The question of when to take down Christmas decorations is a common one, with some people choosing Boxing Day and others waiting until the New Year. For many, removing the decorations signifies a fresh start and an opportunity to declutter the home after the festive period.
Experts at Christmas Tree World commented: “Taking down your Christmas tree may feel like the end of a joyful period, and when you do, it is entirely down to you.” They added: “For some, the date of choice is the Twelfth Night on January 5 but many choose something else.”
The experts posed the question: “Do you take them down on Boxing Day after the relatives have departed and the festivities are over? Or do you leave them up for longer, enjoying the carols and baubles as long as possible? ” According to them, Twelfth Night, which falls on January 5, is the “most popular time” to remove the Christmas tree and decorations. This tradition dates back to the 4th century and marks the natural end of the festive season, reports The Express.
The professionals from Christmas Tree World further explained: “Popular as Twelfth Night is, Epiphany of January 6 is the other favourite time to take down Christmas trees, Christmas baubles and other Christmas lights.”
Over time, Epiphany has evolved into the Feast of the Three Kings, celebrated on January 6. It has also been known by various other names including Theophany, Three Kings Day and Little Christmas. According to the Catholic Church, the best time to take down festive decorations is Candlemas Day.
One common belief is that if you leave your Christmas tree up past midnight on December 31, you risk carrying the previous year’s troubles into the new one. Hence, some choose to dismantle their Christmas tree before the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve.
The experts shared: “Other traditions explicitly state that you cannot bring mistletoe into the house earlier than New Year’s Eve, meaning that whatever decorations you’re taking down, this is one you should be putting up as the old year dies.”
While some customs may suggest it’s bad luck to keep decorations up for too long, it often boils down to personal preference. Some superstitions warn against leaving Christmas decor up beyond January 6, but the experts point out: “An answering superstition suggests it is bad luck to take them down before Candlemas.
“Sometimes referred to as The Presentation of Christ in the Temple or the Purification of Mary, Candlemas commemorates the presentation of baby Jesus and Mary at the temple 40 days after his birth.”
‘Most popular’ date to take down Christmas decorations – do you stick to tradition?
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