Comments on: The new Christmas traditions begin… soon

By: Rita in Toronto

Rita in Toronto — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:36:53 +0000

Ever since we started dating, my boyfriend and I have spent the holidays in Vancouver where his brothers live. I didn’t decorate much the past few years since we were always away.

This year, because I’m going to be out west for the Olympics, we elected to stay in Toronto. I don’t really have much family, so it will be a chance for us to create our own little Christmas at home. I’m excited to get the tree up as soon as possible, but will likely wait unit the beginning of December. I stick with artificial just in case the cats decide to knock it over!

By: Kimm

Kimm — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 03:50:00 +0000

Today, I purchased a few christmas presents that will be going down south with me in a few weeks. But normally I don’t want to think about christmas until next week when all the Christmas craft fairs start and I be working at a few of them. :/

Though I never decorate my house or get a tree from a Scout Group fundraiser until the mid of December.

Christmas lights get put up anytime in November when its nice out but will not be turned on until December 1st to January 2nd

By: GusF

GusF — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:42:11 +0000

In my family we’ve always put our Christmas tree up on December 8th (don’t ask me why exactly, it just is) and we would keep it up until at least January 8th. Maybe it’s an orthodox thing, even though we Catholic.

Another tradition for us is to always buy one new item for the tree every year. This could replace an older item, or it can be a new addition.

I do miss not having a real tree for Christmas, there just isn’t anything better than a nice evergreen.
.-= GusF´s last blog: Goodbye Goatee, Hello Mo =-.

By: Beth

Beth — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:04:42 +0000

I think once Hallowe’en is over, Christmas decorations are fair game. And your posting reminds me – I should decorate this year! Last year I was in Mexico over the holiday, so didn’t see the point and the year before that I was visiting my family in Ontario, so didn’t decorate that year either. And the year before that I was way too poor to afford a tree (I made one from construction paper and taped it on my wall… it was very sad!) But this year I have no access to holiday time (thank you new job!) until January, so I’ll be here for the holiday. I think it’s time to get me a tree!

To answer your other question, my Christmas celebrations are completely secular. Presents, egg nog, lights and did I mention presents? Even a heathen like me can enjoy all that!
.-= Beth´s last blog: iScream, uScream, We All Scream for iPhone! =-.

By: Tracie

Tracie — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:54:07 +0000

We usually do the tree on Thanksgiving evening or the day after….I could be talked into doing it sooner, but my husband won’t budge on it! We have a great artificial tree that is 7 ft tall, but very skinny (still full looking branches, just not super wide like most tall trees are) it took us several years to find one, but it is perfect for apartment/condo living.
.-= Tracie´s last blog: -Thursday Thirteen #5 =-.

By: TheQuack

TheQuack — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:04:37 +0000

Growing up, my parents’ rule was nothing before THE annual Santa Clause Parade (Toronto – http://www.thesantaclausparade.com/) – which was usually toward the end of November but seems to inch forward on the calendar every year (this year it’s November 15th).

I say anytime after Remembrance Day is fair game.
.-= TheQuack´s last blog: Boldly going … =-.

By: Patricia

Patricia — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:57:24 +0000

I vote for pontsiettas! They’re beautiful and easy.

sys
P.

By: Jen

Jen — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:00:29 +0000

We usually get a cut tree, so we put it up as soon as they’re available, generally the last couple days of November, first of December.

And we celebrate most of the traditions you can think of: There are certainly some Christian decorations (since I was raised Catholic), and we’ve incorporated plenty of pagan and commercial aspects as well.

Specifics: A December drive around town to see the lights, and a ride on the Stanley Park Christmas Train, candle-lit reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” on Christmas Eve, stockings first thing Christmas morning, and of course a big feast on Christmas Day.

Can’t wait to hear what new traditions you and Barry come up with!
.-= Jen´s last blog: The Darkness =-.

By: VancityAllie

VancityAllie — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:47:24 +0000

We usually put up our tree a few weeks before Christmas… I love Christmas with my family but it’s hard trying to get them into the Christmas spirit until November

I think I’m going to start decorating our apartment a little early!

We generally celebrate Christmas as a family as Christians… but I also personally see it as a time to celebrate with friends and family.

How exciting for you and your man to experience Christmas anew together! Hope you guys have a great holiday season
.-= VancityAllie´s last blog: HELP ME CHOOSE AN OUTERWEAR COMBO! =-.

By: C'est Mistere

C'est Mistere — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:36:55 +0000

Carol and I both tend to be Xmas nuts. That said, one should also balance their passions within the reality of their circumstances.

Based on personal experience, the realities of condo living dictate that whatever solution you implement should be short-term and practical.

e.g. Attempting to stuff an 9′ Xmas tree into 500 sq ft condo; and then living with it for 6 to 8 weeks… …is going to be hell!

Suggestion #1: Purchase a small (e.g. 2′) tabletop tree; or 4′ to 5′ free-standing tree.

Suggestion #2: Put the tree up no sooner than 2 weeks before Xmas… …and take down no more than 2 weeks afterwards.

My two cents worth… …hope it helps…. 8^)

By: gillian

gillian — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:19:23 +0000

Someone in my neighbourhood had Christmas lights on little trees on their balcony *prior* to Hallowe’en. Now, I love Christmas, but just because Sears in the mall has its trees up doesn’t mean it’s time for you to do the same.

I generally let myself start the decorating in early December. My work, however, has some Christmas-themed merchandise that I’ve already purchased, because I believe in cheesy decorations and a stuffed penguin wearing an elf suit and reindeer antlers is a big clusterfuck of awesome as far as I’m concerned.

By: Tanya (aka NetChick)

Tanya (aka NetChick) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:12:53 +0000

@MJ – a month before seems reasonable! Can’t wait to catch up with you guys, soon, too! Don’t forget we’ve got a poker night coming up on the 19th (Thursday) — Hope you guys can make it!

@Nice Guy – are you still reeling over me calling you “adorable” and a “nice guy” on the way to work? My goodness… I take it back. Jerk Heh.
.-= Tanya (aka NetChick)´s last blog: The new Christmas traditions begin… soon =-.

By: Nice Guy

Nice Guy — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:10:31 +0000

Can’t wait to see just how Christmas crazy you get!!!

By: MJ Ankenman

MJ Ankenman — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:00:27 +0000

Well, we usually put ours up about a month before. Christmas is down time for us and a time to enjoy each others company and our friends. It is also the time that I send an annual Christmas letter out, so a good time to reconnect.