Etiquette coach provokes outrage by claiming Christmas tinsel is common
It should not be beginning to look a lot like Christmas, apparently
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.An etiquette expert has landed himself in hot water for suggesting tinsel be banned.
On an episode of Loose Women, William Hanson was asked to reveal his guide to a “proper” Christmas.
But not all his opinions were well-received by viewers.
Hanson said he believes tinsel is common “because it’s made out of plastic.”
And he didn’t hold back his disgust at the prospect of putting tinsel on a Christmas tree: “To have a nice sophisticated tree you don’t need tinsel.
“Originally, tinsel was made out of silver, actual silver, so it was terribly sophisticated going back a few hundred years.
“But now it’s coated in fire retardant, it’s not brilliant and it’s too bushy and synthetic.”
Not only does he think tinsel should be banned, he believes lights should only be white or off-white and must never be flashing.
Hanson also revealed that most people put their trees up too early, in his opinion. He said he normally puts his tree up around 16 or 17 December, which was met with incredulity from the panel.
“If you have a real tree and you put it up too early, it’s going to expire,” Hanson said.
And his comments haven’t gone down well with the public.
“The Grinch personified,” one person called him.
“William is such a snob,” added another.
Some people revealed themselves to be fans of Hanson though.
Hanson did at least concede that a tree should reflect our personalities, be yours classy or fun.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments