Some people like to celebrate Christmas in July because it’s a fun holiday that should be thought of more than once a year. Others will want to pay tribute to its religious affiliations.

Those who believe that Christ should be thought of outside of the typical holiday season will want to keep Advent traditions going year round and they will make religion a focus of the Christmas in July event. Here are some you may want to incorporate in your summer celebrations.

Advent Wreath

Advent wreaths are evergreen to stand for continuous life. They are typically topped with four candles that are lit every Sunday of Advent. They have different meanings in different religions but stand for things like prayer, penance, sacrifice, love, joy and peace. Families light candles while reading Biblical stories.

This is a tradition that can just as easily be honored in the winter as it can be in the summer.

Jesse Tree

Jesse trees help families reflect on the events that preceded the birth of Christ. Readings of the bible are accompanied by specific ornaments that represent the passages (for instance, Adam and Eve is represented by a fruit ornament). One reading takes place every day of Advent and a symbolic ornament is put on the tree during the reading.

Advent Calendar

Advent Calendars are used to track the days until Christmas, but you can use a summer version to track the days until Christmas in July. You can buy an Advent calendar in the store or make your own. Making your own can be a fun summer activity for you and the kids.

The Christmas Angel

The Christmas Angel is kind of like an Elf on the Shelf with a more religious message. It comes with a story about an Angel who leaves messages for a family that encourages them to love and serve others throughout the Advent season.

Shepherd’s Pouches

Shepherd’s Pouches are given to every child in the family. When parents see their children doing good deeds, they give their children money by putting them in the pouches. On Christmas Eve, the family tallies the money which is then given to charity. It is meant to teach children about giving.

Christmas in July means different things to different people. If you like to celebrate it for the religious aspect, these Advent traditions are the way to do it. Which will you be incorporating into your summer celebrations?

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