Some might be pondering when is the ideal time to take down those decorations
Putting up your Christmas tree and adorning it with decorations is a cherished festive tradition, with everyone having their own unique way of doing it. There’s nothing quite like the joyous feeling of getting into the holiday spirit and hanging those ornaments.
However, now that the big day has passed and many of us have enjoyed Christmas Day with our loved ones, some might be pondering when is the ideal time to take down those decorations.
While you’re free to remove your decorations whenever you wish, tradition does suggest a ‘correct’ time for this task. If you’re a bit superstitious, you might adhere more strictly to this deadline, as it’s thought that leaving them up too long can usher in bad luck for the New Year.
When should I take down the tree and decorations?
Twelfth Night, which falls on January 5, is traditionally considered the final day of Christmas, and also marks the eve of Epiphany in the Christian calendar.
Superstition holds that it’s unlucky to leave your decorations up beyond the 5th. This belief harks back to times when people adorned their homes with ivy and holly, believing that tree spirits resided in the greenery.
They ensured all festive trimmings were removed in the first week of the New Year to set these spirits free. Epiphany itself is on January 6 and in the Christian faith, it commemorates the visit of the Three Wise Men, or Magi, to the baby Jesus, as well as his baptism.
What should I do with the tree?
If you opted for a real tree rather than an artificial one, it’s advisable to find a place where it can be recycled. At the same time, you can bring all the wrapping paper and cardboard boxes left over from unwrapping presents on Christmas Day to be recycled too.
If your tree is artificial, don’t throw away the box it came in! Wrap your tree back up and store it away in the box for next year. Keep your baubles, tinsel and other ornaments in boxes, wrapped in kitchen paper or bubble wrap to protect them.
