Christmas in July History!

Many retailers and companies hold annual Christmas in July sales, and Total Home Decor is no different (save big through July 31^st 2020 on all Outdoor Lighted Christmas décor items!!)  But what is Christmas in July?  Is it strictly a “halfway to Christmas” calendar promotion?  Is there any history or reasons beyond retailing where Christmas in July is mentioned?  Indeed there is – read along and learn!

Did it All Start in 1940?

The name, if not the modern sales practice, was given attention with the release of a major motion picture comedy Christmas in July in 1940, written and directed by Preston Sturges. In the movie, a man is fooled into believing he has won $25,000 in an advertising slogan contest. He buys presents for family, friends, and neighbors, and proposes marriage to his girlfriend. Interestingly enough, the movie was actually released in October 1940 – not July.  The movie is worth watching – it has earned a 95% Rotten Tomatoes rating!

 Or was it in 1935?

In 1935, the National Recreation Association’s journal Recreation described what Christmas in July was like at a girl’s camp, writing that “all mystery and wonder surround this annual event.”  So if it was an annual event in 1935, does that mean it started even earlier?  Internet sources claim Keystone Camp in North Carolina launched Christmas in July on July 24, 1935, complete with gift exchanges, Santa Claus and cotton imitation snow.  Fun times!

Let’s Get to the Huge Savings

American marketers began using Christmas in July themes in print advertising for summertime sales as early as 1950.  So leveraging the theme has been around for well over half a century.  The annual Total Home Décor Christmas in July Sale runs through July 31^st 2020 on all Outdoor Lighted Christmas décor items.  No coupon code needed for this sale!  Buy more and save more!  10% off on one outdoor lighted Christmas décor item.  Save 20% on two outdoor lighted Christmas décor items. Enjoy 30% off when you buy three or more outdoor lighted Christmas décor item. Plus receive a free gift for each outdoor lighted Christmas décor item purchased.  And as always, FREE shipping on your purchases.