Christmas in July. Surely you've heard it a million times. It's a wacky theme for celebrations throughout July that yearn for the colder months and Christmas spirit that's still like, five months away.
The phrase originated in an 1892 opera entitled Werther wherein a group of children rehearse a Christmas song in July. A character in the opera responds, "When you sing Christmas in July, you rush the season." and thus, the phrase was born.
The term didn't quite spread across American culture until 1940 when the Hollywood comedy movie, Christmas in July was released.
Today, Christmas in July mostly exists as a marketing tool for companies looking to have sales or other noteworthy events during the month of July.
The SPoT Skate Shop in Ybor City for instance, is holding a pretty awesome sidewalk sale celebrating not only Christmas in July, but their one year anniversary of being open as well. On Saturday, July 16th, head out there and take advantage of some great deals including select shoes for $30, jackets/sweatshirts for $25, shirts for $10, hats for $5, and much more. In addition, all Vans and Ergo gear is 20% off all weekend, even if the stuff's already on sale.
Speaking of that one year anniversary, the skate shop and the neighboring Bricks of Ybor restaurant will be celebrating with a one year anniversary party that Saturday as well. Head out there and enjoy $10 all you can eat BBQ, $2 beers, a mini ramp to stake on, and a free showing of Building of the Bricks, a documentary on how it all came to be.
If your weekend's free, these are some awesome ways to get out there and celebrate Christmas in July in Tampa. Have fun!
