Introduction
That's a good question. If Christmas is in July, why not have Halloween in May and Thanksgiving in June? This 115th entry in the humor topic section answers the burning question. The snowman, in the above image, must have melted quickly.
Skimming through thousands of television channels, trying to find anything good to watch, I notice hundreds of Christmas movies and Christmas shopping shows. It's July! Christmas is five months away. Who needs Christmas in July? Who agrees with me?
Why Ask the Question?
Why do I ask this searing question? I'll explain and blame it on my in-laws.
Independence Day was on a Thursday this month. My in-laws decided to postpone the celebration for two days. On Saturday, July 6th, family gathered to celebrate the 247th anniversary of this nation's declaration of independence from England. Present were my father-in-law, my two sisters-in-law, our niece, my wife's good first cousin, two family friends, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, and me. Well, three cats and two dogs were around, but they didn't eat at the table. My wife's other first cousin, who had a mild case of gastric distress, secluded himself downstairs.
The television was on, but at a low volume. At first, I didn't notice what was showing. Everyone was talking, while vittles were being prepared. Walking past the television, I noticed that a Christmas movie was on! Who watches Christmas shows in July, and why?
That did it! I had to ask, “If Christmas is in July, why not have Halloween in May and Thanksgiving in June?” The question sparked some discussion, but it was never answered exactly.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Answers
After the family gathering was over and my wife and I were back home, I searched online for an answer. Searching found no relevant results.
I decided to ask Microsoft Copilot (my “everyday AI companion”), “If Christmas is in July, why not have Halloween in May and Thanksgiving in June?” My “AI companion” replied as follows:
Ah, the whimsical calendar shuffle! While it’s true that Christmas in July has become a fun tradition in some places, the idea of moving other holidays around is intriguing.
Halloween in May:
Picture this: Spring flowers, warm breezes, and kids dressed as little ghouls and goblins. Instead of “trick or treat,” they’d say, “Blossoms or blooms?”
May could be the month for “spooky picnics” with pumpkin-shaped sandwiches and ghostly cupcakes. And instead of haunted houses, we’d have enchanted gardens.
Thanksgiving in June:
Imagine a summer feast with turkey, cranberry sauce, and beachside bonfires. We’d give thanks for sunscreen and flip-flops!
The Pilgrims might have landed on a tropical island, and the Mayflower would be a surfboard.
Of course, these are just playful ideas. But hey, creativity knows no bounds.
Dissatisfied with Microsoft Copilot's flighty answer that crashed on takeoff, I asked ChatGPT the same question. By the way, research indicates that GPT stands for “Generative Pre-trained Transformer,” in case you were wondering. ChatGPT answered as follows:
That sounds like a fun idea! Celebrating holidays in different months could definitely mix things up and create some excitement throughout the year. Imagine Halloween in May with spring-themed costumes or Thanksgiving in June with a summer feast and outdoor activities. It might feel unusual at first, but it could also add a fresh twist to these traditional celebrations!
I think that Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) blew a circuit or was twisted.
How did Christmas in July Start?
Intrigued, I wondered how Christmas in July had started. I searched online for the answer.
The following two articles interested me: First, “Christmas in July – From Origins to Celebrations and Beyond,” Christmas in America, by anonymous, 3/26/2024, concludes by stating, “In 2024, Christmas in July will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 25th.” That's funny. My calendar tells me that tomorrow is Thursday, July 25th!
Next up is “The Surprising Origin of Christmas in July,” Guideposts, by Kaylin Kaupish, undated. Apparently, in the summer of 1933, the co-founder of Keystone Camp, a summer camp for young ladies, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina and near the town of Brevard, came up with the notion of Christmas in July.
Several years ago, crass marketing ploys steamed Christmas in July into the annoyance that it has become. The crass commercialism of Christmas in December is enough! Who needs it in July? The grubbers do not get any of our money!
Conclusion
This article was published on July 24th, the Eve of Christmas in July. Tomorrow, July 25th, is Christmas in July. Will it snow tomorrow? Don't be snowed over by Christmas in July! Ignore all the Christmas movie and shopping channel hype! Do not let peer pressure dupe you into celebrating Christmas in July!
The conclusion of the article from 12/17/2023 states, “Remember, the greatest Christmas Gift is not found in stores. Set aside the crass commercialization of Christmas. Remember Christ, the true meaning of Christmas. Christ's Christmas gift is the gift of Himself. It is a free gift. It is available to all, who seek, accept, and live for Him.”
What answers the question, “If Christmas is in July, why not have Halloween in May and Thanksgiving in June?” The answer is, “Why not?” Stop celebrating Christmas in July, or start celebrating Halloween in May and Thanksgiving in June! Otherwise, it's prejudice against Halloween and Thanksgiving!
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2 comments:
I, for one, agree! I didn't give or get any Christmas in July gifts. I never do. Why bother, except for the crass marketing?
Thank you, Anonymous, for your agreement! Celebrate Christmas in December for the right and spiritual reason!
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