Christmas in July?

Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year. The fun, family and friends gathering, abundance of food, colorful lights and decorations, joyful carolling, gifts shared with each other. Everyone seems to be in a happy and giving mood. Why can’t it be Christmas all the time?

But for those of us familiar with that famous carol, White Christmas, celebrating Christmas in Australia during the heat of summer just makes that carol ever so true – a white Christmas is just but a dream? Not anymore it seems!

It all began with the Irish … Back in 1980, a group of Irishmen voiced out aloud this same sentiment on a cold wintry day in July. Yes, July, because that’s winter Down Under. The owner of the hotel they were staying overheard this, and so he came up with this idea of replicating Northern-hemisphere-style celebrations. Decorations were hanged – including a Christmas tree and a flower bouquet of Christmas flowers.

Word spread far and wide ever gaining popularity yearly. And so, Christmas in July became a yearly event.

Australians are not so different from their northern cousins, in enjoying a traditional roast and pudding for Christmas and putting up decorations – candles, bells, bonbons, hats, flower bouquet for a table centrepiece. But December’s just too hot for roast and pudding, so Christmas in July is an excuse to celebrate, traditionally, when it’s nice and cool. No, it isn’t an Irish joke – even though you just don’t have Christmas in the middle of the year! – to see Australians revelling in July. And with all the trimmings you would expect in December. That’s including gifts and decorations.

A flower bouquet of elegant tulips add to Christmas in July celebrations

Although you might not think of tulips for the Christmas, orange tulips are en elegant and beautiful display. Tulips combine well with berries, green foliage and colorful sprays and can brighten up any holiday table or make a unique gift for those you love. Consider a display or a gift of a flower bouquet featuring tulips as you celebrate Christmas this July!