Do you celebrate Christmas in July? It’s a fun time to enjoy the Christmas story in a less chaotic way! Without the distraction of gifts and family gatherings you might find new meaning in the story during the summer.

I love Christmas. The music, decorations, baking…all of it. But I also will admit that chaos can reign supreme as children anticipate presents, gatherings and chocolate!

This can sometimes draw our attention away from the real meaning of Christmas. A fun way to bring the story back into focus, at an unexpected time of year is Christmas in July!

This is something I did at camp when I was younger and thought it was a fantastic idea. I have started doing it in my home, keeping things low-key and simple so our focus is on Jesus and nothing else.

Here are some simple ideas for you and your family to enjoy the Christmas story this summer!

Christmas in July

Nativity in the Summer Family Devotion

• Read the Luke 2 story together (by candlelight or under the stars!)
• Get out your nativity set and retell the story with your family
• Reflect on the gift of Jesus with kids by making a “gift to Jesus” list

Make & Deliver “Christmas in July” Blessing Bags

• Include summer essentials (water, granola bars, sunscreen) and a small verse card
• Kids can decorate with “Jesus loves you” messages
• Drop off to friends, families, shelters or keep in your car to give out
• Download the “Names of Jesus Devotional” below and get free tags to use for your blessing bags!

Light a Candle + Read Isaiah 9:6 at Dinner (a simple reminder of who Jesus is!)

Have a candlelight dinner and read this verse while you eat.

• Reflect: What does it mean that Jesus is Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace?

Make Nativity Trail Mix

• One of my favourite Christmas traditions, Nativity Trail Mix, is a great way to retell the story through food! Kids will love this, you could even make some extras to hand out!
• Get the recipe HERE

Gift exchange – “Giving Like Jesus”

Think of things you can give to family members that don’t cost anything. Some ideas could be:

Helping to clean up without being asked

Helping to prepare a meal

Giving a hug

Offering to do a job they don’t usually do

Rubbing someone’s back

Encourage your children to look for ways to give to one another out of love!

Name of Jesus Devotional

• Use this 5 day devotional to talk about the names of Jesus! Grab it below!

Don’t Make Christmas in July Complicated!

It doesn’t have to be chaotic, it doesn’t have to be big. Make this celebration about the simple but wonderful story of Jesus’ birth and the gift He brought to the world.

Make it one day or a week long activty, celebrate on July 25 or the 30, whatever works with your schedule! Christmas in July is about focusing on Jesus, not perfection. Enjoy!

For more Christmas ideas, check out my blog post “The Santa Dilemma” or “Why Do We Celebrate Christmas?” And if you are starting to look ahead to Christmas, grab my devotional/planner, Preparing Your Heart and Home for Christmas, to help you focus on Jesus during advent while planning activities and fun!

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