Are you a teensy bit superstitious? Or maybe you just like adhering to ye olde time-worn traditions? Well, turns out there's quite a bit of superstition and tradition associated with when to take down your Christmas tree. Yes, you can just pack your tree and all those glittery decorations whenever. But if you want to do things by the book, let one of the following dates be your guide:

December 31: Take your tree down on New Year's Eve before the bells toll at midnight. Otherwise it's said you'll be dragging all your baggage and bad luck from 2009 into 2010 ... if you're superstitious about these things, that is.

January 5: Take your tree down on this day, traditionally considered the Twelfth Day of Christmas – i.e. the last of twelve days of Christmas merriment. Think of it as getting closure on the Holiday season.

January 6: Take it down on January 6 in observance of the Epiphany, a Christian holiday marking the revelation of God in human form, in the person of Jesus. Again, some would say leaving your tree up beyond the 5th or 6th brings bad luck.

Can't get it together to dismantle everything by January 6? Don't feel bad! Instead, focus on the positive with this fun list of 10 reasons to keep your tree up into January (...or beyond?).

Decorating a holiday tree for your teen may seem like a daunting task, but it's easier than you'd think. In fact, with the recent Twilight surge and vampire-crazed teens across America, decorating a teen's dream Christmas tree may simply mean unloading those Halloween boxes from the attic and getting crafty. Ready to get started? Our friends at Holidash have the scoop:

THE PLAN:
Gather a few spare vampire teeth laying around your son's bedroom, or invest in these fun vampire teeth ornaments from Cafe Press. For a maximum spooky aesthetic, try a dead tree from outside, or even collect a few stray branches to display in your favorite planter.

THE ACCENTS:
Try red tinsel to signify dripping blood, and top your tree with a photo of Bella or Edward -- the perfect holiday angel for your teen!

THE BONUS:
You'll finally get to break out the Halloween decor more than once a year, and your teen will be inspired to join in on the decorating fun!

Sure, you may think vampires at Christmas is sacrilegious, but hey -- you'll be the coolest Twilight-loving mom on the block. And of course, if you really want to get crazy, try a handful of other Twilight-inspired decor this holiday. Happy Hallo-Christmas!

So your macho manly-man hates to decorate the holiday tree around Christmas time? Give him something he'll love to play around with -- a Macho Man Christmas Tree, from your friends at Holidash!:

THE PLAN:
Head to the garage or any other man-space in your home and gather anything metal you can find. Washers, levels and those L-shaped thingies (clearly my days in the garage are few) work great and are easy to hang. Steal a bit of fishing wire while you're at it. Next, string the washers with fishing wire to make a lovely modern-looking metallic garland.

THE ACCENTS:
To break up the silver and metal, throw some twine and/or natural rope on the tree. Instead of a star, use a hollowed-out light bulb.

THE BONUS:
Your favorite macho man will have to let the home improvement projects wait until after the holidays because hey, his tools are on the tree! Less home projects mean more time to snuggle up by the fire. Isn't decor sweet?

I'm one of those crazy holiday decorators who enjoys donning my Christmas tree with a themed decoration each year. Weird, I know ... and costly, too. After all, if you can't re-use your ornaments to decorate with, what can you use?

Items from around the house, of course! Over at Holidash, I've been showing a few different thematic Christmas tree decor schemes that you can build using mostly junk items you've stashed in the pantry, basement, attic or garage. Ready? Our fashionista tree is waiting in the wings!

THE PLAN:
Last year, my niece outgrew her Polly Pocket phase and I inherited the bin of teeny plastic clothing. I can't wait to spray-paint the tiny hangers and dresses sparkly gold and adorn my tree with fashionable fun!

THE ACCENTS:
Add lace, ivory ribbon and pearls to adorn your metallic and oh-so-stylish Tannenbaum. Top off the look with your favorite sparkly brooch and your tree will have an outfit that will outshine your entire wardrobe.

THE BONUS:
Your child will learn the joys of upcycling, and you won't keep unearthing tiny pink pants in your favorite vacuum attachment.

Strike a pose!

Happy Black Friday! Hopefully you've shopped 'til you've dropped today --- now it's time to make something to put those gifts under! Of course, this toothpick Christmas tree isn't quite the right size, but it's cute nonetheless. Why not place a few on your mantle for a sweet holiday touch? Check out the tutorial below!:

1. Go to your local craft store and buy 15 medium-size styrofoam balls and a round styrofoam ring.
2. Spread out newspapers on your work surface.
3. Take a styrofoam ball and stick toothpicks all around it so the end result looks sort of like a big snowflake. Do the same thing to all the styrofoam balls.
4. Set out your styrofoam ring. This will serve as the base of the tree. Place the balls around the ring.
5. When you've covered the ring, create a second layer. This layer will be a little smaller than the bottom layer.
6. When you've completed the second layer, create a third. This layer will be a little smaller than the second layer.
7. At this point the tree shape should be clear. Keep adding layers until the tree is complete.
8. When you've finished forming the tree, take out your can of snow and spray, spray, spray! You want a nice, thick cover, but you'll have to build it up slowly. Be sure to let each coat dry thoroughly before adding the next.
9. Once you have a nice snow-covered tree, add the ornaments... carefully. You now have a toothpick Christmas tree!

Face it; your furry friends are as part of the family as anyone, and this year, keeping them safe is top of mind. Just the same, keeping your Christmas tree safe is a priority, too. Holidash shows us how to protect both Fido and the christmas tree this year! Read on!:

* That pan of water that is keeping your tree from drying out can be very attractive to thirsty pets. But that sticky water can also make them very sick. Discourage drinking by cutting a piece of screen or other sturdy mesh fabric to fit and duct tape it over the pan. This will keep little tongues out while still allowing you to replenish the water supply.
* Cats love to bat balls around -- especially bright, shiny ones that are attached to a Christmas tree. Prevent breakage and possible injury by decorating your tree with plastic or wooden ornaments.
* That little metal stand that is holding your tree in the vertical position is no match for a rowdy pet with a running start. Get rid of it and invest in a large, sturdy tree stand. For extra protection, attach a string of fishing line from the top of the tree to a small hook in the ceiling.
* Puppies like to chew on things and those lower limbs of your Christmas tree may prove irresistible even to the most well-behaved little dog. Surrounding your tree with a baby pen might not be the most attractive solution, but is surely the safest. Otherwise, don't allow your puppy to be alone in the same room as the Christmas tree.
* Avoid tinsel. Cats find it delicious and fun to chew, but it can cause serious damage to their digestive systems.
* To discourage chewing on your light cords, spray them with bitter apple. Unplug the lights when not in use.
* Clean up fallen needles regularly. Some dogs will eat just about anything and these sharp pine needles can cause internal injuries if ingested.
* Don't decorate with edible ornaments. If it smells like food, a determined pet will find a way to reach it.

Thanks, Anna, for your great Christmas tree-recycling tips. Here's one more: make your tree the foundation for a backyard brush pile.

Now, you might ask: why a brush pile? Answer: it encourages wildlife diversity. Yes, putting out a bird feeder is an important first step to attracting birds and other little critters. However, a brush pile will draw in many more. Plus they're easy to make, don't cost a dime, and they encourage true diversity in the landscape.

Want to give it a try? Here are some tips for creating a brush pile that critters will love.

1) Use something fairly substantial as the base for your pile. A Christmas tree is one idea, but you could also try an old wooden pallet, two or three short logs, or a couple old fence posts. This foundation will support the smaller stuff you stack on top. It will also let oxygen flow through, and prevent settling -- so that countless insects and other small creatures (like the baby anole pictured above) can scuttle in and make their homes there.

It was love at first sight: a humbly-sized Christmas tree hung with dried orange slices. This encounter took place on Saturday night, when I attended my town's annual winter festival. The tree had been entered in a Christmas tree decorating competition for local school children. The "orange tree" sure got my vote. What a pretty sight it made with all the Christmas lights reflecting brightly off the glistening citrus slices!

Later, I resolved to try it out for myself. If you want to have a go, you will need the following:

• three or four large oranges
• a sharp carving knife
• glitter and/or ground cinnamon (optional)
• fishing line or ribbon
• a needle or a pointy-tipped knife

Step 1) Slice the oranges crosswise in quarter-inch slices. Discard the ends.

Our baby is approaching fourteen months of age. She is a walking demolition machine. Before we go shopping for a Christmas tree this year, I figured it would make sense to do a little Web-surfing first, and see what steps I should take to toddler-proof our tree. I mean, is anything safe from a toddler? Maybe not. In fact, the more I think about it, I'm realizing the safest option might be a nice painting of a Christmas tree. Tacked up high out of her reach, naturally, like everything else in the house these days...

Anyway, here are some tips on toddler-proofing your tree from the readers at BabyNamesWorld:

• Invest in a flexible extended-length baby gate or put the tree inside a playpen or pack 'n' play.
• Get a small (two- or three-foot) tree or a small potted tree and keep in on a table. Use whatever you can (e.g. heavy furniture!) to keep your tot's curious fingers away from the bottom of the tree and the electric lights. This is very important for your child's safety!

• The more branches the better. They make your tree look natural...and they hide the pole in the center.
• Look for a sturdy metal stand with rubber tips on the feet, which will protect your floor.
• The more expensive trees have time-saving "hinged" branches. Spring for that if you can afford it.
• Buying online? Look for sites that offer high-res closeup pics so you know exactly what you're getting.
• Let me say again: you should not be able to see the pole!
• Consider whether or not to get a pre-lit tree. Yes, pre-lit adds to the fake-factor. But, hey, in for a penny in for a pound. Some pre-lit trees nowadays come with a remote, so you can switch at the press of a button from clear to colored lights. Wow.

So, which is better: fake or real? I'm not getting into the whole issue of the environment here. As far as I'm concerned, it's a personal thing. But if you want to weigh your choice, here's a handy list of the pros and cons in the real vs. fake debate.