Every year at this time, I see a lot of debate about the correct way to do the holiday season. Since I do Christmas, that's the one I have the most knowledge and experience with, but I believe a lot of these thoughts can apply to any holiday, at any time of the year.
When does the tree/decor go up? In my little world, this is after Thanksgiving. That weekend is full of activities with the larger family and in the spaces between them, my apartment gets decorated. I don't get upset at others for decorating earlier or later because they aren't hurting anyone. (I do think they're silly, but silly is harmless fun.) They have their reasons, and it's none of my beeswax.
When does the tree/decor come down? One of my sisters is Catholic and her decor stays up until Epiphany - also known as Twelfth Night or The Twelfth Day of Christmas. Her son takes his tree down (quite methodically, I might add) on the evening of the day itself. The rest of the extended family does it at their leisure, me included. My decor does stay up until after the new year begins, but beyond that, who knows?
How much decor to use? Some are minimalist. Others have front lawns that rival professional displays. Some do strict themes and others just embrace utter chaos. Again, it's a matter of taste. Again, it's harmless fun. Don't stress out over what other people do. Just have a giggle if you think they're silly, let them have a giggle at you, and move along.
What is the proper procedure for opening the gifts? This one is a bit trickier, since so many of us do gift exchanges in the homes of others. It boils down to one question: Who owns/rents the home you are in? THAT PERSON SETS THE RULES. If in your home the proper method is utter chaos, fine. If the gifts have to be opened alphabetically by height, fine. But if you are at Uncle Bob's, you follow Uncle Bob's rules. This is the exception to the taste/fun/beeswax rule.
For my sister, Christmas is a holy day. For me, it's a wonderful way to love and be loved. What works for me may not work for her. We spend the day together. We compromise. Because in the end, it's each other that matters. That is doing Christmas right.
