Extending Christmas into January is a good idea. I know people that do just that due to the amount of time and effort in creating their Christmas displays - interior and exterior. There seems to be a stigma with keeping Christmas decorations out after January 1st.

I do what I can to avoid anything related to Christmas until the season actually begins. However, my celebration is related more to the Christian meaning of the season. A lot of people I know keep their decorations out until the Ephipany, which is January 6th, 2013. I would take mine down about this time as well. I still have my Fall decorations up as the Christmas season hasn't begun yet. I don't allow my children to participate in any Christmas activities before Thanksgiving either. That would just be silly. It's sad that the stores start so early, but we have choices. I heard the other day that Walmart and Target will be starting their Black Friday deals at 8 and 9 PM on Thanksgiving. How sad. I hope people don't go, but sadly, they probably will.

Gregg: Didn't you know?
The holidays are only here for businesses to manipulate for their own interests.

It's absolutely ridiculous the Tree Lighting is a full week before Thanksgiving, but the Mrs and my little one want to go, so we will. It was the same last year.

and please, none of this Crabs for Christmas dreck - unless you are going to give away free ear plugs earlier. Screeching cats sound better.

Agree 100% - But...I kept my tree up until April one year when I lived in an apartment. It was extremely difficult to get that thing out the door. I don't recommend doing that. I was bridging the gap until Easter.

Gregg - a friend of mine said she was at a store recently that had....Valentine's Day cards for sale!