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 somehelpful tips on choosing the best time to put your festive tree up, depending on your household.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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Tips for choosing when to put up the Christmas tree
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.
Follow your festive spirit – Listen to your gut. Is it telling you that it’s Christmas time and that the evergreen tree and decorations have to go up? If so, go for it! There’s nothing better than decorating when you’re in a festive mood. Just remember to choose a day no earlier than the end of November.
Think of how long it will take – Putting up a Christmas tree and then decorating it can be quite time-consuming. So, when deciding on a date for this task, try to choose a day on which the whole family has free time.
Fake or real? – If you’re thinking of decorating early and want to go with a real Christmas tree, there are some things you should consider. Firstly, if you’re really eager to buy and put up a real Christmas tree early, before the first of December, make sure it’s a Nordmann Fir. As it is one of the Christmas trees that last the longest (up to 6 weeks) when cared for properly. Secondly, make sure to buy a tree with a water tank standand to water it constantly as Christmas trees get thirsty quite quickly. If you have decided upon a fake tree, it doesn’t really matter when you will put it up and there are no maintenance requirements whatsoever.
Just as with setting it up, knowing when to take your Christmas tree down has both traditional dates and practical considerations.
Twelfth night – Christmas traditionally continues until the 5th of January, twelve days following Christmas Day. Most people mark this as the official end of the season, hence January is the perfect day to remove the decorations.
When your tree starts dropping needles –It’s possible that your real tree won’t endure as long as you’d like. The loss of a considerable number of needles is a good clue that it is time to remove it. Trees that have dried out might provide a fire risk, particularly if they are close to heat sources. Aim to take it down by early January if it’s starting to look dry, as it will be safer and cleaner.
When it’s convenient for you – While traditional dates are helpful, you should take down your tree whenever it suits your schedule best. Many people prefer to leave it up until children are back in school or until a particular weekend when it’s more convenient.
Check out our hassle-free Christmas tree disposal service.
When it’s time to decide when to put up your Christmas tree, we recommend that you check the traditional dates first.
If you plan on putting up your Christmas tree early this year, go for something resilient, like a Nordmann Fir (for example). If you are wondering how much such a tree will cost you, head over to our helpful post on the matter.
Christmas trees are usually taken down on the 12 night after Christmas (5th of January).
When it comes time to take down your Christmas tree, it will be helpful to know how to preserve and store your Christmas decorations.
