Fay Gummo and her relatives like to get together in the summer and camp.

They sit around a campfire, laugh and nibble on s’mores.

They also decorate a tree, string up lights and open presents. Whoa.

Gummo’s extended family calls it Christmas in July, and it has become an annual tradition.

“A lot of people think we’re crazy,” Gummo admitted.

Recently, about 30 members and friends gathered near Beech Creek on the property of Gummo’s sister, Audrey Kellander.

About 30 to 40 people in several motorhomes, one from as far away as North Carolina, came to the party, the third. By now, Gummo said, it has become a fixed weekend on everyone’s calendar.

“Don’t plan on anything else,” Gummo, of Runville, said. “We’ll have a Christmas.”

How does a family come to eat a turkey dinner, sing carols and hang ornaments during the dog days of summer?

Gummo’s parents couldn’t wait for the holidays.

Henry and Effie Kessling, of Runville, ran a campground and started the summertime Yuletide celebration as a lark.

“Everybody seemed to enjoy it and have fun,” Gummo said. “It seems to have taken off, and people look forward to coming.”

There was one change to the routine this year: Instead of turkey and stuffing, revelers seated at picnic tables dined on more seasonal fare of turkey sandwiches on rolls. But in the holiday spirit, sides were hot.

As before, they strung lights down poles, trimmed a tree and exchanged gag gifts to make everyone jolly.

Their one nod to the month: Christmas in July 2012 also involved dips in Kellander’s above-ground pool.

“Unless you’re in Florida,” Gummo said, “not everybody gets to swim on Christmas.”

Chris Rosenblum writes a weekly column about the Bald Eagle area. Contact him at 231-4620. Follow him on Twitter @CRosenblumNews