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Halfway to Christmas: Celebrating Summertime Santa Spirit
Why should December have all the fun? July marks the official halfway point to Christmas, and that’s reason enough to deck the halls or maybe the backyard.
Christmas in July is a growing tradition for those who can’t wait six more months for mistletoe, movie marathons, and merrymaking. For some, it’s about beating the heat with holiday cool-downs; for others, it’s simply an excuse to gather friends and family for festive fun when summer starts to feel routine.
Whether you’re craving candy canes or just looking for a creative way to spice up the season, there are plenty of ways to celebrate now and keep the Christmas spirit going strong all year.
Host a Christmas-in-July Backyard Bash
Halfway to Christmas!
Forget snowdrifts and roaring fireplaces, Christmas in July is all about celebrating the holidays with a warm-weather twist.
Hosting a backyard bash is the perfect way to combine holiday cheer with summer sunshine. Start by transforming your outdoor space with fun, festive décor. Think beach balls mixed with jingle bells, candy cane-striped pool floats, and twinkling string lights hung from patio umbrellas. Add a Christmas playlist to the mix, and you’ll have guests humming carols in flip-flops in no time.
Food and drinks are where you can really get creative. Swap the traditional turkey for grilled kebabs with red and green peppers, and serve frozen hot chocolate or peppermint lemonade in mason jars rimmed with crushed candy canes. For dessert, consider gingerbread cookies shaped like seashells or watermelon slices cut into star shapes. Don’t forget the games! Classic party activities like a white elephant gift exchange work just as well in July, especially when the gifts are summer-themed. Pool toys, sunblock kits, and novelty sunglasses make perfect presents.
Looking to add even more magic? Set up a DIY photo booth with Santa hats, inflatable snowmen, and summer props like beach towels and surfboards. Capture memories that will keep everyone smiling straight through to December. The best part of a Christmas-in-July party is that there are no rules—just bring together the elements you love about the holidays, and remix them for summertime fun.
Keep the Spirit Alive with a Midyear Mindset
Christmas in July is a great excuse to break out the sweets and spend time with family. You don’t need snow to make it special—you just need sprinkles. ~Buddy Valastro
Christmas in July isn’t just about decorations and desserts. It’s also a great reminder to bring holiday kindness and generosity into the middle of the year.
While December often focuses on giving, it’s easy for that spirit to get lost in the hustle of everyday life. By celebrating now, you create a chance to pause and reconnect with the heart of the season: sharing joy, helping others, and making meaningful memories.
As Bing Crosby once said, “Unless we make Christmas an occasion to share our blessings, all the snow in Alaska won’t make it white.” That midyear reflection is a powerful one. Instead of waiting until December to volunteer or donate, why not start now?
Organize a canned food drive at your backyard party, or invite friends to bring gently used toys and clothes to donate to local shelters. Many community organizations experience a drop in donations during the summer, so Christmas in July can be the perfect time to fill that gap.
You don’t need to stop at charity events, either. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Consider surprising a neighbor with a plate of cookies, sending a handwritten note to someone who could use a pick-me-up, or simply spending quality time with loved ones.
As Charles Dickens wrote in A Christmas Carol, “I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” July is the perfect checkpoint to make sure we’re living that promise—not just in winter but every season of the year.
Cool Down with Christmas Movie Classics
Halfway To Christmas Theme Song 🎄🎅🎶
Summer heat got you sweating? Cool down the Christmas way with a midyear movie marathon. There’s nothing better than curling up in air conditioning with an iced cocoa while you rewatch your favorite holiday films. Whether you’re a fan of black-and-white classics, animated specials, or modern holiday rom-coms, a Christmas-in-July movie day is a low-pressure, high-enjoyment way to celebrate.
Start by setting the scene. Hang a few twinkling lights in the living room, turn down the lights, and pull out a cozy blanket—even if you’re wearing shorts and sipping frozen eggnog. Make popcorn, bake a batch of sugar cookies, and prepare a tray of Christmas-themed mocktails or cocktails.
Don’t be afraid to mix genres: pair It’s a Wonderful Life with Elf, or follow up Home Alone with a Hallmark Christmas special. The goal is to escape into the spirit of the season, even if there’s sunshine outside your window. Hosting a movie marathon can also be a fun group event. Invite friends or family over for a “pick your favorite Christmas movie” night, or plan a themed lineup like “Santa on Screen” or “Christmas Comedy Classics“.
For extra fun, print out bingo cards with holiday movie clichés. Think meet-cutes under mistletoe, grumpy bosses who learn the meaning of Christmas, or magical snowfall during the final scene. It’s an easy way to laugh, bond, and celebrate the halfway point to December in cool, festive style.
Christmas doesn’t have to wait until December! By celebrating the halfway point with friends, food, films, and festive fun, you’ll keep the holiday spirit alive all year long.
So grab your Santa hat, crank up the carols, and make July a little more jolly.