When Should You Put Your Christmas Tree Up and When to Take it Down?

Deciding when to put up your Christmas tree can be a little tricky. Put it up too early, and it might invite mixed reactions; leave it too late, and it may feel like you’ve missed the festive window altogether. Timing can make a difference, both in preserving traditions and making the most of your decor.

Similarly, deciding when to take your Christmas tree down has its own traditions, which can guide you through these choices.

Luckily, this blog post will teach you about all the traditional dates and customs in the UK concerning the installation of Christmas trees. Alongside those, you will also find some helpful tips on choosing the best time to put your festive tree up, depending on your household.

So if you:

• Are wondering when to put your Christmas tree;
• Are having second thoughts on whether to go with a fake or real tree;
• Want to know which day after Christmas to take down your evergreen tree;

Then this post might be just the thing you’re looking for. Keep reading or listen to this article below:

When to put up the Christmas tree?

Although there are no guidelines, knowing the customary dates can allow you to choose a day that seems meaningful, even if the timing of putting up a Christmas tree differs among homes.

The first day of Advent

Usually beginning on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, Advent signifies the start of the Christmas season. Since it coincides with the beginning of holiday preparations, this date is perfect for many people to hang the Christmas tree.

The lead-up to Christmas can also be made more solemn by celebrating Advent with a Christmas tree. If you are also wondering why we celebrate with Christmas trees, you can learn from this guide on Why Do We Have Christmas Trees and Who Introduced Them to England.

12 days before Christmas

For those who prefer a more moderate approach, December 13th is a common date to set up your tree.

By choosing this date, you may enjoy your Christmas tree for the majority of December without having to worry about it withering away before the big day. Since real trees usually last four to six weeks indoors and are more likely to remain fresh closer to Christmas, it’s also simpler for households with them.

24th of December

Traditionalists believe that decorating their homes with a Christmas tree on Christmas Eve is a throwback to earlier customs in which families waited until the last minute. This approach, which has its roots in the Catholic tradition, only starts the celebrations on Christmas Eve, saving Advent for a time of introspection.

This choice is perfect if you want to honour a long-standing tradition while spending a shorter, more focused Christmas season with your tree.

How to decide when to put your tree and decorations up

Outside of traditional dates, there are practical factors that may help you decide on when to put your Christmas tree up, especially if you’re eager to begin the festivities a little earlier.

When should you take your Christmas tree down?

Just as with setting it up, knowing when to remove the Christmas tree and decorations has both traditional dates and practical considerations.

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