The joy and wonder of Christmas is still six months away, but we can make it seem closer by celebrating it in July!

In Australia, the weather is very warm during December while it is cold in July. It is widely believed that Christmas in July celebrations started during the 1980s when a group of Irish men visited the Blue Mountains of Australia. They were staying at one of the resorts in the mountains, taking a break from the hot summer weather at home. It fascinated them how much the weather felt like Christmas back home so they asked their host to prepare a Christmas feast for them. Thus, Christmas in July, also known as Yulefest was born.

Since then, Australians and foreign tourists visit the Blue Mountains every July to take part in the festivities. Every year, revellers enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner, wearing party hats while Christmas tunes are playing in the air. Kids have a blast building snowmen and throwing snowball at each other. July is also the peak season for skiing and it is a thrill for every tourist to see Santa Claus going down the slopes. Even restaurants and clubs in the cities celebrate this holiday with special Christmas themed menus. Stores have also discovered the marketing potential of this event so they hold special sales to entice consumers to buy.

Today, Yulefest is celebrated all over the world. Even in places where it is summer, Christmas in July parties are getting more and more popular. Families are finding it easier to travel and hold reunions during July because it is easier to get around without snow. Television channels also broadcast re-runs of Christmas specials. They hold Christmas themed parties as a fun respite from the hot days of summer.

You can celebrate this holiday even if you cannot visit the Blue Mountains of Australia. Gather your family and friends and have a Christmas Party! Bring out your Christmas decor and set up a Christmas tree if you have one. Put some artificial snow all around your house then jack up the air conditioner temperature to mimic the Christmas weather. Play some holiday music to set the mood and get everyone into the Christmas spirit. Serve a traditional yuletide banquet and fill your stomachs with your favourite Christmas goodies. Of course, what would a Christmas celebration be without gifts? Organise a Secret Santa with your friends and exchange gifts. Put a price limit on the gifts or exchange gifts that do not cost a thing so no-one feels burdened by extra expense. Celebrate Christmas in July without the usual financial pressure that Christmas usually brings. The important thing is to spread good cheer to everyone. Kids will surely love the idea of celebrating Christmas twice. Involving them in planning the Yulefest bash will make a fun and memorable activity for them while school is out.

Ekidnaworld, an Australian themed safe virtual world for kids is also celebrating Christmas in July. Come join the fun and festivities online by registering your own free account now.