Christmas to be celebrated in July at Richmond museum

The Green Howards Museum in Richmond is celebrating Christmas in July.

The idea stems from a 1944 United States’ Post Office and Military Services initiative, that launched a Christmas in July campaign in New York to bolster early Christmas mailings for servicemen stationed overseas during World War II.

With service men and women stationed so far away from home, mailings could take a long time to be received hence, people were encouraged to send their letters and gifts early in the year to be sure that they arrived in time for Christmas.

For many during wars since, Christmas gift-giving, and gift-making often started as early as the summer.

The idea of getting prepared for Christmas early during wartime was not unique. In 1914, the then 17-year-old Princess Mary had the idea of sending every soldier on the Western Front a Christmas gift.

Unsurprisingly, to send that number of gift tins, there had to be a lot of prepping months beforehand.

By October 1914 she had raised the equivalent of £15m to commission, create and send a gift tin to all serving personnel.

The tin originally contained cigarettes, a pipe and loose tobacco, a small picture of Princess Mary and a Christmas Card. For non-smokers, other versions included sweets instead of tobacco and, for some of the troops from lands further afield, a small tin of spices to give a flavour of
home.

Today, modern communications technology, and postal infrastructure ensures quick and personal contact but, the museum thought to revive the initiative so that families with loved ones serving overseas could begin think about how, though distance may separate them, they can send each other their tokens of love and affection.

This summer, the museum is inviting families and history lovers to celebrate Christmas in July from Saturday 19 July to Friday 25 July 2025, daily from 10:00 – 16:30.

With a range of Christmas products, and the shop window festively decorated, visitors can step inside to experience early festive cheer and purchase their Christmas shopping ahead of time.

Shop loyalty card holders will receive double stamps on their cards.

The museum will also be putting on a children’s Christmas Santa trail with a prize for those who complete it, perfect for little explorers to enjoy festive fun around the galleries.

Jude Boal, commercial and retail manager, said: “We are delighted to introduce Christmas in July. A fabulous, fun mid-year celebration with a military connection.”

Steve Erskine, researcher at the museum, said: “This mid-year festivity brings both joy and history. It’s a rare chance to experience the charm of Christmas yet learn about the heartfelt tradition that helped keep wartime morale alive.”

The Green Howards Museum, Richmond, is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4.30pm, with last entry at 4pm.

See www.greenhowards.org.uk throughout 2025 for further information on exhibitions, tours, talks, workshops and family-friendly events.