Christmas in July: Americans Embrace Winter Holiday Spirit Mid-Summer

While many associate July with vacations, beaches, and barbecues, an increasing number of Americans are embracing "Christmas in July." This unofficial holiday brings the festive atmosphere of the winter holidays into the heart of summer, featuring Santa Claus in shorts, themed movies, and parties decorated with Christmas trees and lights.

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It's something I look forward to every year. It's my way of opening the door and finally starting to talk about Christmas

The tradition, though invented, has become increasingly popular across the United States. Around July 25th each year, numerous cities host festivals, parties, and events dedicated to this celebration. North Carolina has hosted a dedicated festival since 1987, while Illinois features Christmas-themed pool parties, Michigan offers encounters with Santa at campgrounds, and New Jersey hosts beach screenings of Christmas movies and children's activities.

For professional holiday decorator Lance Devereux, the event is a perfect excuse to bring out Christmas decorations again. "It's something I look forward to every year. It's my way of opening the door and finally starting to talk about Christmas," he says. He notes that even small touches, like a Christmas pillow or festive salt and pepper shakers, can evoke the holiday spirit.

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You get the same joy, but without the financial stress of the holiday season

Content creator Tierney Robb prefers hosting "Favorite Things" parties in July, avoiding the December crowds and financial strain. "You get the same joy, but without the financial stress of the holiday season," she states. A well-known tradition is the Hallmark Channel's annual Christmas movie marathon, which runs from late June to late July, including new productions created specifically for this event. Michelle Vicary, programming director at Hallmark Media, notes a growing audience demand for Christmas-themed content outside the traditional season, reflecting fans' desire to enjoy holiday programming year-round.

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Christmas in July is a beloved summer tradition for our viewers. The event reflects fans' desire to watch holiday-themed programming throughout the year