Christmas only comes once a year. Or does it? The southern hemisphere is getting into the heart of their winter right now. Turns out, some places, like Australia, celebrate their Christmas in July. Why can’t we?
Celebrate Christmas in July
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Christmas in July can be a fun way to ease some of the real Christmas anticipation or just get the family together! It doesn’t have to be as big, expensive, or even classy as Christmas in December. If you’re considering having a Christmas in July celebration, here are some party game ideas that would be perfect for the occasion.
1. White Elephant Gift Exchange
The white elephant gift exchange is one of the most exciting holiday party games. It’s both competitive and rewarding. Click here for instructions of how to play.
2. Classic Secret Santa
Get in the spirit of giving! Draw random names from a hat a few weeks prior to your Christmas in July event, and have your guests come bearing gifts. Again, Christmas in July doesn’t have to be the same as real Christmas or as expensive. Christmas in July gifts can be smaller, they can be comical, they can be hand-me-downs, whatever you want them to be!
3. Ugly Christmas Sweater Competition (without the sweater)
Here’s a twist on the classic ugly Christmas sweater craze. No one wants to wear long sleeves in the heart of July. Perhaps see who can come up with the ugliest swimsuit or Hawaiian shirt (those things can get pretty ugly).
4. Sandman Competition
If you’re having your Christmas in July at the beach, why not build a snowman… out of sand! Dress him up, make it a competition, have fun with it!
5. Water Balloon Fight
Instead of a snowball fight, grab some balloons and cool your guests down with a water balloon fight. This is especially a hit for the kids and teens.
6. Christmas Karaoke
The magic of Christmas music shouldn’t have to wait! Bust out the karaoke machine and sing some Jingle Bells, or Christmas Hymns!
7. Backyard Reindeer Games
Any backyard activity can become Christmas themed with decorations or by simply renaming it. For example, horseshoes can become “reindeer shoes” and hillbilly golf can become “Santa golf” or “elf golf.” Try this with other games like volleyball, whiffle ball, kickball, bean bag toss, badminton, and more.
You can get creative with Christmas in July. There are no rules to stick to, no set themes, and no prior expectations! It’s all about celebrating family and having fun. And of course, it marks the half way point to actual Christmas!
Bonus #8: The Frozen T-Shirt Game
Wet, fold and freeze large t-shirts 24 hours in advance, and set a timer to see which player can open it and put it on the fastest!
Bonus #9
Play Christmas around the world trivia games using the information found in our Christmas Around the World unit study resource book! Makes a great preview of unit study homeschool to come in the fall too.
Did we miss any fun games you have played at Christmas in July celebrations? Share them in the comment section.