Why Is It Christmas In July And Not June
Okay, let’s talk about something that might get me banned from the North Pole. Christmas in July. It’s a thing. And it’s wonderful. But have you ever stopped to think why it’s July and not, say, June? Because honestly, June feels like it should be the rightful heir to this mid-year merriment.
Think about it. June is the start of summer in many places. The days are long and bright. People are generally happier. They’re out and about, wearing shorts and eating ice cream. It feels like the perfect time to inject a bit of festive cheer. Imagine carols echoing on a sunny afternoon. Santa in his red suit, maybe with a tan, handing out presents on a beach. Sounds pretty good, right?
But no. We pick July. Why? It’s a mystery wrapped in an enigma, tied with a candy cane. Is it because July has more letters? That sounds absurd, but then again, so does everything else about celebrating Christmas when the trees are still green and the only snow you’re likely to see is on your gin and tonic.
Maybe it’s about contrast. June is already pretty great. It’s summer, it’s fun. Christmas in June might just feel…redundant. Like putting glitter on an already sparkly unicorn. But July? July is that awkward middle child of summer. It’s hot. It’s sticky. Sometimes it feels a bit…long. It’s the perfect time for something unexpected and delightful to break up the monotony. Something like, you know, Santa.
And let’s not forget the sheer audacity of it. Christmas in July is a rebellion against the natural order of things. It’s a defiant shout of “Bah Humbug!” to the calendar. It’s for the people who just can’t wait. The early adopters of joy. The ones who believe that more Christmas is always a good idea, regardless of the season.
Imagine the planning that goes into a July Christmas. You have to pretend it’s freezing outside when it’s actually scorching. You have to resist the urge to wear flip-flops to your office Christmas party. You have to explain to your slightly confused neighbors why you’ve got a giant inflatable snowman on your lawn in the middle of a heatwave. It’s a commitment. A commitment to fun, yes, but a commitment nonetheless.
June, on the other hand, is too easy. It’s practically begging for a party. Christmas in June would be like having a birthday party in Disneyland. Of course, you’re going to have fun. But Christmas in July? That’s like having a birthday party in your backyard during a thunderstorm and somehow managing to have the best time ever. It’s about creating magic when the conditions aren’t ideal. It’s about proving that you can have Christmas spirit any time, anywhere.
Perhaps there’s a secret solstice connection that I’m missing. The winter solstice is in December in the Northern Hemisphere, the shortest day. The summer solstice is in June, the longest day. Is July the sweet spot between the longest day and the turning point back towards darkness? Is it some ancient pagan ritual that we’ve conveniently rebranded as a holiday?
Or maybe, just maybe, it’s because July is the month after June. And sometimes, in life, you just have to go with what’s available. You wanted a sparkly unicorn, but all you could find was a slightly glittery horse. Close enough, right?
Think of the marketing. “Escape the summer slump!” “Beat the heat with holiday cheer!” It just rolls off the tongue, doesn’t it? “Christmas in June: Because it’s already summer.” It lacks a certain…oomph. It’s a bit too predictable. Christmas in July, however, has that element of surprise. It’s the unexpected guest who brings the best gift.
And let’s be honest, if we had Christmas in June, would it even feel special? We’d get used to it. It would become just another summer event. The novelty would wear off. But Christmas in July? It’s a rare treat. It’s a special occasion. It’s a reason to put on your ugliest Christmas sweater when everyone else is in their beachwear. It’s a statement.
It’s a declaration of independence from the tyranny of the calendar!
So, next time you’re enjoying a suspiciously festive beverage in the middle of a sweltering July afternoon, don’t question it too much. Just embrace the silliness. Embrace the joy. And maybe, just maybe, give a little nod to the fact that while June might have been the logical choice, July is clearly the more entertaining one. It’s not about what makes sense; it’s about what makes you smile. And who wouldn’t smile at a mid-year dose of Santa?
I suspect the real reason is just that someone, somewhere, decided July sounded better. And honestly, I can’t argue with that. It has a certain…jingle. A jingle that’s completely out of place, and therefore, absolutely perfect.