The exact time to start putting up Christmas decorations can be a bit debatable. Should you set up your tree before or during harvest festival celebrations? Or should we only add Christmas tree decorations on Christmas Eve? How soon is too soon, and when does waiting patiently become just decorating at the last minute?
To help settle the uncertainty, here’s our guide to the ideal time to decorate for Christmas.
Why Do We Put Up Christmas Trees?
Putting up a Christmas tree is one of the most beloved Christmas traditions. In early times, pagans placed evergreen branches decorated with fruit and candles in their homes to symbolize hope and abundance during cold winters. By the Middle Ages, decorated trees had become fixtures in Christmas and nativity plays, inspiring people to adopt the practice in their own homes. Today, people the world over enjoy decorating Christmas trees to spread cheer and make unforgettable memories.
When to Start Decorating for Christmas: Things to Consider
Ask yourself these questions before deciding when to decorate your Christmas tree.
Is Your Tree Live or Artificial?
A real tree can last around four weeks, so you might want to wait until the first week of December. Otherwise, you risk a carpet of dried needles before Christmas even gets there. It also takes a couple of weeks for the natural fragrance of the tree to infuse your space fully, so account for that if you want your home to “smell like Christmas.” An artificial Christmas tree, on the other hand, gives you more leeway as it looks the same regardless of timing.
Do You Follow Any Religious Traditions?
For Christians, Advent starts four Sundays before Christmas and is viewed as a period of spiritual reflection and preparation. It ends on Christmas Eve, at which point the official Christmas season begins. This lasts for 12 days and ends on January 6th, known as the Feast of the Epiphany.
Within this timeline, it’s important not to diminish the significance of Advent by putting up your tree too early and jumping into Christmas celebrations. Most religious sources recommend waiting until at least the third Sunday of Advent. Looking at Christmas tree history, any day until Christmas Eve is fine to put your tree up.
When Are Guests Coming Over?
If you have loved ones coming for the season, you may want to plan and have the tree decked out before they arrive. Alternatively, you might wish to wait until they are there so that you can all decorate together. Either way, this is something to consider when deciding on a timeline.
Insider’s Tip
Some people wait for when Christmas trees go on sale before deciding to decorate. Black Friday sales are a good time to get special discounts on trees and other holiday decorations.
The Best Time to Put Your Christmas Tree Up
Ultimately, the ideal time to put up your Christmas tree comes down to personal preference and the other factors outlined above. Most people start decorating for Christmas in November, while others choose to wait until mid-December.
Late November is a great option because it allows for a clear transition to Christmas. Many families choose to start decorating during this period, which leaves them a whole month to display their tree and decorations and soak up the festive atmosphere.
Regardless of when you decide to do it, the whole family decorating the Christmas tree is a chance to make priceless Christmas memories.
When to Take Down Your Christmas Tree
Christmas tradition usually places January 5 as the last day of Christmas. Meanwhile, in religious calendars, January 6 is the Feast of the Epiphany or Three Kings’ Day. These are popular dates to take down your Christmas tree and other Christmas décor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some common questions about putting up your Christmas tree.
When Do Most People in Australia Start Decorating for Christmas?
A lot of people decorate for Christmas between early November to the first week of December. However, this can vary depending on your family’s traditions and personal preferences.
Can I Put up My Christmas Tree Right After Halloween?
If you like building anticipation for the Christmas season, you can consider putting up your indoor decorations in mid-November. Save any live greenery or outdoor decorations for early December.
Setting up the tree is not just about sprucing up your home for Christmas, it’s about creating happy memories that last. We hope this article has taken some guesswork and stress away from decorating your home for the season so you can enjoy the festivities with the people who matter most.
Learn More About Christmas Decorating
Read more tips and guides for decorating your home for the season below