Dear Ruthie,
Please, help settle a bet. What is the proper date for buying a Christmas tree and putting it up?
(Signed)
Curious Shopper
Dear “Buy” Curious,
Traditionally, Christmas trees went up on Dec. 13 to mark the 12 days of Christmas. Some, however, waited until the second Sunday of advent.
With retailers popping up Christmas crapola the minute back-to-school season ends, today’s households are confused about when to set up the old Tannenbaum. The Christmas Tree Growers Association (yes, this is real thing) says any day after Dec. 1st is a good time to purchase and put up a tree. They also note, however, that closer to the middle of December you wait the better, so the tree is full of needles come Christmas Day.
If you ask me, I say put the damn thing whenever you want and have time. Family customs take precedence during the holidays, so if you deck the halls on Black Friday, go for it! Heck, if you haul out the holly in October, have a good time! But, if you grab the garland in September—go screw yourself.
Dear Ruthie,
How long are you supposed to keep your Christmas tree up?
Ba-Hum-Bug,
Holiday Hater
Dear Hater,
At my house, the tree is up until Easter. The holiday experts, however, say you should keep it up until Jan. 7, the day after the epiphany (according to the Bible, the arrival of the three kings at Christ’s manger). Do what you want, sweetie. It’s your call... if you don’t mind hell.
Ruthie’s Christmas Calendar
Dec. 12— “Where Was Christmas” with Jerry Grillo at The Jazz Estate (2423 N. Murray Ave.): Local hero Jerry Grillo releases his original holiday song “Where Was Christmas” with this 8 p.m. show. Along with his four-piece band, Jerry offers up holiday standbys, jazz greats and more, making this a great change-of-pace evening this season.
Dec. 13—Annual Holiday Party at Fluid (819 S. Second St.): Food, drinks and drag! Enjoy the trifecta of cheer when the gang at Fluid hosts this annual soiree. The 6 p.m. bash includes catered food, drink specials and a 9 p.m. drag show with several local favorites, hosted by Dita Von. Cheers!
Dec. 13—Opening night of Cole & Noel at Off the Wall Theatre (127 E. Wells St.): Ring in the holidays with Cole Porter and Noel Coward during this toe-tapping musical that celebrates the legendary songwriters. A cast of 16 performs more than 30 classic songs, accompanied by fun-loving dance routines and plenty of laughs. Get your $30 tickets at offthewalltheatre.com or call the box office at (414) 484-8874. The production runs through Dec. 31, when you can take in a special New Year’s Eve performance with cocktails and appetizers for $60.
Dec. 14—“Christmas in the Basilica” at Basilica of St. Josaphat (2333 S. Sixth St.): The Bel Canto Chorus honors it’s 10th anniversary with this concert of beloved carols and holiday favorites. Catch one of three performances through Dec. 16, with tickets starting at $15. Stop by belcanto.org and order yours today.
Dec. 15—Ghosts of Christmas Past Walking Tour (Various Downtown locations): Join the team at Milwaukee Ghost Tours as they introduce you to some of the city’s most spooky citizens. The 6-7 p.m. walk is $12 and begins in front of the Pabst Theater, on the corner of Wisconsin and Wells. As the song goes, “There’ll be scary ghost stories, and tales of the glories of Christmases long, long ago.”
Dec. 15-16—“The 12 Gays of Christmas” at Plymouth Church (2717 E. Hampshire Ave.): The City of Festivals Men’s Chorus presents this concert, featuring traditional (and a few not-so-traditional) songs that are sure to get you in the yuletide mood. You’ll also find a silent auction at the family-friendly event. See www.cityoffestivalsmenschorus.org for showtimes and $15 tickets (or pay $20 at the door).
Dec. 16—Sunday Showtunes at This Is It! (418 E. Wells St.): Sing out, Louise! Join in on the sing-along or sit back and watch the fun when the Milwaukee Metropolitan Community Church hosts a 2:30 pm afternoon of songs and silliness. Raffles prizes, two-for-one drinks, endless mimosas and more make for a Sunday Funday for the books!
Dec. 17-27—Mary’s Holiday Market at Mary’s Arcade (734 S. Fifth St.): Need a few extra Christmas gifts? Can’t find a gift for the bugger that has everything? (Don’t you hate those people?) Shop local when you swing by this indoor marketplace of vendors, crafters, makers and more! Grab a frosty drink or order up a burger from Hamburger Mary’s while you do a little last-minute shopping. The market opens at 6 p.m. most days but call Hamburger Mary’s at 414-488-2555 for exact hours and vending opportunities.
Ask Ruthie a question and share your events at dearruthie@shepex.com. Follow her on Instagram @ruthiekeester and Facebook at Dear Ruthie. Don’t miss her hilarious reality show on YouTube—“Camp Wannakiki!”
