Six Irishmen walk into a bar. That might sound like the start of a joke, but it’s actually the beginning of Christmas in July in Australia. While July is mid-summer for half the world, Australia is in the depths of winter, and for many that means it’s time for tinsel, turkey and Yuletide tunes. From its humble beginnings in a run-down hotel decades ago, Christmas in July has become a beloved Australian tradition. Those who pine for a wintry Christmas host parties where ugly sweaters are a prerequisite. Pubs, restaurants and cafes serve up feasts with all the trimmings, and Santa treks out from the north pole to deliver gifts. The tradition began at Mountain Heritage Hotel in 1980, when a half a dozen Irishmen walked in, nostalgic for a traditional winter Christmas. Owner Garry Crockett, now 76, suggested they do a Christmas in July. He dusted off a Christmas tree, tinsel and ornaments were unpacked, and the hotel was decked out with Christmas decorations. From then on, Christmas in July became an annual gathering at the Mountain Heritage. There was initially a little bit of a pushback from some local churches, but soon the ritual snowballed and spread around the country.
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| Two of the original Irishmen |
