[pieceofthepuzzle]

Wonderful idea. I generally don't get into the real spirit of Christmas until it's essentially over. In those quieter moments it's easier to think about the more important things. I find it ironic and disgusting that people who could care less about the religious significance of Christmas, or who are even overtly anti-religion on most days, cheer for high Christmas retail numbers.

[Crichton]

I generally don't get into the real spirit of Christmas until it's essentially over.

Sounds like you have good sensibilities.

The Christmas season begins on Christmas Eve and continues through at least Epiphany (Three Kings Day) -- i.e. the Twelve Days of Christmas -- if not through the baptism of Christ or the presentation in the temple.

Secular advertising defines the Christmas shopping season, which runs (more or less) from Black Friday to Christmas Eve, nearly in line with the religious season of Advent.

We try to celebrate Christmas along the religious timetable, though it takes a conscious effort.