Christmas in July is the Southern Hemisphere’s mid-year chance to observe all of the wintry Yuletide traditions that Europeans enjoy with the merry December holiday. People have been celebrating Christmas in July for decades, and this year, with social gatherings getting a thumbs up and mask being given the boot, there’s never been a better time to get a little festive.
The mid-year holiday offers the perfect excuse to plan a fun holiday party during the winter months and get friends and family together for some much-needed quality time. Whether you host a gift exchange or get a head start on this year’s Christmas crafts with your kids, these Christmas in July ideas will help you bring joy to the world this season. So light the fire, put on your ugliest Christmas sweater, and start celebrating. Read on for 5 Fun Ways to Celebrate Christmas in July in South Africa.
Bake Christmas Cookies
If there’s one holiday tradition you should be taking up this July, it’s baking our favourite Christmas cookies. While we don’t exactly enjoy spending time in front of the hot oven in the hot summer months here in sunny South Africa, chilly July is the ideal time to get baking.
Why not whip out Grandma’s classic spicy gingerbread cookie recipes, or use this time to try out a new recipe? That way, you’ll have plenty of delicious biscuits to enjoy with a warm cup of tea on cold winter nights. Before you start baking, make sure you have all the correct ingredients and kitchen appliances and baking utensils you need to bake up a storm!
PriceCheck tip: A cold winter’s day is nothing without a hot cup of coffee! Shop the best deals on coffee makers and machines on PriceCheck!
Give gifts that make sense
Who says you can’t host a gift exchange in July? Christmas in July is all about being relaxed and having fun, so why not spoil your loved ones with some winter goodies too? It doesn’t need to be another major gift-giving holiday, but because gifts are often such a big part of Christmas, think about how you can still do it in a fun, easy way. What is something your guests can use to keep warm in the cooler months? Cosy blankets, woolly slippers, warm winter clothing like scarves, beanies, and gloves – all of these make great Christmas in July gifts.
If you’re really feeling generous, consider spoiling the people you love, or yourself, with some bigger ticket items like a smart wearable to keep track of their health this winter, or even a new smartphone. Of course, now is also the time to take advantage of great winter specials and get ahead on your actual Christmas shopping to alleviate some of the financial stress gifting can bring at the end of the year.
PriceCheck tip: To find the perfect gift for that special someone, check out the PriceCheck Winter Gifting Guide!
Have a Christmas Movie Marathon
There’s nothing like a Christmas marathon to get you into the winter Christmas spirit. Gather the family for a showing of one of the classics, like National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation or A Christmas Story and cuddle up on the couch with freshly popped popcorn, hot chocolate, and a warm blanket.
Investing in the movie magic essentials this winter like a popcorn machine, smart TV, or media player will ensure you have a fantastic cinema experience at home this winter for Christmas in July and beyond!
Prepare a winter holiday feast
PriceCheck tip: Check out the Top 10 Wearable Tech deals on PriceCheck!
Around Christmastime in South Africa, we often prepare meals and desserts to match the warm summer weather. But, Christmas in July offers an opportunity to go for the desserts and treats that make us feel cosy and warm – gingerbread, pie, spiced cakes and warm cinnamon rolls.
Maybe invest in a new coffee machine and whip up coffee-shop quality lattes for your guests with spicy flavour additions. Or, gift yourself the pleasure of easy home cooking and make preparing your winter feast a breeze with a new air fryer. There has never been a better time to get in on the air fryer trend, and it will make the task of cooking for an army so much more bearable!
Don’t skip the lights
Just because it’s winter, and not actually Christmas doesn’t mean you can’t decorate your home with holiday-style lights. Switch it up for Christmas in July by ditching the light-up Santa Claus and reindeer on the Christmas tree and opting for sparkling fairy lights wrapped around your indoor plants instead.
