Christmas in July
(for the editor of a local newspaper)
I think it was largely a retail invention
I think it still is
There was a movement
For a while this year
To display Christmas
Or holiday lights,
But I don’t think it took on
Maybe was subsumed
By a trenchant desire
To be normal,
Which evidently has to be
A retrograde feeling
Too bad, since lights on houses
In July would be cool without,
You know, being cold
At least in these parts
I’d be up for Aussies and
Kiwis joining the movement,
Too
Lights and music
Maybe a sensation or two
We wouldn’t have to call it
Christmas—how much does the
Birth of Christ resonate, anyway?
We could be respecting of
All the good traditions
(there are many)
Frankly, nodding toward
Colors, maybe music
Gift-giving could take a pass
Let’s use what we already
Have
For fun, adding a toy penguin,
Maybe a dinosaur (also
stuffed, not stuffing us)
Or two
Not to make it chaos
But, to borrow from another
Celebration, a cornucopia
Inclusive, somewhat organized
Revelry without the stress
The other days have had
A campaign, then,
For all the senses in community
Unseasonal holidays in July
Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy
C L Couch
Photo by Sandra Grünewald on Unsplash
clcouch123 
July 12, 2020 at 6:49 pm
Merry Christmas in July, Christopher! I think as you mention, maybe just returning to normal would be a perfect “Christmas in July” gift. How I wish. And yes, without the stress, please. 🙂
July 12, 2020 at 8:21 pm
Merry Christmas in July, Cathy! (See, the campaign’s starting.) If we could have two gifts, they should be treatment and a cure and thus a safe allowance for more open living. It would be good to go to other places in un-extraordinary ways.
July 14, 2020 at 9:22 pm
Treatment and a cure would be wonderful; wearing masks could put a stop to this if people did it diligently and across the board. But the disease certainly would be less frightening if so many people didn’t suffer and die from it. I am so ready for more open living. 🙂
July 15, 2020 at 1:40 am
I am ready, too! Wear the masks, people. If it’s a statement not to wear them, the disease will not care. And you’re right, Cathy, of course–the suffering and dying are horrendous.
July 12, 2020 at 7:12 pm
The shopkeepers need a big celebration in the middle of the year, I suppose. Because we can’t enjoy ourselves (and shopkeepers certainly can’t) without lots of money being spent. What a stupid bunch we are.
July 12, 2020 at 8:16 pm
We do tend to be stupid about spending. And about being conditioned to spend. I had been reading that some folk had been placing holiday lights in windows, I think as a signal of camaraderie during lockdown. I also think (or hope) the idea was to use what was already at hand. Not to outwit stores, because I can’t, but maybe the time, already opportune, could be acknowledged in a free and neighborly way. Could we be so inclusive, I’m unsure of.
July 12, 2020 at 9:02 pm
We have been patted on the back so often for our stiff upper lip in the face of the virus, for showing so much courage and forbearance that we think we’ve had a really hard time. The ‘solidarity’ is very fragile and is limited to gestures like clapping and lighting candles etc. It’ll all be forgotten in a few months. If and when there’s another wave, I think reactions will be different, harder, not even a pretence of solidarity. It won’t be fair.
July 14, 2020 at 1:38 am
When there’s a second wave, we’ll consider ourselves mistreated because we did the disease already. Those who have been listening and who understand the course of the disease will go on for who knows how long are primed for disappointment and better perseverance–and surprise and relief should the time be shorter. I keep thinking we could curb our vanity and like each other and support each other, and there are those who do. When we think we can’t be patient anymore is when patience is demanded.
July 12, 2020 at 8:03 pm
A decade ago, before the great recession, I started Christmas shopping in August. I was through shopping by black friday. So, Christmas in July is a retail thing. I’ve heard on the news that Christmas sales have a lot to do with the economy. So actually it’s good news really that it hasn’t been canceled. Cheers!
July 12, 2020 at 8:10 pm
Yes, when I can I shop throughout the year. So maybe sponsors of July Christmas sales wouldn’t mind some expanding that can also contribute to our peace of mind, especially in the current month. Thank you and be well (as challenging as that has become)!
July 14, 2020 at 4:37 pm
Merry July, Christopher. The whole month of July with its warmth and sunshine and flowers and bees and birds singing and butterflies floating, is a celebration in itself. On this side of the world let’s celebrate July in all its glory, no consumerism needed. As you point out, Christopher, Australia may have a different point of view.
July 14, 2020 at 6:14 pm
Merry July, Len. Well, it’s winter in Australia; and I simply haven’t learned enough about what that means and how it’s lived. I agree, certainly–let’s celebrate the natural glory of July. My thought to display something of the winter holidays is due to the comfort and encouragement drawn from the lights and such. As I’ve been reading some folk are doing. But the campaign requires no new purchasing. Use what we have.
The more I think on what you say, simply drawing inspiration from summer colors and sounds is even easier. We can look out the window, listen to birds, or walk outside to feel the sun.
But I wouldn’t mind signaling a neighbor with a Christmas light.