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Dear Mary: How do I guide my godmother to buy me better wine?

Mary Killen Mary Killen
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EXPLORE THE ISSUE 01 February 2025
issue 01 February 2025

Q. When is the cut-off date for wishing people a happy new year and asking if someone had a good Christmas? I’m finding it increasingly difficult to stay civil.

– L.G., Fosbury, Wilts

A. 14 January is the cut-off date for wishing people a happy new year. The Church itself puts an end to Christmas officially at Candlemas on 2 February, so it is absurd to persist in mentioning it beyond this weekend.

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