American Christmas?

[estepheia]

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?

Comments

[hellsbells.livejournal.com]

Can I just jump in here and say how interesting it's been to read how different Christmas customs vary.

I'm in the UK and I don't know about anyone else, but here the decorations go up in shops any time from the beginning of October. So, by the time Dec 25th actually arrives, you're sick of the sight of tinsel!

[estepheia.livejournal.com]

So, by the time Dec 25th actually arrives, you're sick of the sight of tinsel!
I can imagine! I feel the same way.
And yeah, the posts were very interesting.