Rules of Christmas decorating

It's probably important to note when contemplating my Christmas decorating that I grew up in this woman's house. While my Christmas collection has a way to go before it can even contemplate thinking about the possibility of the thought of competing with hers crossing its mind, growing up with her has resulted in several rules of Christmas decorating being thoroughly ingrained from an early age.

Rule #1 - Christmas decorations go up on the first of December and go down on the 6th of January. There is leeway allowed for Christmas parties, stinking hot lazy days and decor that takes more than a day to get sorted.

Rule #2 - Christmas decorating is like a party - once the decoration numbers have increased they will spread out to fill the house, but when the party is just getting started they should mainly congregate in one room for maximum effect.

Rule #3 - Blue is not a Christmas colour, although sometimes exceptions can be made.

Rule #4 - Collections should be grouped together, be they Santa's, teddies, cats, etc. They all like to hang out.

Rule #5 - If it sits still long enough, tie a bow on it. Or loop a tree decoration over it. Either way. Anything can be Christmassed up.

Rule #6 - Although you can get away with more during the silly season then you might the rest of the year, there is a line between festive and tacky that should not be crossed. If you want to know where this line is, visit an Indian restaurant.