Embrace a Cool Christmas in July

Research suggests embracing cold weather activities when it’s hot can trick your body into feeling cooler. Given how hot it’s been, it’s worth a try. Which activity should you choose? How about celebrating Christmas in July? Here’s how to celebrate this mid-year yuletide extravaganza.

Deck Your Halls

You don’t need to pull out all your Christmas decorations but definitely find your favorites. Choose a theme like Christmas Down Under, Hawaiian Christmas or Winter Wonderland (we vote for that one). Get creative. String lights on a miniature palm tree and decorate with seashells, flip flops and starfish. Amazon offers some great Christmas in July gear. You‘ll still want to hang your stockings, throw some fake snow around and hang up your wreath.

Invite Elf on the Shelf

It’s not Christmas without Elf on Shelf. Plan some summer fun with him. Make tiny sunglasses and sit him out by the pool. Don’t have a pool? Raid your daughter’s Barbie collection for a miniature one. You can even dress him up for the summer.

No-Bake Christmas Goodies

Christmas baking? Who wants to turn on the oven? Don’t sweat it, try these amazing peanut butter-chocolate no-bake cookies. The spirit of Christmas is alive and well if you mix up some wreath cookies. We also like these easy no-bake peppermint sandwich cookies. Adults will love snacking on fudgy bourbon balls.

Plan a Festive Feast

Give your holiday feast a summer makeover by using your grill. Get some prime rib and let the rotisserie do the work. Yes, you can grill a ham.  If you’re a traditionalist, smoke a whole turkey. What about appetizers and side dishes? We are partial to this grilled brie with cranberry jalapeno relish. You’ve got to have potatoes, but who said they must be mashed? These Brussels sprouts are smoking. Finish the meal with a cool dessert like no-churn peppermint-chocolate chunk ice cream or strawberry lemon trifle.

Holiday Activities

Build a snowman in the sandbox. Have a snowball fight with red and green water balloons. Instead of volleyball, play “jolly” ball with a beach ball. Instead of sledding, get out the Slip ‘N Slide. Read Christmas-themed books and play your favorite carols.

Christmas Movie Marathon

Show Christmas movies on an outdoor screen. Prepare a selection of classic holiday films such as “Home Alone,” “Elf,” “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “A Christmas Carol.” Hot chocolate might not be the best accompaniment for a summer movie, but this frozen hot chocolate really hits the spot.

Give Gifts (But Not Too Expensive)

Giving gifts is part of the experience, but you don’t have to go crazy. Fill stockings with sidewalk chalk or new sunglasses. Pool floats, snow cone makers and beach towels are fun summer-themed gifts.

Give Back

Embrace the true meaning of Christmas by giving back to your community. Take this opportunity to organize a charity drive or volunteer at a local shelter or food bank. Encourage family and friends to donate toys, clothes or non-perishable food items to those in need. Acts of kindness and generosity are at the core of the Christmas spirit, regardless of the time of year.

Cool Down at Lago Mar

Another cool gift you can give is a new home at Lago Mar. Our lagoon is a great way to cool down during the summer months. You can also swim in the resort-style pool, cool off in the clubhouse and join the National Sailing Club.