Ah, the season of festive cheer. What better way to celebrate Christmas – and all the festivities that come with it – than to share a few laughs with family, friends and loved ones?

But even though this joyous period of the year rewards us with some well-deserved family time and quality moments, apparently some common traditions are deemed bogan no-nos.

So here are a few things you (apparently) should and shouldn’t do for a classy holiday celebration:

Some of our Christmas customs are seen as 'bogan' by etiquette guidelines. Credit: Pexels/Nicole Michalou.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE

Serving cheese cubes

Cheese cubes are usually a go-to appetiser throughout the year, but did you know that it is considered to be a bit bogan to serve them during the festive season – particularly in front of the wrong people?

In a poll conducted by Australian Facebook users, many said that people should refrain from serving them during the festivities.

One user wrote: 'Serving cheese in cubes is a big no-no.'

'The fact that this is still appealing to me shows how much I love cheese,' another said.

One person stated on Facebook that serving cheese in cubes is a big no-no and that you should instead creatively present it with deli-bought crackers. Credit: Facebook/Subtle Bogan Traits Xmas.

Serving cut-up pieces of cheese or chorizo shows that the host has 'no attention to detail', according to etiquette expert Julie Lamberg-Burnet of the Sydney School of Protocol.

She also pointed out that the display exhibits a 'lack of sophistication'.

'If you want to be classy, watch what the professionals do,' Julie remarked.

'You could serve a platter with three varieties of cheese in large portions accompanied by the best quality crackers.'

Using beer cans to create a Christmas tree

Decorating a Christmas tree can be a great way to add some fun to the festive season, but doing it with beer or cider cans is a definite no-no - according to many social media users.

One person posted: 'Having a Christmas tree of empty cans is bogan.'

'Oh my, I do this,' another admitted.

So, whether you’re drinking fancy craft beer or VBs, it might be a better idea to make your tree with something a little more festive instead.

Allowing guests to double-dip in sauces

We all know the dangers of double-dipping, but it’s true that many do it anyway - especially during occasions like Christmas when the drinks are flowing. No matter what, double dipping is a big no.

Julie advised: 'Avoid double dipping at all costs.'

'You should also refrain from smearing all of your meals in tomato sauce, which can look bogan.'

So, remember to leave double dipping out of your Christmas celebrations.

It is considered tacky to double dip. Credit: Pexels/Polina Tankilevitch.

GIFTS

Giving Lynx gift packs

A common mistake people make is gifting toiletries such as Lynx gift packs. This may seem like an easy gift to grab, but do consider getting something a bit more thoughtful.

Neglecting the host

Ignorance in terms of etiquette can always be seen as tacky, so it’s important not to rush opening gifts or ignore the message that’s been attached.

'If you want to be classy, avoid tearing open gift-wrapped parcels in a hurry and ignoring a message card which may be attached,' the etiquette expert said.

Show appreciation for the things you have been given, even if the gift isn’t really your thing.

Additionally, you should always express gratitude and offer a present to your host.

She advised: 'The best things to bring for a host are chocolates, potted plants, a favourite beverage or a candle.'

You should show your gratitude to the host. Credit: Pexels/Karolina Grabowska.

Not sending a thank you letter to your host

Similarly, you should always write your host a letter of appreciation.

Julie suggested: 'From the event, you have just under two weeks to get it off to them.'

'Neither Christmas thank you letters nor thank you emails should be sent after the twelve days of Christmas, meaning the 6th January is the cut-off.'

'Get into gear and do it.'

HABITS

Keeping decorations up after the festivities

Julie recommends adhering to the ‘age-old tradition’ of the Christmas season and observing Twelfth Night (January 6) as the end of the holidays. Taking Christmas decorations down too early, or leaving them up too late, is also considered to be a no-no.

You should take down your holiday decorations after the festivities. Credit: Pexels/Element5 Digital.

Decorating your car with reindeer antlers

This may be more of a sight gag than a faux pas, but polls on Facebook suggest that putting reindeer antlers on your car at Christmas time is seen as an unbecoming habit.

One user said: 'Putting reindeer antlers on your car at Christmas time is a big no-no.'

'Then forgetting about them til you need to take them off to put the Aussie flags on for Australia Day.'

DECORATIONS

Decorating your home with a white Christmas tree

White Christmas trees are supposed to convey a sense of peace, serenity and purity - but these trees, when covered with too many plastic ornaments, give off a vibe of being cheap, flimsy and overwhelming.

Instead, Julie suggested opting for a more traditional coloured tree and streamlining the decorations with no more than three colours.

You should stick to 'traditional' trees to keep your home looking simple and classy this holiday season. Credit: Pexels/Helena Bohovyk.

Key Takeaways

• We all have some Christmas habits that are deemed 'bogan' by etiquette standards.
• It is considered unbecoming to serve cheese cubes and allow guests to double dip when entertaining.
• It is also not advised to give Lynx gift packs or decorate your car with reindeer antlers during the Christmas season.
• It is polite to send a letter of appreciation to your host.
• While white Christmas trees may be eye-catching, too many plastic ornaments will give off an overwhelming and cheap vibe

There you have it, folks! Keep these tips in mind and enjoy a Christmas season full of joy and festivities - sans any bogan holiday acts. But honestly, we’re advoates for doing what makes you happy so we wouldn’t be too concerned about every single etiquette rule. Just have fun!

Are you surprised by some of the habits mentioned in this story? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

 

[Suzanne rose]

I go along with a lot of what you say but with one exception. I had always been told that Jesus was born in either September or October. I've just found this quote:
Given all of this Scriptural data being backed by historical evidence, we can reasonably confidently say Jesus was born in the middle of September in the year 3 B.C.
This date was calculated by taking different statements in the Bible, that there was a census, Herod was King, shepherds were in the fields with their flocks etc. Then the historians plotted the possible and probable timeline.

I agree with that . I know it definitely wasn't winter. Which in Bethlehem this time of year it's very cold. I knew it was warm but not hot, so it had to be their Autumn September/ October or spring April / May.

 

[Wendy’s view]

Who ever this woman is she doesn't appreciate a true Aussie. I think she is up herself

I don't care about opinions really we all have one. What brings joy, love and laughter to your Christmas is up to you. I maybe a bogan to some but at least I enjoy myself and am not miserable.