Benjamin Teo
Updated on September 26th, 2023
Most people are surprised at how many decorations are needed and how much time you need to put up all your Christmas decorations. Picking when you should put up your Christmas decorations is just as difficult as finding the perfect Christmas gift. Knowing when is the right time to bring out your Christmas ornaments, wreaths and other decorations can be a daunting task that most people either enjoy or hate. Bust rest assured we’ll be going through all the important dates for putting up and taking down your decorations.
With the anticipation of Christmas, you’ll undoubtedly be inundated with work and family. As much as you would like, you can’t exactly put up every single piece of decoration whenever you want. We must plan and pick the right date to kick off this celebratory day. This article will help guide you through various times to start putting up your Christmas decorations.
But first let’s go back, way back into the past and learn bout when people used to put up their Christmas trees.
In The Past
During the Victorian era (1837–1901) Christmas trees were set up and decorated on the night before Christmas (24 December). This signified the end of the advent season and the beginning of the twelve days of Christmas (otherwise known as Christmastide).
Did You Know: The first Christmas tree in the UK was introduced in 1841. It was a pine Christmas tree and was decorated by Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria, t their Windsor Castle.
Dates For When Your Christmas Decorations Should Go Up
Now that we’ve gotten the past out of the way, here are some quick ideas on when you should either plan or start putting up your decorations.
Right after Halloween – 31st October
Halloween is an American holiday that has ginned popularity among Australians. During this time, you will find many kids Trick-or-Tricking and dressing up in funny or scary costumes. This makes the end of October a great time to start putting up your Christmas decorations and tree. It’s also around the time when most retailers bring out their new decorations for sale.
On December 1
Your Christmas tree should be put up on December 1st if you desire the most optimal time. This date also marks the official countdown to Christmas. Most homes will start hanging their 25 days to Christmas advent calendars.
This official countdown date would be the idle time to put up your decorations and tree because it’s usually when most people would have purchased all their new decorations and have finished planning what to put up.
On The advent – 4th Sunday Before Christmas
advent Sunday is the fourth Sunday before Christmas. It is the time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and also the second coming of Christ. Technically the 4th Sunday before Christmas is usually the end of November. This year it is the 27th of November 2022.
12 Days Before Christmas
It might be a little too late for some people but putting up your tree during the 12 days of Christmas is the perfect time to kick start the festive season. Is the lead-up to the birth of Jesus and the rival of the Three Wise Men. So, if you’re religious and want to honour the coming of Jesus this is the perfect time to pop up your decorations.
On The Most Traditional of Dates – 24th December
If you want to be extremely old school, then tradition dictates that the 24th December evening (Christmas eve) would be the best time for you to take out your Christmas tree and decorations. However, we don’t recommend this date because it’s usually coming to the time when people would start taking down their Christmas deco.
When Your Real Christmas Tree arrives
Some people like to be all-natural, so they get themselves a real-life Christmas tree. If you’re this type of person, put up the tree as soon as you get it. Make sure you go all out because most real Christmas trees can last only 4 weeks. But only if you know how to properly dry them out and care for them. Some trees can only last up to 12 days so keep in mind what tree you want to get.
Remember that decorating your home is also as important is your tree.
Any Time You Feel Like It
Did you know there are no actual rules to putting up your Christmas décor? So, putting up Christmas decorations early is totally up to you. If you’re a big fan of Christmas you might even leave them up throughout the year.
Hurry, The Decorations Are Up!
Now that you’ve got your Christmas tree decorations, stockings, lights, reindeer and whatnot up and proudly on display, when should you take them down? Well, the answer to this question can be solved by reading on.
When Is The Best Time To Take Down My Christmas Decorations?
As we approach the end of the festive season, it’s no surprise that there isn’t the best time to take down your decorations. It is almost based on how you feel. However, if you’re religious or love the following tradition then the times might be different to what you might expect.
Let’s cover a few easy ways to determine when you should bring them back down first and then get into the traditional aspects.
Right after Your Real Christmas Tree Starts To Frail
12-28 days after Christmas
Usually, real trees only last 1 – 4 weeks depending on how well you prepare and look after them. So, the most logically time to take your Christmas tree down would be when it starts to look bad.
When Your Neighbour Does
Since there are no real rules, most people tend to take their decorations down around the time when their neighbors or people in the neighbourhood begin. Usually, around 2-5 weeks after Christmas people will start pulling down their Christmas lights. This would be a good indication that you could start pulling down the outdoor decorations to start. When then follow with the indoor decorations or vice versa.
When You Feel The Time Is Right
Since Christmas only comes once a year there’s no rush to take down your Christmas decorations in hurry. You can leave them up even after 1 month. It just comes down to when you feel it’s right. If you’re not the type to be influenced by your friends, family or neighbours then leave them up and take them down when it suits you!
12 Days after Christmas
For more religious and traditional meaning, the twelve days after Christmas has great meaning and is a good time to take down your decorations. So, what does the twelfth night represent? There are 2 different days for the 12th night.
- For the Church of England: They start counting from Christmas day itself which put the official date to be the 5th of January.
- Catholic Church & Other Denominations: Start counting on boxing day (26th Dec) in which the twelfth day falls on the 6th of January.
There you have it, all the important dates on when your Christmas decorations should go up and most importantly back down and packed away. For more easy questions and answers please refer to the bottom FQ section of this article or if you need some ideas on Christmas gifts make sure to visit our Christmas Gift Guide.
Why Are Christmas Decorations So Important
For most western cultured people, Christmas decorations are one of the first signs that the holidays are approaching. From a psychological perspective, the decorations are an extension of the holiday season. They’re symbols of the holiday spirit, goodwill, and the approaching new year. By creating a festive atmosphere, people subconsciously start to feel happy, comfortable, and hopeful, especially in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Christmas decorations are important because of the emotional attachment you develop with them over the course of the years of celebrating this special day. They’re not only meaningful but can help to bring the family closer and is an extremely effective way to bring your family closer. There’s nothing great than putting up your decorations together s a family united.
In the past, Christmas wasn’t always celebrated with a such happy atmosphere. It was thanks to St. Nichols that this day has become so commonly known and celebrated outside of religious belief.
In Closing
Now that we’ve entirely covered when your Christmas decorations should go up and down, let’s just be frank and honest. Everyone celebrates Christmas in their own way being religious or vi family traditions. So, there are no correct or wrong answers to when to put up your Christmas tree. We’ve also covered the right date to take down your decorations which is totally dependent on your religious belief or how you feel. We hope that this covers all your questions but most importantly remember to smile, be happy and enjoy this time of the year there’s no better way to bring the year to closing than Christmas day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was The Birth of Jesus on Christmas Day?
According to LiveScience, no one actually knows when the actual birthday date of Jesus is. However, it was the Roman Catholic Church that decided on the date to celebrate Christmas.
What Are The Most Important Christmas Decorations?
Here are what we believe to be the most important decorations you must have during Christmas: a tree, tree decorations, an ornament for the top of your tree, Christmas lights, an elf, a wreath, and Christmas stockings.
What Are The Christmas Colours?
The most prominent Christmas colors are Red and Green.
What Are Some Common Types of Natural Trees for Christmas?
- Norfolk Island Pine
- South Esk Pine
- Wollemi Pine
- Wooly Bush
- Callitris Pine
- Christmas Bush
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The original DadShop writer, owner, fun loving and tech guy. Great with computers, gadgets, quick on his feet and lover of novelty gifts. Ben writes for our wonderful blog occasionally just to pass time.
