European and American tradition dictates that the tree is actually only decorated on Chritmas Eve and then left for the 12 days of festivities that end on 6th January when the tree and decorations come down.
However during the 20th century many people dropped this idea, probably being influenced by retail stores who saw a correlation between decorations and customer spending. This has led people to put their trees up earlier each year, but the USA has thanksgiving which acts as a natural barrier, so christmas cannot creep any earlier than than the end of November.
The average family now puts up their tree about 12-14 days before christmas.
Traditionally the tree and decorations should be left up until 12th night (6th Jan) and then taken down. However this tradition also states that decorations only go up on Christmas Eve (24th Dec) but may people decorate far earlier than that. The big problem is that a real tree will start to shed its needles and if it has been indoors since early december it is likely to be a bare twig by 12th night.
My older sister told me Santa wasn’t real when we were both very young and so I have no memories of believing in Santa Claus. (I know, its sad).
The only good answer is to tell children the truth…but only when they ask. Don’t spoil innocence unnecessarily, but don’t tell lies either.
When should you make a Christmas Cake?
The first week of December is a good time to start sending cards. If you really want to get lots back, be the first of your friends and relatives to start sending so that everyone gets a card from you BEFORE they start their own Christmas card lists.
Of course, if you send cards in November you may appear just a trifle needy and may also annoy people who are getting annoyed at how Christmas gets earlier every year.
