49 days to Xmas....94 days to NZ....

I'm having a debate (with myself as usual) as to when it is acceptable to start decorating for Christmas. I tend to follow the standard that the tree isn't to be assembled prior to December 1st...I'm thinking it will go up on the 2nd or 3rd this year (Friday or Saturday). I was rather late setting up and removing the decorations last season (apparently Valentine's Day is too late to dismantle the Christmas tree...or so I've been told by all of my 'friends').

My dilemma this year isn't regarding the tree, but my outside decorations. Now I feel that the lights can go up at any time really as long as they aren't turned on until a certain point (would this also be December 1st?), but I am having a problem determining when is acceptable to install the candy canes along the path at the front of the house. Should I wait until my December 1st start date for the beginning of the Christmas season? I really want to put them up soon... I'm in the Christmas mood early this year and want to get things done before I get tied up with other aspects of the season (i.e. baking and watching Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer on TV 5 times in a row).

So after saying all of this, I know I should wait, but frankly I don't want to!

FYI...I already have a few people crossed off my shopping list as complete and yes, the gifts are already wrapped in the living room! I think I may start the fruit cake around the 20th this year so it will be nice and rummy for Christmas day!

As for New Zealand, I think I'm almost ready...I could probably leave tomorrow if I was able to :) On Wednesday, it will be 3 months until departure...pretty amazing since I first started planning back in July/August of this year...before you know it I'll be 18 hours ahead of you folks soaking up the NZ sun and meeting people from around the world...I can't wait!!

Back to lunch for now, will write again soon, please let me know your thoughts on Christmas decorations though...I'm really curious what you think!