If you leave the windows bare you'll be cheapening the look on an upper priced unit or opening yourself up to the tenant hanging cheap (paint drop-cloth quality) blinds using the same nails he would use to hang Christmas lights outside, 20 penny nails!

In trying to help my mom after my dad passed away Christmas, I rented my place out. 

Let's face it, they're a revenue juggernaut," Carol Pepper, chief executive of asset-management firm Pepper International, said on CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe."

However, I recommend creating a simple form so you're ready the next time this happens.Are you reducing the tenant's rent $200 for Christmas or letting them pay 15 days late in June without a penalty?

in my humble experience...rent to best qualified first foremost. only after application, background, verified credit  i use www.rentapplication.net/then yes cash up front for deposit, plus first last months rent, leaves 4 months. i add extra for pets too.i rented in both summer and winter. dont mind either.i rented just before christmas. people need house all year. lazy picky ones only move in june. loli did offer free use of my trailer or discount if moved in before next storm, Christmas etc. 

Christmas VAlley in S Oregon. 

In the winter and by winter I mean March, April and May not Christmas when you want it to be white.  

Another question - Do any of you give anything to your tenants during Christmas time or do you feel that that would be crossing into being a friend over being a friendly land lord?

Good luck,Carol

Those gals get a nice goody basket from me every Christmas.