Displaying Christmas presents under the tree beforehand

[kingsrings]

Was wondering what everyone did concerning this. When I was growing up, my mother refused to allow us to display our Christmas presents received from our family/friends under Christmas tree before Christmas Eve/morning. As you probably know, a lot of families put their Christmas presents under the tree way beforehand for display, storage, and/or as part of their overall Christmas décor. My mom refused to this for several reasons. One, she felt that this would appear to be bragging and boastful to people coming into one’s house about the amount of presents one has. Kind of like, “Look at all the presents we have!!”. And two, she felt that by seeing the presents beforehand for so long, that the surprise and enjoyment of opening up the Christmas presents on Christmas Eve/morning was now somewhat hampered. Three, she felt that the presents we received were private and only our business, so they shouldn’t be viewed by anyone else.

So, what do you do with your family’s presents? Put them under the tree immediately, or not until Christmas Eve/morning? Did your family do this growing up or not? Do you think it’s an etiquette faux pas to do so as my mother felt it was?

[dawbs]

if they're wrapped and under the tree, they are safe from snooping people 

They go under our tree.
I can understand why they wouldn't go under it for some folks, but I dont think there's anyting wrong w/ them being there.

[caranfin]

Do you think it’s an etiquette faux pas to do so as my mother felt it was?

Absolutely not. It's like hiding your expensive television or your nice dishes when guests come over. 

[Uf]

They go under the tree. I have no where else to keep them, and I think it adds to the fun. I love looking at the presents and wondering whats in them.

When I was younger, my parents put their presents under the tree, but hid ours (the kids). Mainly so we wouldn't snoop to much and ruin any surprises.

[HushHush]

Growing up we would have about 1/2 under the tree beforehand and then the other 1/2 would be put out on Christmas eve.  Usually even the 1/2 that went out early were only out a few days early.

We have some gifts under our tree now and will probably continue to do it that way until problems arise...my ds sneaking a peek or a new baby getting into them.

I like the look of the presents under the tree.  Makes it look festive and when there aren't any, I think the tree looks a little sad.

[LissaR1]

On the other hand, if they're hidden, they're safe from dogs and toddlers!

We always kept them hidden, because we had such a huge pile of presents that it was ridiculous, and because my grandparents would use the pull-out sofa in that room for many Christmases.  I don't think anything of it, either way that people choose to do it.

[Squeaks]

I Find trees a bit sad and empty looking till they have gifts under them.

[Bibliophile]

We always put the presents under the tree.  Mom always left a few hidden in the closet - those were from Santa, so those wouldn't be placed under until we went to bed on Christmas Eve.

[Harriet Jones]

We don't put ours under the tree, but it's mostly to minimize snooping by the kids.  I don't see anything etiquette-ly wrong with putting them out early.  Besides, I think a Christmas tree looks 'naked'   without presents underneath.

[twinkletoes]

I think a dispaly of presents under the tree makes it look festive.  If it gets unwieldy (let's say you are my mother - in which case, PLEASE buy me a new vacuum! - and you tend to go a bit...overboard with gifts), and gifts are almost knee-high, then hold off until Christmas Eve / Christmas morning to display them.

[ClaireC79]

Didn't go under the tree until after we were in bed Christmas Eve, when we got to late teens there may have been the odd one or two that went under a day or so earlier.

None go under our tree early, unless they are ones that are given on Christmas Eve when they do (ie if my parents are coming up on Christmas Eve their presents do)

[Pixie]

We rarely have anyone other than family in the house this time of year so I have no problem putting them under the tree as soon as they are wrapped. Of course Santa doesn't bring gifts until Christmas Eve so those are put out in the wee hours of Christmas morning along with the stockings.


Actually,

 Christmas Eve morning= Oldest DD's birthday celebration and gifts.

Christmas Eve= gifts from family are opened

Christmas morning= Santa gifts and stockings are opened


Its what works best for us.   I personally believe family traditions are not really rude, unless its your family's tradition to moon the neighbors or something! 

[siddpup]

I don't see anything wrong with putting them out as they are wrapped. 

Unless there is a reason not to-such as the His Highness's tendancy to sniff at presents and eat inedible wrapping items (necessitating expensive veterinary visits).

So-ours go out late.  But only becuase our dog is spoiled utterly rotten.

Lynn

[jimithing]

I think a dispaly of presents under the tree makes it look festive.  If it gets unwieldy (let's say you are my mother - in which case, PLEASE buy me a new vacuum! - and you tend to go a bit...overboard with gifts), and gifts are almost knee-high, then hold off until Christmas Eve / Christmas morning to display them.

I agree.  I like seeing the pretty wrapping paper under the tree, and I think it makes things feel more "Christmasy."  Any unwrapped large gifts were always kept hidden until Christmas day.

[kingsrings]

I Find trees a bit sad and empty looking till they have gifts under them.

ITA. That is the main reason I was always begging my mother to change her “policy” regarding this. I just think it adds something special to the décor. Plus, I wanted our family’s tree to look like everyone else’s, and everyone I knew kept their presents under the tree. I was also afraid that others would think that we didn’t receive anything! 

But there is one way of solving the problem and keeping everyone happy – put festively wrapped faux presents underneath the tree! Just wrapped boxes. Then you can have the look, but it’s not the real presents. No one had to know they’re just wrapped boxes.