Christmas is a special time of year for many, so why only celebrate it once? We may not be able to enjoy a snowy white Christmas in Australia, but we can make the most of the next best thing — July’s wintery weather. Christmas in July is a chance to slow down and cosy up, relax with friends or family, and enjoy all the comforts of a winter feast. This guide is packed with tips and recipes to help you make this the best Christmas in July yet.
Set the scene
Get into the festive spirit by creating a playlist of your favourite Christmas songs to sing along to. You can even throw on your most Christmassy jumpers without fear of melting in the summer heat. If you’re in the mood to go all out, unpack the Christmas tree and festive decorations. Don’t stop there. Download our free Mini gingerbread houses template for a fun weekend family activity.
Make a warming winter Christmas feast
When it comes to your festive menu, Christmas in July is all about hearty, warming dishes such as roasts and bakes. It could be a little tricky to find Christmas turkey and ham at this time of year, so instead cook up a festive roast chicken with a side of classic roast vegetables. If you’re after a meat-free main, try this impressive sweet potato wellington. To top it all off, watch our guide to making a delicious gravy.
Indulge in festive desserts
Aussie classics such as pavlova and trifle are a great way to bring Christmas in July celebrations to a close. Delicious strawberries and blueberries are in season at this time of year and the perfect stand-in for summer fruits such as mangoes and cherries. This easy chocolate and strawberry trifle is a winner, or if you’re after a vegan dessert, this vegan pavlova is a great alternative. If you’re looking for more comforting desserts to beat the chill, you can’t go past warming puddings and pies. This mouth-watering self-saucing chocolate pudding uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, and you can never go wrong with a classic apple pie drizzled with custard and served with ice-cream.
Create deliciously thoughtful gifts
One of the best things about revisiting Christmas in July? Gift giving. Show loved ones how much you care by trying your hand at some DIY. To match your wintery Christmas theme, whip up a White Christmas slice and pack portions in decorative boxes. Baking cookies is another easy and inexpensive way to create delicious gifts. Browse our full Christmas cookie collection for plenty of festive inspiration.