[redwitch]

I start taking things down after January 6th. My neighbor already has her indoor things put away and will do the outside New Year's Day. She told me Southern tradition is to take the tree down right after Christmas (probably due to fire hazard). So, what is the guideline at your home?

[KathieI]

If I had a Christmas tree up and lights outside around the house, I would have put them up Christmas Eve or the day before that, and they would all come down the day after Christmas. However, I don't have any decorations up this year, so I don't have to worry about putting them up or taking them down.

I think, it comes from years of living in Bronx tenements where fires would ravage apartments caused by Christmas tree lights and I have always been frightened of that.

Saying that however, I have always been Bah! Humbug! about Christmas so I wonder if the above isn't just an excuse.

IMHO

Kathie :redface:

[redwitch]

Gee, Kath, sure you're not leaving those decorations out too long?

[nONIE]

dont be embarassed Kath, Im Bahh Humbug the 2nd! The only reason there still up is because Im too dang lazy to take them down.

Something that always puzzles me is when Im still seeing lights outside(lit) in March and April! Whats up with that????

[redwitch]

Well, I once left a tree up until Easter. It was this HUGE (24 footer) flocked tree that we got on Christmas Eve. I saw it and fell in love with it but couldn't justify the price (newlywed and all that). No other tree came even close. Went back and made a heck of a deal with the guy. He even helped deliver it. But I just couldn't bear to take it down. My dear ex tolerated it but insisted it be removed before his mother showed up -- he was not going to explain my infatuation with that tree to her.

Maybe they leave their lights on cause it's too much effort to take them down?

[another Linda]

Well, I gotta tell you, normally I leave my outside lights up wa-a-ay too long. Syracuse winters are dark and long and the lights make me feel good. (And as we all know, if mama don't feel good, don't no one feel good!) My inside decorations generally get put away New Years Day. But this year no lights, no tree. Just new baby.

[redwitch]

Linda, I think I'd be leaving every Xmas thing I could up until summer if I lived in Syracuse (or anywhere there is snow and dark).

Guess who doesn't do snow? lol

[nONIE]

Congratulations Linda!

Thats much more exciting then lights and a tree! :bigthumbsup: