“Summer Holiday Merriment: Five Festive Films and Shows Beyond Wintertime Themes”

3 mins read
holiday films warm climate

Get into the holiday spirit with these five festive films and shows set in warmer climates, perfect for those celebrating Christmas during summertime. From an Australian tale of mischievous adventure to a South African exploration of cultural heritage, there’s something for everyone. For foodies, check out ‘Sugar Rush Christmas,’ and for laughs, watch ‘How To Ruin Christmas.’ Infuse warmth and diversity into your holiday season with these cinematic delights.

Summer-inspired Holiday Cinematic Delights

Discover five festive films and shows set in warmer climates, including ‘A Sunburnt Christmas’ in Australia, ‘A Zulu Christmas’ in South Africa, and ‘A California Christmas’ in the United States. For foodies, ‘Sugar Rush Christmas’ is a must-watch baking contest, while ‘How To Ruin Christmas’ will induce laughter with its comedic mishaps. Infuse warmth into your holiday season and take a global journey from the comfort of your home.

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Engaging Entertainment for Heatwave Holidays

As the holiday season dawns upon us, the long-established custom of immersing ourselves in cinematic treasures becomes a welcome indulgence. Granted, the typical portrayals of frost-laden scenery and chilly ambiance might not echo the experiences of those residing in South Africa, relishing a summertime Christmas. In light of this, we present a roster of five holiday films and shows set in warmer climates, exuding festive joy in sunnier settings, ensuring a dash of relatability for your holiday entertainment.

Summer-inspired Holiday Cinematic Delights

First up, ‘A Sunburnt Christmas,’ an Australian treasure, masterfully blends the spirit of Christmas with an alluring twist. This captivating tale whirls around Daryl, a fugitive who discovers a bounty of stolen money secreted on his family’s farm. Through a whimsical ruse to reclaim the hidden loot, Daryl convinces Daisy and Tom, the youngest family members, that he’s Santa Claus. The film emerges as a charming chronicle of mischievous escapades, adventure, and Christmas spirit, set against the backdrop of a summer in Australia.

Following this is ‘A Zulu Christmas,’ a distinctively South African film that delves into cultural celebrations in unexpected terrains. A city boy undertakes a holiday journey to his grandmother’s farm in KZN, gradually uncovering the complex weave of his lineage and family customs. The narrative serves as an echo of the true spirit of Christmas, surpassing geographical limits and deeply rooted in cultural heritage.

Shifting focus to the United States, ‘A California Christmas’ provides a sample of the holiday season under the scorching Californian sun. Joseph Van Aston, an impulsive heir of a prosperous real estate business, sets off on a quest to finalize a deal on a dairy farm. His meeting with Callie, the farm’s proprietor, triggers an unforeseen adventure as Joseph, masquerading as a ranch hand, aligns with Callie’s affection for her farm, unraveling a tale of warmth, deceit, and evolving relationships.

Culinary Competitions and Comedic Series

For food aficionados, ‘Sugar Rush Christmas’ presents a delightful fusion of festive indulgence and culinary rivalry. Available on Netflix, this American baking contest positions four professional teams in a race against the clock, challenging them to craft tempting festive-themed treats. The baking contests tap into the universal delight of Christmas delicacies, making it a must-watch for those seeking a novel spin on holiday amusement.

Lastly, ‘How To Ruin Christmas’ is a South African series guaranteed to induce laughter. The third installment of the show, ‘How To Ruin Christmas: The Baby Shower,’ orbits around the mayhem of a disastrous baby shower. As we follow the show’s beloved characters through their comedic mishaps, we’re reminded that the holiday season often ushers in a measure of chaos, always amusing to witness from our cozy living rooms.

Wrapping Up

In essence, these films and shows infuse warmth into the holiday season, showcasing diverse global terrains and cultures, and offering a delightful break from the conventional winter-focused holiday narrative. Regardless of whether comedy, drama, or culinary arts spark your interest, there’s a holiday treat ready for you. Discover, enjoy, and let the spirit of Christmas guide you on a global journey, all from the snug confines of your home.

What are some festive films and shows perfect for those celebrating Christmas during summertime?

Discover five festive films and shows set in warmer climates. These include ‘A Sunburnt Christmas’ in Australia, ‘A Zulu Christmas’ in South Africa, and ‘A California Christmas’ in the United States.

What is ‘Sugar Rush Christmas’?

‘Sugar Rush Christmas’ is a must-watch baking contest perfect for foodies. It features four professional teams in a race against the clock, challenging them to craft tempting festive-themed treats.

What is ‘How To Ruin Christmas’?

‘How To Ruin Christmas’ is a South African series guaranteed to induce laughter. The third installment of the show, ‘How To Ruin Christmas: The Baby Shower,’ orbits around the mayhem of a disastrous baby shower.

How does ‘A Sunburnt Christmas’ differ from other Christmas films?

‘A Sunburnt Christmas’ masterfully blends the spirit of Christmas with an alluring twist. It is set in Australia and revolves around a fugitive who convinces the youngest family members that he’s Santa Claus through a whimsical ruse to reclaim a bounty of stolen money secreted on his family’s farm.

What is the focus of ‘A Zulu Christmas’?

‘A Zulu Christmas’ delves into cultural celebrations in unexpected terrains. It is a distinctively South African film that follows a city boy on a holiday journey to his grandmother’s farm in KZN, gradually uncovering the complex weave of his lineage and family customs.

How does ‘A California Christmas’ stand out from other Christmas films?

‘A California Christmas’ provides a sample of the holiday season under the scorching Californian sun. It revolves around the story of a Joseph Van Aston, an impulsive heir of a prosperous real estate business, who sets off on a quest to finalize a deal on a dairy farm.

Kagiso Petersen is a Cape Town journalist who reports on the city’s evolving food culture—tracking everything from township braai innovators to Sea Point bistros signed up to the Ocean Wise pledge. Raised in Bo-Kaap and now cycling daily along the Atlantic Seaboard, he brings a palpable love for the city’s layered flavours and even more layered stories to every assignment.

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