As you may already know, it is always Christmas at the Montana Gift Corral! In fact, you can rest assured knowing that whenever you step foot in any of our stores, you will be delightfully greeted by hundreds of various Christmas décor accessories! We know there’s no snow on the ground and the sound of sleigh bells in the air are a faint memory, so the Gift Corral wants to bring you Christmas in July!

Christmas in July has been around for a long time, but where did it start? A little research into the matter points to Keystone Camp, a summer camp for girls in the mountains of Western North Carolina. From the sounds of that first Christmas in July at the peak of summer in 1933, the camp went all out! They had fake snow made from cotton, a handsomely decorated tree, a gift exchange and, naturally, Santa! Counselors-in-training would spend the evening of July 24th with candlelight caroling and campers would hang their laundry bags on their doors to be filled with candy after they went off to bed. The next day Santa, Mrs. Claus, Elves, and Reindeer would arrive in a red pick-up truck and everyone would eat cookies and drink hot cocoa (yes, even in July in North Carolina). Once the Claus’ were seated, campers would pass around the gifts they had made in the camp’s craft shop the week leading up to the big celebration. Ever since, Keystone Camp has kept this jolly tradition alive.

The idea of a Christmas in July either spread from this little camp or appeared organically elsewhere over the years. In 1940 it became part of American pop culture with the movie Christmas in July. In the film, one man’s coworkers pull a prank having him believe his work won a prize of $25,000. This leads to the man taking on the jolly air of St. Nick as he buys gifts for people to celebrate his good fortune. Like any good classic movie, there’s romance and love sprinkled in with all the summer Christmas cheer..

Christmas in July in Bozeman reminds me that the cold weather, feet of snow, and fun winter activities that are just around the corner. Make the most of the warmth, sunshine, and long days while they last! This year, a little bit of Christmas in July is just what we need to grill up some cheer and joy.
At Montana Gift Corral, we have everything to make this fun-filled event special. Looking for Christmas in July gifts? We’ve got you covered! Our selection of Christmas in July cards is perfect for sending a little mid-year holiday cheer to loved ones. Need some Christmas in July gift ideas? Our stores are brimming with unique and thoughtful options. Don’t even get us started on our vast selection of Christmas in July ornaments!

Swing by Montana Gift Corral for all your Christmas needs, whether that's in July, December, or anytime between! Let’s make every day a little brighter and every season a little more festive.
Written by: Stephen McNeal, Edited by: Alexa Jorgenson (7/20/24)
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