Ah, Christmas! It’s festive, magical, heartwarming, and usually not on your mind by the time July rolls around. For many business owners, Christmas is the busiest and most lucrative time of the year — but Christmas in July can be just as productive.
It may be sunny and hot, but July is the perfect time for small business owners to start thinking about the holidays. Some may embrace Christmas in July with a full-blown holiday-themed promotion or event, while other business owners may use this time to plan and prepare for the upcoming season.
Even if your small business isn’t focused on retail sales, you can still reap the benefits of Christmas in July 2023. Read on to learn more Christmas in July ideas for businesses so you can make this summer month as merry as December.
What is Christmas in July?
So, when and where did Christmas in July originate? According to legend, it began in 1933 at a summer camp in North Carolina. The co-founder wanted to create a midsummer celebration that captured the holiday spirit — with carolers, presents, a Christmas tree, and fake snow made of cotton. The idea was so catchy that businesses started using it to boost sales in the sluggish summer months. And that’s why Christmas in July is “a thing.”
This ho-ho-hokey month-long holiday includes Christmas in July activities, such as the sudden arrival of Santa, snowball fights, ugly sweater contests, gingerbread houses, holiday cookie bake-offs, and more.
As a small business owner, you may not know what to make of this zany summertime tradition. And that’s OK! You don’t have to dress like an elf and hand out candy canes to capitalize on Christmas in July. There are other ways to maximize your time during this offbeat holiday.
More than Just Christmas in July Sales
Christmas in July isn’t always about boosting retail sales in the summer months. It also can be a time for small business owners to focus on their business goals, upcoming holiday efforts, and promotions.
Whether it’s providing winter-preparation services, offering discounts, or promoting relaxation during the holiday months, there are plenty of ways to plan for the Christmas season before the holiday rush begins. We have ideas to help you prepare for the busiest (and most wonderful) time of year, no matter what type of business you own.
Tradespeople
If you work in the trades industry, be prepared for the influx of work that comes with the changing season. If you own a landscaping business, ensure you’re adequately staffed to handle fall clean-ups and snow removal. HVAC contractors will be booking their winter routine maintenance calls.
The holidays are busy, so it’s always good to position your services as a way to help simplify your customers’ lives. For example, if you own a window cleaning service, you could offer a special promotion, including setting up wreaths and Christmas lights for homeowners, vendors, or store managers.
Remember, marketing efforts take time, so planning your advertising, emails, and social media posts in July ensure your promotions will be ready to “go live” before the season begins.
Professional Services
For many professionals, Christmas in July may be the perfect time to strategize and prepare for the upcoming end-of-year. Accountants can proactively organize their clients’ income tax preparations before their busiest period. Similarly, real estate agents can use July to start planning and actively promoting their listings ahead of the next-year spring selling season.
Most creative professionals need time to shine! Christmas in July gives caterers the perfect head start to brainstorm and create their winter menus. And for photographers, it’s a great time to put some thought into their holiday-themed photo sessions.
Lifestyle Businesses
For lifestyle businesses such as massage therapists, yoga instructors, and life coaches, the holiday season can be a stressful time of the year — not just for your clients, but for you as well!
Christmas in July gives you time to prepare for the months ahead, ensuring everyone a more relaxed holiday season. Massage therapists can begin curating their holiday playlists, yoga instructors can plan their holiday wellness packages, and life coaches can create several holiday blog posts before the season begins.
For small business owners, Christmas in July is a chance to incorporate the holiday spirit into your business plan. Consider collaborating with other small businesses to make the most of the season. By joining forces, you can create promotions and events to attract more customers and spread holiday cheer.
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Baby, It’s Warm Outside
It may be July, but it’s never too soon to deck the halls. As a small business owner, you can make the most of Christmas in July 2023 by brainstorming, strategizing, and planning for the upcoming holiday season. Start now, and you’ll be ready to go sleighing by December.