Another UK perspective here. When the decorations go up may depend on the weather and/or the mood of anyone in the house. Each household will have their own preferences and rules for that and everything else.

Putting the decorations up in November is considered a bit soon, but I have some family precedent regarding that, and there was also something on the radio a few days ago about how particularly dreary weather has convinced a few people to get the Christmas tree and lights out early to brighten up the place.

Some put them up at the start of December, but the sensible time is usually a couple of weekends before the big day.

The superstition about taking them down again before Twelfth Night runs fairly strong here, but mostly because it’s “right” to take them down at that time rather than any courting of misfortune. (Or is it?)

As for other traditions, that’s harder to pin down. You don’t know that what you’re doing might be unusual until you see other people’s perspectives. Everyone knows what a horse reindeer is… Right?

Guarantees: Kids up at the crack of dawn ripping wrapping paper off presents. Someone will want to watch the King’s speech and someone else won’t. Someone will put on music that someone else doesn’t want to listen to.

For the adults around me (and me), we generally wait until after a late breakfast on the day itself to exchange gifts. Then there might be some visiting out or receiving visitors. Visitors might stay for dinner which is mid-afternoon.

Then it’s kids playing with gifts, adults reading any books they might have been bought, and finding something to watch on TV (or streaming or DVD etc.) that everyone can agree on.

… and hoping beyond hope that nothing happens that isn’t going to make you dread Christmas next year.