So, When Is the Right Time to Take Down Christmas Decorations?
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We all love celebrating the most wonderful time of the year, but we all know the season has to come to an end eventually. The stockings get placed back into their boxes, the baubles into their ornament storage bins, the artificial trees come apart, and we start to settle into the New Year. But when is the right time to officially take down your Christmas decorations? Well, the answer is one that has been debated for centuries.
Depending on your family holiday traditions, superstitions or folklore you might believe, and historical holiday traditions, you might find one day better than another. We’re breaking down all of this and more below, with tips for Christmas decoration storage and tree disposal tips, too. From the age-old tradition of waiting until the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas, to the more modern superstitious beliefs of ringing in the New Year with a fresh start, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But you can explore some common dates and traditions to help you figure out when it’s best to pack up the seasonal merriment.
So, when should I take down my Christmas decorations?
While there’s no hard and fast rule, many people take down their Christmas decorations right after New Year’s Day. Traditionally, some opt to wait until January 6, also known as the Feast of Epiphany or Three Kings’ Day, which marks the end of the journey for the Three Wise Men who brought their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to baby Jesus.
Of course, our rule is to always go with what’s best for your style! If you want to enjoy the cozy vibes of the holidays a bit longer, we won’t judge.
When should decorations be taken down to avoid bad luck?
Though there’s no official date to take your Christmas decorations down to avoid “bad luck,” there are a couple common dates based on tradition, folklore, and superstition:
December 31: Some believe that taking down your decorations on New Year’s Eve allows you to enter into the next year with a clean slate—and in turn, that leaving them up past January 1 might drag last year’s baggage into the new year.
January 5 or 6: In some Christian cultures, the night before the Epiphany (January 5) or the day of the Epiphany (January 6) marks the official end of the Twelve Days of Christmas, and therefore the end of the season. In folklore, it was believed that leaving Christmas decorations up longer than that would bring misfortune and potential bad luck.
February 2: Also known as Candlemas, February 2 was known as the official end to the Christmas season during medieval times. Forty days after Christmas, the date marks the Purification of Mary, with some folklore superstitions claiming that goblins would haunt any Christmas decor left up after this date.
Is Twelfth Night the end of Christmas?
Traditionally, yes, Twelfth Night (January 5) marks the final night of the Christmas season, marking the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas that begins on Christmas Day (December 25) and ends on the Feast of Epiphany (January 6). Twelfth Night also has a history of being a day of big parties to celebrate the end of the Christmas season, take down decorations, and start off the Carnival season (the period before Lent) in some areas of the world.
When should I take down the Christmas tree?
Since many holiday decorations like string lights, tabletop decor, and candles can often be subtle enough to stick around longer in winter, the Christmas tree is usually the first to go. You’ll probably want to take it down by the first week of January, particularly if it’s a real tree. Real trees can start to dry out and shed needles, so the sooner you remove it, the less mess you’ll have. That’s also the safer option, as well.
How do I get rid of a real Christmas tree?
Depending on where you live, there are a few ways to responsibly dispose of your real tree. Many cities offer curbside pickup or recycling programs in early January. Alternatively, some areas may have tree drop-off sites where your tree can be mulched or composted. You can also get creative by placing your tree in your backyard as a natural habitat for animals, or even chopping it into smaller pieces for firewood.
How should I store my decorations?
Storing your Christmas decorations properly is key to keeping them in great shape for next year. Invest in a Christmas ornament storage box to keep your baubles safe and organized. For your artificial tree, you’ll want a sturdy storage bag or a dedicated box to protect it from dust and damage. And remember, the better your storage solutions, the more fun you’ll have unboxing your holiday treasures next season!
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Helping you through the worst part of decorating: taking everything down.
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Tierney McAfee
Tierney McAfee is a writer and editor with a passion for all things home, lifestyle, and entertaining. Her work has been featured in People, Country Living, The Pioneer Woman, The Spruce, and more, covering everything from interior design and holiday decor to DIY projects and the best products for home and lifestyle. Always in search of the next big trend or hidden gem, Tierney is all about transforming inspiration into style. When she’s not busy writing, she’s testing out new recipes, hunting for vintage treasures, or plotting her next outfit.
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Bree Pulver O'Hagan
Bree is the Senior Digital Editor at DrewandJonathan.com. In the past, she’s worked for publications focused on home improvement and sustainable living. Bree’s Pinterest board is filled with cozy textures; vintage patterns; sculptural furniture; and moody, warm-toned colors. She has a degree concentrated in the intersection of writing and architecture, which influences her passion for exploring creative solutions to unusual home layouts and stylish renter-friendly decor. She’s a self-proclaimed pro at finding the best antique furniture in the most unlikely of places (but her cat Blue can certainly back these claims).
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