Christmas in July: How six homesick Irishmen started beloved Aussie tradition

A tradition born from the homesickness of six Irishmen is now a beloved festival in Australia.

The country now celebrates Christmas twice a year - once in December and once in July - and this tradition has expanded across the Tasman to New Zealand and even to Los Angeles.

How did Christmas in July start?

It is hard to pinpoint the exact beginning of the tradition but for some Christmas in July is pioneered by the United States (U.S.) in the 20th century but there is another version straight from the man who claimed to have started the national tradition in 1980 from his Mountain Heritage Hotel.

While much of the world experiences midsummer, Australia finds itself in the depths of winter during July.

In an interview with BBC, Garry Crockett revealed, “On a snowy July evening, six Irishmen walked into my hotel, visibly nostalgic for a traditional winter Christmas.

He continued, “So I told them, why don’t we do a Christmas in July for you?”, adding that preparations were made, the Christmas tree was dusted off and the celebrations begun.

He said 80-odd guests partied till 3:00 am on that night and since then the gathering has become an annual tradition at Mountain Heritage Hotel.

How is Christmas in July celebrated?

Christmas in July is celebrated every year on 25th of July and since it’s mid-winter in Australia, ugly sweaters are a must.

Santa 'travels' from the north pole to deliver gifts as restaurants and pubs serve guests with feasts.

The festival is centered around Christmas-themed activities and entertainment including small gatherings, seasonal entertainment and shopping.

Is Christmas in July recognized by Churches?

Churches do not universally allow or observe Christmas in July as an official religious holiday.

According to Crockett, now 76, there was initially a little bit pushback from some local churches, however, the ritual soon snowballed and spread around the country.

Christmas in July is about friendship, love and connection.