5 Fun Ways to Celebrate Christmas in July in South Africa
Christmas is less than six months away but you needn’t wait that long to experience the most wonderful time of the year. Bring the festivities forward a few months by celebrating Christmas in July – the southern hemisphere’s mid-year chance to enjoy our northern neighbours’ merry wintry traditions. Here are five fun ways to celebrate!
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Decorate Your Home
Don’t let those boxes of baubles and tinsel gather dust any longer, bring them out and hang them up ’round the house just as you would during December. And, if you’re feeling very merry, you may even consider putting up a Christmas tree! Not yet ready to go the whole nine yards? Fairy light strands will add an instant yet subtle festive feel and these tasteful DIY mason jar decorations are perfect for almost every room in the home.
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Indulge in Festive Food & Drink
With winter in full swing, it’s the perfect time to savour those warm roast dinners, puddings and beverages that would otherwise be left off the menu during a summertime Christmas. Put these all-time classics on your list of dishes to enjoy!
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Roast Meat with Stuffing
Whether you decide on a traditional beef tenderloin, honey glazed ham, roasted turkey or roast chicken, the stuffing is an absolute must-have. Chef Clodagh McKenna’s stuffing of sweet potato, bacon and pecans is a stuffing to rival all others. With the addition of cranberries, the dish boasts depths of sweet, sour, salty and nutty flavours. Watch the video below to see how it’s made.
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Chocolate Yule Log
End your wintry feast on a sweet note with a traditional chocolate yule log. Made with layers of light sponge and buttery icing, this delicious dessert is sure to be a hit amongst family and friends. Although not the simplest of recipes, the end result makes the extra effort completely worth it. Try your hand at the recipe by Chef Nigella Lawson.
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Glühwein
If Christmas came in a glass, we’re betting it would taste a whole lot like Glühwein – mulled red wine, heated and spiced with traditional holiday spices including cloves, cinnamon, citrus and sugar. Follow this easy recipe and you’ll be glowing with warmth in no time!
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Eggnog
No Christmas in July celebration would be complete without a serving of creamy eggnog. This warm beverage has been described as pure comfort in a glass. It also includes an array of festive spices, with the option of adding dark rum or whisky for an extra kick. Click here for the ultimate eggnog recipe.
Also keep an eye out on our Facebook page as we share more Christmas in July recipes, specially developed by Chef John Burger of FLAVA Restaurant in Port Elizabeth.
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Host a Themed Party
With the menu and decorations sorted, why not host a jolly gettogether! Because many of us are kept busy with shopping and entertaining family during the festive season, this could be the perfect opportunity to celebrate Christmas with friends in a more relaxed setting. Here are a few ideas to get your guests in the spirit:
- Have them dress up in their best red, white and green winter attire
- Have a photo booth with fun Christmas-themed props
- Play a game of Secret Santa where guests bring one small gift for one another
To keep things simple, you could even turn it into a potluck dinner where each guest brings their favourite festive season dish for everyone to enjoy. For more fabulous food, décor and entertainment ideas, browse through our Christmas in July Pinterest board.
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Attend a Christmas in July Festival
At the top of our list is the annual Hogsback Christmas in July Winter Festival which takes place in South Africa’s most magical mountain village. This year’s edition is set to take place between 27-29 July and, weather willing, festival-goers are in for a weekend of fun in the snow! The festival boasts an extensive line-up of entertainment including Christmas carols, dinners and craft markets to name a few.
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Go snow chasing
July is usually a time when winter’s icy cold fronts sweep in, turning many of the country’s mountainous areas into snowy winter wonderlands. What better way to celebrate Christmas in July than to go on a road trip in search of snow! Make sure you’re stocked up on woolly garments and a solid pair of wellies and keep an eye out on snowreport.co.za for daily snow forecasts.
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Celebrating Christmas in July this year? Fill us in on all your exciting plans via any one of our social media pages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
