The Christmas Code

1. No Christmas decorations shall go up until the day after Thanksgiving (or at least after your Thanksgiving meal if you seriously can not contain your excitement about Christmas). If you can hold out until December 1, you will appreciate the decorations that much more.

 2. No Christmas music shall be played until after Thanksgiving. 

3. If you are going to have a fake tree, you must get pine tree scented candles so you have the smell of a real tree in your house.

4. Gingerbread men can be made year round, but you cannot decorate gingerbread men or make gingerbread houses until December 1.

 5. Christmas claymation movies (Rudolph, Santa Claus is Comin' to town, A Year Without a Santa Claus, etc) must be watch at least once between December 1- December 25 but not more than twice. You may view the movie ‘ELF’ up to four times during the month of December.

6. You should incorporate the Christmas Challenge into your daily life in the month of December. This means anytime you laugh, try turning it into a “ho ho ho.” It should be a seamless, flawless transition from the ha has to the ho hos. Christmas Challenge!

7. Remember to leave a special treat for Santa on Christmas Eve. The man works hard to get all those Christmas presents delivered in time, so be sure to leave him a nice treat. Remember, Santa is NOT lactose intolerant.

8. Remember Christmas is not just about gifts. On Christmas day you must take some time to cherish your family and friends and all of the good fortune in your life.

9. Christmas decorations must come down by mid-January at the latest. January 3rd is the best date to take down your Christmas decorations. Waiting until February is just lazy and March is beyond ridiculous.

10. Write one of your own rules for the Christmas Code in the comment box below. What do you think should be the 10th and final rule governing the Christmas holiday?