You’re ‘common’ if you have matching Christmas PJs & a faux wreath, etiquette expert claims – how to get it ‘right’
PEOPLE are going bigger and better than ever this Christmas and opting for extravagant decorations and family traditions to spread a little joy after the Covid-stricken year.
With baubles, tinsel, lights and ornaments galore as well as matching outfits, extreme elf scenarios and epic outdoor displays, some have taken their festive traditions to the extreme.
But according to the experts, families should avoid wearing matching pyjamas and ditch their Christmas bedding because the festive gimmicks can be seen as 'common'.
However, wearing your Christmas cracker paper hat is a "must" as even the royal family sport them during their regal festive lunch.
Expert etiquette William Hanson has revealed there can be a fine line between festive and frightening Christmas traditions.
The co-presenter of the podcast Help I Sexted My Boss insists you can keep your traditions classy and not tacky or common by sticking to these rules.
MATCHING CHRISTMAS PJS
Etiquette expert William says families should steer clear of wearing matching Christmas pyjamas to avoid seeming 'common'.
He says overly festive family nightwear might be ridiculed and mocked by others.
"A golden rule for smart decor or taste is not to have too many things matching.
"Thus, families in matching pyjamas sets are always viewed with discreet derision," he comments.
GONKS
Gonks are the newest festive tradition in the UK and the Scandinavian interpretation of Father Christmas is thought to bring good luck, love and health.
Loose Women star Stacey Solomon has been a huge fan of decorating her home with quirky gonks this year - but William thinks people should avoid them.
He says: "I don’t even know what these are.
"That’s probably a good enough indicator that they aren’t smart!"
DOOR GARLANDS AND WREATHS
William says traditional door wreaths made up of luscious greenery are "acceptable", but he isn’t certain on lavish garlands that overwhelm staircases and porches.
Sticking to a traditional fireplace garland is better.
The etiquette expert believes people should be wary of what colours they use on their wreaths to avoid being 'common'.
He says: "A festive wreath on a door is totally acceptable and preferably a real one, rather than anything faux.
"Colours should be those found naturally in plants, not neon blues, purples and shocking white."
WEARING CRACKER HATS
However the etiquette expert is all for wearing Christmas cracker hats - he even goes as far as to point out that the tradition is a festive "must."
William says: "These are a must! Even the royal family wear paper crowns - although it is reported that Her Majesty prefers the real thing.
"They don’t last long before they tear so join in the fun and use them as a good way to re-stimulate any failing conversation."
DRINKING BOOZE ALL DAY
But William is slightly sceptical of those choosing to booze the day away rather than enjoy the festive celebrations.
He says in some occasions, drunk family members can "ruin" the fun for everyone else and it squashes the Christmas spirit.
"To each their own but there should be enough about the day to get you through it rather than resorting to alcohol.
"Know your limits and don’t drink too much as it ruins it for everyone else. Christmas is a celebration for everyone."
MONOGRAMMED PRESENTS
In some situations, William thinks personalising a Christmas present can be seen as acceptable.
However, the etiquette expert believes some people take it too far and that "plastering" names across tubs of sweets can be common.
He says: "Personalising a present for someone is a thoughtful touch - traditionally, engraving a pair of cufflinks, or weaving someone’s initials into a new set of handkerchiefs was very smart.
"Getting their name plastered across a tub of Quality Street or jar of Nutella seems to be the new standard. But alas, is not quite the same."
ELF ON THE SHELF
William previously revealed that a huge Christmas no-no is referring to Father Christmas as Santa.
He said the American term should be avoided. Similarly, he is cautious of the US-born Elf On The Shelf tradition which has started to become popular in the UK.
William believes it can still be seen as "classy" as long as the elves report to Father Christmas - not Santa.
He says: "An American import (so treat with caution) but quite a good trick for sparking conversation amongst children and keeping them engaged without resorting to a screen.
"Make sure your Elf reports to the superior Father Christmas rather than the lesser Santa, to ensure a touch of class is added."
CHRISTMAS BEDDING
And lastly - one Christmas tradition to steer clear of is festive bedding.
William believes this should never be used, or even purchased for that matter.
He says: "It's a waste of money and space. Just use what you’d normally use and be done with it."
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William also revealed that you’re ‘common’ if you have a fake Xmas tree & tinsel – here’s how to get the festive decor ‘right’.
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