BY: Betty Stack
The heat index registers 93 degrees and a short trip to the mailbox melts my make-up. But Hallmark is advertising Christmas movies. It is special and yet we are five months away from celebrating Jesus’s birthday. Social media exchanges have folks posting about their favorite ornaments- the familiar actors and actresses which highlight the one channel synonymous with the flavor of Santa Claus, snow-covered lodges, and romance in the air. Internet sources claim that “Christmas in July is a way to get the public in the spirit in the Northern Hemisphere”. I randomly asked a few co-workers their definitions of Christmas in July and was surprised by the response. Many folks believe that it is a unified capitalistic theory towards buying gifts. One individual suggested the historical impact of the idea behind Christmas in July. Still, others feel that Christmas is to be savored by family and friends in the month of December- with the typical hustle and bustle of shopping and traditions. Can it also represent that which we all once had- the innocence of childhood dreams and magic in those first eight to ten years of life? Or do we say no, as everyone is not always blessed with a warm and cozy home and a tree symbolic of something different to each of us? Christmas can be all of this and much more.
I did a little digging and learned that there was a line in a French opera in 1892 known as Werther which referenced “Christmas in July”. Then in 1940 a film titled “Christmas in July” was released and gained instant popularity. History says the main character in the film was told he had won $25,000,00 so he went on a generous spending spree with friends and family and proposed to his long-time love. The film caught on and retailers capitalized on things so that in the 1950’s the term became familiar to all. Now, if we look at the Theological perspective, celebrating Christ’s birthday on December 25th annually is exactly nine months from March 25th and the original crucifixion. Still, others state that “Christmas in July” serves as a celebration to end the summer season and look to new beginnings. Some even take things as far as singing carols and exchanging gifts. It has also been documented that “Christmas in July” actually began at a summer camp in Brevard, North Carolina as far back as 1933. Then let’s talk about some Outback, or really some Australia, although I do love a “good” Outback experience from time to time. It turns out December 25th can be pretty warm in Australia so many of those fun-loving Aussies started celebrating in July- you know the old “down under”. They liken it to global science and a cold weather holiday so traditions were brought to the table there. That signifies July when you are down under or up above, however, you look at it. Then there are always those American folks who feel like buying early in July enables an easier financial burden, when in reality they may be buying more gifts. Who even knows what someone wants that far in advance? Finally, there are people like me who enjoy celebrating “something” so why not Christmas in July? If it truly reminds you of a fun time in life, the hustle, the bustle, the trees and the signature cookies and food- go for it. So, Christmas is like life to me, it comes full circle when you let it. And it just may be fun to break out some fake snow and catch a few Hallmark movies. You may not only “beat the heat” but create a new tradition, some fun, and a few laughs. Now pass the popcorn. (Even though it is South Carolina and HOT)