by Harriet, age 9, asks why Christmas in July exists, about Victoria, and Down Under
Dear Santa,
Gday from Melbourne. My name is Harriet and I am 9 years old. Real Christmas Day here is hot and sunny, but every winter, in the middle of July, my family and half the neighbourhood have a proper Christmas in July party, complete with a roast dinner, a fake fire on the television, and even a bit of tinsel.
My first question is: why do people celebrate Christmas in July?
My second question is geography: what state is Melbourne the capital of?
My third question is from school: why is Australia sometimes called the Land Down Under?
I left you a mince pie, appropriately, since it finally feels cold enough to enjoy one properly.
Love, Harriet, age 9, Melbourne, Australia
From the Desk of Father Christmas
Dear Harriet, a mince pie in the middle of your winter felt wonderfully fitting, and I very much approve of the fake fire idea. Now, to your fun questions.
Why do people celebrate Christmas in July?
Christmas in July began as a playful idea, with roots often traced back to a 1930s American summer camp that held a Christmas themed celebration in the middle of the warm season, just for fun. The idea caught on in different ways around the world. In countries like Australia, where actual Christmas falls in the middle of a hot summer, July offers a chance to enjoy all those cosy, wintery Christmas traditions, like roast dinners and open fires, at a time when the weather actually suits them. It also became a popular event for shops and restaurants to offer festive specials during a quieter time of year.
What state is Melbourne the capital of?
Melbourne is the capital city of the state of Victoria, in the southeastern part of Australia. It is known for its laneways, its love of coffee, and weather that can genuinely change four times in a single day, which locals joke about constantly.
Why is Australia called the Land Down Under?
The nickname comes from Australia’s position on the globe, sitting in the Southern Hemisphere, below the equator, which puts it geographically underneath much of Europe, Asia, and North America on a standard map. The phrase became popular among European settlers and travellers long ago and simply stuck, becoming an affectionate nickname still used today, even though of course from where you stand, Australia is not under anything at all.
Enjoy your winter roast, and I shall see you on the real Christmas Day too.
Ho ho ho, Santa
