American Christmas?

Did you miss me? I had an awfully busy week and an even busier weekend. I spent this weekend stocking the kids' advent calendars with second hand lego, chocolate, and some change (Tina is saving for a gameboy); I also translated for several hours, tidied, did laundry, dug out the Christmas decorations, went to a puppet theatre with hubby and the kids, and set up several Playmobil auctions in ebay. As you can see, I was too busy to keep in touch with LJ. I probably won't have the time to catch up either, because I have tons of laundry to fold - now that the kids are in bed (I'll sweeten the bitter pill with a few S2 epis of Andromeda)
Obviously, I haven't written a thing. But I feel kinda productive and virtuous, which usually means I'll get into writing mode soon.

I have not signed up for Secret Slasha (*sob*) because I don't want another WIP. Having said that I'd like to ask a few questions about American Christmas customs because I'd like to use the info as background for a Christmas-y fic I'm planning:
When do people get the tree? What are vital elements of a successful Christmas event? What do you eat? When does the mistletoe go up?