Christmas in July Where Did It Come From
The Origins of Christmas in July: A Tradition Rooted in Giving
Today, Christmas in July often brings to mind summer sales, themed parties, and nostalgic holiday movies. But long before it became a marketing trend, the tradition had a much deeper purpose—rooted in church missions, charitable giving, and timely generosity.
A Practical and Purposeful Beginning
The history of Christmas in July has several layers. The phrase first appeared in 1892 in the French opera Werther, where a character laments that “Christmas in July” never comes. It gained cultural traction in the United States in 1933 when Keystone Camp, an all‑girls summer camp in Brevard, North Carolina, held a festive mid‑July celebration with a decorated tree, cotton “snow,” and gift exchanges (Mental Floss).
In the early 1940s, churches in cities like Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia gave the concept a faith‑based purpose. They organized Christmas in July drives to collect donations for missionaries and soldiers overseas. Holding gift drives in the summer ensured packages would arrive by December, allowing care items, letters, and gifts to reach those serving abroad in time for the holiday season (Recollections).
The Heart Behind the Tradition
The original Christmas in July celebrations were never about recreating December in summer. Instead, they were about acting early so generosity could truly reach people in need. These church traditions emphasized that compassion, charitable giving, and community service should not be confined to one month of the year (Wikipedia).
Bringing Christmas in July Back to Its Roots
At BTD Creative Solutions LLC, we celebrate holiday joy all year long, but we also believe in honoring the original spirit of Christmas in July: generosity with purpose. Here are a few ways to bring this meaningful tradition back to life:
Support missionary or international outreach programs
Host early gift drives for local families in need
Assemble care kits for people experiencing homelessness
Partner with nonprofits to deliver donations before Advent
Teach children about empathy, global awareness, and service
These simple acts help reconnect today’s celebrations to the mission‑driven origins of Christmas in July.
A Celebration of Purpose
Christmas in July began with prayerful preparation and generous hearts, not with decorations or sales. It was a way to send love, hope, and resources where they were needed most—and to do so in time to make a difference.
By combining modern fun with meaningful acts of service, we can honor its history and keep its purpose alive today.
BTD Creative Solutions LLC
“Spreading kindness and joy while getting things done.”