I’m Celebrating Christmas in July, Here’s Why You Should, Too

“What? Why? No. Really?”

That’s the general response I get from other parents when I first broach the idea of celebrating Christmas in July, a summer-holiday highlight that’s gaining ground with moms and dads who find December’s jam-packed Christmas calendars too stressful, too busy… too much.

I get their hesitation.

Many parents feel like they’re recovering from a six-week-long bender on December 26. They’ve Elf’d on the Shelf’d; stuffed stockings and turkeys; nodded off during “It’s a Wonderful Life” and egg nogged with people they don’t really like.

‘Tis the season - for financial stress, mental overload and physical exhaustion.

It makes sense. Culturally, we’re told that a season's worth of memory making, familial obligations, social events, work parties, school plays and gifting need to fit tidily into the sliver of space between Thanksgiving and the New Year.

And we better love every minute of it - because it’s the “happiest season of all,” or so the classic song claims.

But, for a lot of us, it’s just… not.

And that goes twice for moms, who have been unceremoniously crowned their family’s personal Queen of Christmas, just without the tiara, support staff and plush bank account.

So, when I float the idea of celebrating the holidays smack dab in the middle of summer, I understand the hesitation from my fellow mamas.

But I hope they hear me out - because real magic can be made by celebrating Christmas in July, whether it’s with your immediate crew or with a few close family and friends.

And you’ve got to admit - the timing’s perfect. July just doesn’t have much going for it after Independence Day. Sorry, “National Bikini Day” on July 5 - we’re just not that into you.

Christmas in July fills that kid-friendly holiday hole between the 4th and Halloween.

And second - it can be everything the real deal in December should be.

Christmas in July is the polar opposite of today’s December version. Less obligation - more enjoying the moment! Less organization - more memory-making! Less materialism - more giving! Less fuss - more fun!

And - 100-degree summer temps mean you get to do it all in a tank top and joggers instead of a little black dress and Spanx.

That’s a win right there.

Because Christmas is literally my job - I’m a high-end holiday designer turned DIY tutorialist - the biggest reason we celebrate Christmas in July is that it’s a meaningful opportunity to connect, slow down and be intentional with our family time while doing Christmasy tasks that aren't part of my version of "the meaning of Christmas" but rank high with my kiddos.

For us, July is no-pressure packed with thematic Pinterest-inspired joy. We make snowmen pancakes and frozen hot chocolates. My two boys craft ornaments and decorate a Christmas tree - colored lights and all. We make “ugly” holiday sweaters and well-dressed gingerbread houses. We cuddle up in Christmas pajamas, crank the A/C, light the fireplace and watch holiday movies. As residents of Los Angeles, we rarely get snow in December - but in July, we make our own with soap suds and bubbles. I have summer Santa over for a slice of Christmas tree pizza and a visit!

What we make most, though, are the holiday memories that the actual holiday season doesn’t quite allow time for.

And it’s worth noting what we don’t make: far-fetched expectations and obligations. There is no guilt over saying “no” to a party invitation that won’t come for five more months. There are no gifts, so there is no shopping for the perfect present. There’s no cajoling kids to jump through one more holiday hoop when they’re tired and overstimulated.

There is a lot of laughter, silliness and smiles - on my kids’ faces, of course, but on mine and my husband’s, too.

It’s Christmas in July - and it's the gift that moms and I all over are giving to ourselves this summer.

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