With Santa on his way, it is once again time for the annual list of odd Christmas laws and cases. Drawn from the four corners of the festive season, these Christmas laws range from the pragmatic to downright puzzling!
Test your knowledge of all the strange ways to fall foul of the legal grinch this silly season. Christmas laws that are far odder than that Secret Santa gift you just received….
The Grinch Stole Your Christmas Tree!
Heading to the Christmas Tree farm to select your family’s inaugural and all-natural Christmas tree? If you live in New York, you can forget about it. City ordinances have declared beloved Christmas pines a fire hazard, preventing them from being displayed in establishments with 75 or more people. Known as Local Law 29 and passed in 1943, this prohibition covers both live and fresh-cut trees.Light Up the Night (But Not Too Much)
Some local councils have regulations on how bright your Christmas decorations can be. This includes lights that are too bright or shine into private areas. Neighbours can make complaints that this affects their sleep or impacts their privacy, particularly if the lights shine into their bedrooms and bathrooms. Crowds attracted to neighbourhoods known for their competitive Christmas lighting can obstruct traffic flow; indeed, this led one street in Melbourne to cancel their Christmas lights after they were classed an event and required public liability insurance. Apartment dwellers can rejoice; however, as long as lighting is reasonable and cleared with building management, it is likely to fall under your rights to ‘quiet enjoyment.’
Did you see Santa Claus? Not on my watch
Ready to welcome Santa Claus to your town? Dressing up as Santa Claus is a mainstay of the festive season, and no Christmas party is complete without a visit from old Saint Nick. However, decking up in his trademark red and white may land you a fine in the UK. Rule 97 of the Highway Code discourages wearing costumes that could impair driving. Drivers face fines of up to £5,000 for Christmas costumes ranging from Santa Claus to Christmas jumpers. This covers any kind of festive dress that could impede the operation of the car, so it also includes Santa’s boots.
Don’t throw stones or snowballs in Utah
A good snowball fight is one of the greatest joys of a White Christmas. However, if you were hoping to hurl a crisp ball of snow in good cheer in Utah, think again. The city of Kearns in Utah has a law prohibiting snowball throwing within city limits.
So, there you have it! A glimpse into the sometimes strange, sometimes sensible laws that surround the holidays. Remember, a little research can help you avoid a festive faux pas and ensure a holly jolly Christmas for all.
