If there’s one seemingly strange holiday that exists its Christmas In July. Is it a holiday? I guess it’s more like a fun concept of sorts. A mental oasis from the increasingly hot days of the summer to think back to when it’s cooler and cozy.

But how did it get started? Why does it exist?

Was this just some marketing ploy? Maybe it was some attempt from Australia to have all of the winter Christmas fun we get here in the states? Neither!

Well, dear reader, that’s why you tune in to my ramblings every Monday because I’m here to answer that for you! Let’s take a look back at the history of Christmas in July, shall we?

A Seemingly Snowy Southern Story

The concept of Christmas in July itself began at Keystone Camp, a girls’ camp, in Brevard, North Carolina during the summer of 1933. The camp’s co-founder, Fannie Holt, was known for her whimsical imagination and unique ideas for the camp itself. And the tradition continues today! The girls who attend camp turn their laundry bags into stockings, presents are given out, fake snow is delightfully tossed, and that’s only the beginning.

As the years went on, the event grew into quite the production. From there, the idea caught on in towns like West Jefferson, North Carolina who are celebrating their Christmas In July festival still to this day.

Join In The Festivities

So there you have it. From the mind of a woman like no other has become a timeless American tradition that we see from town festivals, to Hallmark movie marathons, to indie pop holiday recordings.

Have you ever celebrated Christmas In July? This year, we at Only In My Dreams Events invite you to celebrate the holidays with us year round, with The Holiday Shop!

We’ve transformed half of our space at The Shop to become a holiday wonderland with everything you need to have your own celebration, or even to get a head start on your holiday shopping before any crowds. Check out some photos of the displays below and stop by!

And with that, I bid you adieu. Until next week!

Philip