Introduction
Have you ever heard sleigh bells ringing in the middle of July? It might sound a bit unusual, but Christmas in July is a real and growing phenomenon. Legend has it that this mid-year yuletide celebration began at a girls’ summer camp in the 1930s, where a group of campers decided to bring the magic of Christmas to the summer months. Now, Christmas in July has evolved into a lighthearted way to break up the summer doldrums, offering a dose of festive cheer during the long, sunny days. But what truly makes this celebration special? It’s the food! Christmas in July foods are all about blending the comforting traditions of the holiday season with the fresh, vibrant flavors of summer.
Food is an integral part of any Christmas celebration, and Christmas in July is no exception. Indulging in Christmas-themed treats during the summer months brings a unique sense of joy and nostalgia. It’s a chance to savor familiar flavors in a new context, creating memorable moments and festive atmospheres. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas in July party or simply want to add a touch of holiday spirit to your summer meals, the possibilities are endless. So, gather your friends and family, dust off your Santa hat (or your summer version of it!), and prepare to embark on a culinary journey that blends the best of both seasons.
Christmas in July offers a delightful opportunity to enjoy festive, comforting foods with a summery twist, bringing holiday cheer to the heart of summer. From traditional holiday dishes reimagined with tropical ingredients to grilled delights inspired by Santa himself, this celebration is a culinary adventure waiting to happen. Let’s explore some exciting Christmas in July foods that will make your summer a little more magical.
Classic Christmas Foods with a Summery Twist
One of the best ways to celebrate Christmas in July is to take classic Christmas dishes and give them a summery makeover. This involves incorporating seasonal fruits, lighter ingredients, and refreshing flavors that complement the warm weather. Let’s delve into some delicious examples.
Ham with a Tropical Glaze
Forget the traditional brown sugar glaze this time around. Instead, embrace the vibrant flavors of the tropics with a pineapple or mango glaze for your Christmas in July ham. Imagine a succulent ham, perfectly cooked and coated with a sweet, tangy, and slightly caramelized glaze that hints at sunshine and relaxation.
To create this delightful glaze, simply combine diced pineapple or mango with brown sugar, Dijon mustard, a splash of lime juice, and a pinch of ginger. Simmer the mixture until it thickens into a glossy glaze, then brush it over your ham during the last hour of roasting. The tropical sweetness of the pineapple or mango perfectly complements the savory ham, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that is ideal for a summer celebration. This is a simple adjustment for your Christmas in July foods and sure to impress your guests.
The tropical glaze adds a touch of summery flair to a traditional holiday dish, making it a perfect centerpiece for your Christmas in July feast. This adaptation is a fun and flavorful way to celebrate the season in style.
Santa’s Salad
Instead of heavy, creamy side dishes, opt for a light and refreshing salad that captures the festive colors of Christmas. Think vibrant reds, greens, and whites, all beautifully arranged to resemble a holiday masterpiece.
A simple Santa’s Salad can be made with a base of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, crumbled feta cheese, and a light vinaigrette dressing. For an extra touch of Christmas cheer, add some dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds for a pop of sweetness and color. You can also incorporate some grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost, turning it into a satisfying main course. This is a great way to lighten up your Christmas in July foods!
This Santa’s Salad is a lighter option compared to heavy winter sides, making it perfect for warm weather. It’s a delicious and healthy way to incorporate the festive spirit into your summer meals.
Snowflake Shortbread Cookies
No Christmas celebration is complete without cookies, and Christmas in July is no exception. Classic shortbread cookies, cut into delicate snowflake shapes, are a simple yet elegant treat that captures the essence of the season.
To make these cookies, simply follow your favorite shortbread recipe and use a snowflake cookie cutter to create the shapes. For a summery twist, you can add a hint of lemon zest or lavender to the dough for a subtle floral aroma. Alternatively, you can decorate the cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate. These Christmas in July foods are simple and delicious.
Snowflake shortbread cookies are simple, classic, and festive. They can be easily adapted with summery flavors, making them a perfect treat for your Christmas in July celebration.
Eggnog Ice Cream
Transform a traditional winter drink into a refreshing summer dessert with eggnog ice cream. This creamy, decadent treat is a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of eggnog without the heaviness of the traditional beverage.
You can either make your own eggnog ice cream using a simple recipe or opt for a store-bought version for convenience. Serve it in a waffle cone, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg, for a truly festive treat. It’s a perfect treat for the summer take on Christmas in July foods.
Eggnog ice cream is a delicious and unexpected way to enjoy the flavors of Christmas in the summer. It’s a refreshing and indulgent treat that will delight your guests.
Christmas-Inspired BBQ & Grilling Ideas
Christmas in July is the perfect excuse to fire up the grill and enjoy some festive, barbecue-inspired dishes. These grilled delights capture the spirit of the season while taking advantage of the warm weather and outdoor cooking.
Reindeer Ribs
Instead of traditional BBQ ribs, try Reindeer Ribs with a festive rub or sauce that evokes the flavors of Christmas. Imagine tender, juicy ribs coated in a cranberry BBQ sauce, infused with the warm spices of cinnamon and cloves.
To make this delightful sauce, combine cranberry sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cinnamon, and cloves. Simmer the mixture until it thickens, then brush it over your ribs during the last hour of grilling. The tartness of the cranberries, combined with the sweetness of the brown sugar and the warmth of the spices, creates a unique and flavorful sauce that is perfect for Christmas in July.
Reindeer Ribs combine the fun of Christmas with summer grilling. The festive rub or sauce adds a unique touch to a classic BBQ dish.
Grilled Christmas Tree Pizza
Get creative with your pizza and shape it like a Christmas tree! This fun and interactive dish is perfect for a Christmas in July party, allowing your guests to customize their own slices with festive toppings.
Simply shape your pizza dough into a Christmas tree shape and top it with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite Christmas-themed ingredients. Think red bell peppers, green olives, pepperoni slices arranged like ornaments, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a snowy effect. This takes the concept of Christmas in July foods to the next level!
Grilled Christmas Tree Pizza is fun, interactive, and can be customized with favorite summer toppings. It’s a perfect dish for a Christmas in July gathering.
Santa’s Chimney Skewers
Create colorful and festive skewers that resemble Santa’s chimney, alternating red and green vegetables with grilled meat. These skewers are a healthy and delicious way to incorporate the spirit of Christmas into your summer barbecue.
Thread cherry tomatoes, green bell pepper chunks, and grilled chicken or beef cubes onto skewers, alternating the colors to create a festive pattern. Marinate the meat in a teriyaki sauce with ginger and garlic for added flavor. These skewers are a fun addition to Christmas in July foods.
Santa’s Chimney Skewers are colorful, healthy, and easy to prepare. They’re a perfect addition to your Christmas in July barbecue.
Festive Christmas in July Desserts & Drinks
No celebration is complete without desserts and drinks, and Christmas in July offers a unique opportunity to create festive and refreshing treats that capture the essence of the season.
Melting Snowman Floats
Create a whimsical and fun dessert with Melting Snowman Floats. These adorable floats are perfect for kids and adults alike, combining the fun of a snowman with the refreshing coolness of a summer float.
Simply fill a glass with vanilla ice cream, then top it with a layer of cream soda or ginger ale. Add a marshmallow snowman to the top, complete with chocolate chip eyes, a candy corn nose, and pretzel stick arms. Watch as the snowman melts into the float, creating a delicious and entertaining treat. This fun spin on Christmas in July foods is sure to be a hit.
Melting Snowman Floats are fun, visual, and perfect for kids. They’re a whimsical addition to your Christmas in July celebration.
Peppermint Bark Milkshake
Indulge in the classic Christmas flavor of peppermint with a Peppermint Bark Milkshake. This creamy and decadent milkshake is a refreshing way to enjoy the flavors of the holiday season in the summer heat.
Blend vanilla ice cream with milk, peppermint extract, and crushed peppermint candy. Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and a piece of peppermint bark for a truly festive treat. These unique Christmas in July foods can’t be beat!
Peppermint Bark Milkshake combines the iconic Christmas flavor with a refreshing summer treat. It’s a perfect indulgence for your Christmas in July celebration.
Cranberry Spritzer with Rosemary
Create a festive and refreshing non-alcoholic drink with a Cranberry Spritzer with Rosemary. This bubbly and flavorful drink is perfect for a summer celebration, offering a refreshing alternative to heavier holiday beverages.
Combine cranberry juice, sparkling water, a squeeze of lime juice, and a sprig of rosemary in a glass filled with ice. Garnish with cranberries and a rosemary sprig for a visually appealing drink.
Cranberry Spritzer with Rosemary is light, bubbly, and perfect for a summer celebration. It’s a refreshing and festive addition to your Christmas in July menu.
Tips for a Successful Christmas in July Feast
Planning a Christmas in July feast can be a lot of fun, but here are a few tips to ensure a successful and enjoyable celebration:
- Keep it Light and Fresh: Focus on using seasonal ingredients and avoiding overly heavy dishes. Opt for grilled meats, salads, and refreshing desserts.
- Embrace the Theme: Don’t be afraid to go all out with Christmas-themed decorations, colors, and serving dishes. This will help create a festive and immersive atmosphere.
- Don’t Overdo It: Focus on a few key dishes rather than trying to recreate a full Christmas dinner. This will help you stay organized and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Make it Social: A Christmas in July gathering is all about fun and connection. Encourage your guests to participate in the cooking and decorating, and create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Conclusion
Christmas in July is more than just a mid-year celebration; it’s a chance to embrace the joy and magic of the holiday season in the heart of summer. From tropical-glazed ham to reindeer ribs and peppermint bark milkshakes, the culinary possibilities are endless. This is a chance to make Christmas in July foods a reality! So, why not ditch the winter blues and embrace the summer sun with a festive Christmas in July feast? It’s a perfect excuse to celebrate, eat delicious food, spread some holiday cheer, and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Go ahead, try some of the recipes and ideas mentioned above and host your own Christmas in July celebration. You might just start a new summer tradition!
