
- Summer-Christmas movie marathon: Project classic holiday films outdoors for a magical al fresco cinema experience.
- Water play area: Games like water balloon tosses or small pool activities to keep everyone cool and entertained.
- Cookie decorating: Create summer-themed Christmas cookies – sugar cookies shaped like surfboards adorned with festive icing.
Food and drinks are central to any celebration, and for a Christmas in July party, a fusion of holiday and summer fare offers endless possibilities. Picture a barbecue spread with a few festive twists – perhaps grilled turkey sliders with cranberry sauce or pineapple-glazed ham skewers.
Crafting Unique Christmas in July Gifts
Creating unique gifts for Christmas in July adds a special touch to your celebration. Handcrafted items can reflect the blend of summer and Christmas themes, making them memorable keepsakes for your guests. Consider these gift ideas:
- Personalized ornaments: Featuring beach motifs that can be used later in the year or as home decor.
- Sea glass magnets: With festive designs.
- Aromatic potpourri sachets: Blending summer and Christmas scents like peppermint and citrus.
- Handcrafted soap bars: Infused with holiday fragrances but in summer colors.
Set up a small craft station at your party where guests can make their own take-home decorations or small jewelry items, adding a personal and interactive element to your celebration.
Filling Your Home with Handcrafted Joy
Filling your home with handcrafted joy for Christmas in July can turn your space into a festive haven brimming with warmth and creativity. Start by creating cozy vibes in your living room with hand-sewn holiday pillows that blend traditional holiday colors with summer fabrics like linen and cotton. Imagine pillows decorated with Santa-themed beach scenes or snowflakes made from seashells – these unique touches add a bit of whimsy and holiday charm.
Transform your walls with DIY Christmas in July wall art. Think hand-painted canvases combining festive icons such as reindeer or snowmen wearing sunglasses, chilling by the pool. Mix traditional holiday colors like red and green with bright summer shades to create a vibrant, eye-catching display. Craft your own garlands using colorful paper cut-outs in the shape of Christmas trees, suns, stars, and tropical fruits. Hang them across doorways, on stair railings, or drape them above your dining area to enhance the festive atmosphere.
Delightful Homemade Treats for Your Festive Feast
Creating delightful homemade treats for your festive feast is a fantastic way to capture the essence of how to celebrate Christmas in July. Imagine treating your guests to refreshing but festive summer drinks like a tangy cranberry spritzer with a twist of lime, or a cool and frosty peppermint mojito that combines the fresh taste of mint with a hint of holiday cheer.
As for holiday-themed desserts with a twist, you can wow your guests with:
- Candy cane ice cream: A delightful blend of cool minty flavors paired with crunchy candy cane bits.
- Gingerbread popsicles: A charming take on the classic cookie that’s perfectly suited for summer’s heat.
- Holiday fruit tart: Decorated to look like a Christmas wreath, using an array of fresh summer fruits and a light, creamy filling.
For savory options:
- Grilled turkey sliders: With cranberry sauce.
- Pineapple-glazed ham skewers.
- Seafood twist: Grilled, lemon-garlic shrimp combined with a sprinkle of rosemary or thyme.
Drinks to complete your festive feast:
- Frozen eggnog smoothies: Made with a hint of nutmeg and vanilla.
- Frozen cranberry slush: With a twist of citrus.
Conclusion
Celebrating Christmas in July with Two Anointed Hands is all about blending the joy of Christmas with the vibrant energy of summer. From festive decorations to delightful homemade treats, each element is designed to create a memorable and joyful celebration. Embrace the creativity and warmth that comes with this unique celebration, making lasting memories with your loved ones.
Add a personal touch to your greetings with our Handmade Boxed Cards! Whether you need a batch for yourself or a thoughtful gift, our cards are perfect. Each card is crafted on recycled, acid-free card stock, available in two sizes, and comes with a variety of designs and envelopes. Make your loved ones smile with our handmade cards. Order now and share your love!
For more information or to place an order, please contact us at info@twoanointedhands.com. Celebrate with us and make this Christmas in July one to remember!