Decorating for X-mas

We have decided to go to Florida for Christmas this year to see some of DH's friends. My SD is 12 and we just had a new baby. I am jewish and have only celebrated Christmas since I have me my DH. This will be my fourth one. I still don't understand the whole thing with regards to why everyone must spend so much money they don't have just because it's Christmas. Anyway, my question is about decorating... We are going away, leaving on the 20th, and I do not want to put up the tree and take out all the stuff for less than 3 weeks. My SD really want us to put some stuff up because to her Christmas is the best day of the year. DH says that we will do something, but we haven't yet. She keeps asking me if we are going to get another little tree? I personally don't want to spend money on a tree just for one year. What should we do? She knows there is no Santa, and we are taking her to Disney for her Christmas present. DH also wants to get her a couple of things for under the tree. Again, I don't understand this part...having stuff just for the sake of having stuff even though we are really breaking the bank to go to Disney, but that is a different issue. I don't want to be the evil step-mother by not decorating, but is it really necessary? SD lives with us full time, she always has and we have a great relationship, but I don't know what to say to her about decorating.

Re: Decorating for X-mas

She's 12, I would decorate for her. If you aren't comfortable doing it than have your DH do it.

Re: Decorating for X-mas

I would have DH decorate, if you are not comfortable doing it...Growing up, Christmas was always a "feeling" , not just another holiday and it seems that it is important to your SD for whatever her reasons are...Even as a Catholic, I am somewhat on the same page with you as far as the gift giving part, Christmas has become very commercialized over the years, but to a child (especially a 12 year old), this is what she has probably been brought up around as present giving and receiving is a big part of the Christmas tradition, and since this is her faith, I would try to embrace it for her sake...Not saying you and DH have to break the bank, a trip to Disney is a present in itself ( can I come??? LOL) but, a few gifts under a tree will probably make her day ( and yours too when you see her on Christmas ) and I'm sure she is old enough to understand that economic times are rough and that Disney is going to be expensive

Re: Decorating for X-mas

I would still decorate because Christmas is about the season itself, so you will have 3 weeks to enjoy the beauty of that tree. Maybe make it a family event and you all can do it together. Maybe you don't have to fully decorate as you normally would.

As far as spending so much on Christmas gifts - I totally agree.....the Disney trip is a wonderful present that many children may never get. I think at 12 she may understand that and won't be upset if there is nothing "under the tree".

Re: Decorating for X-mas

I think you guys definitely need to decorate for her. Like a PP said, it's a season, not just a day. I think that it would be totally depressing for me if I didn't decorate my house or have a tree for xmas, even if I wasn't going to be there for the day. I also think it is a big deal to get some gifts under the tree. Why? I don't know...I really can't explain it. Tradition, maybe?

Even though she's 12 and done with Santa, she's still a kid who you said thinks it's the greatest day of the year. Believe me, I'm totally procrastinating decorating my house...it's time consuming and just more stuff to dust but I would never not decorate.

Re: Decorating for X-mas

Yes. Make it a fun experience as a "family". Get some decorations and put them up together. It may be an annoyance to you, but if you can get over it, that could be a nice fun bonding experience.

Re: Decorating for X-mas

Get a tree!