As the festive season of 2018 dwindles to a close, many of us are left wondering: when should the Christmas decorations come down? This question is more than just about following tradition; it carries cultural significance, practical implications, and even emotional aspects for many people. Here, we explore five key dates to consider for removing your holiday decorations, each with its own rationale and cultural context.
Date 1: Twelfth Night
Twelfth Night marks the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas, which starts on Christmas Day. Traditionally, this is the most commonly accepted date for the removal of Christmas decorations:
- Date: January 5th, 2019
- Tradition: Keeping decorations up until Twelfth Night honors the full season of Christmas, which begins on December 25th and ends when the Wise Men (Magi) are said to have arrived at Bethlehem to visit the baby Jesus.
💡 Note: Superstition suggests that it's bad luck to keep decorations up past this date.
Date 2: Epiphany
Epiphany, or the Day of Epiphany, is the celebration of the arrival of the Magi and the baptism of Jesus:
- Date: January 6th, 2019
- Tradition: This day is also known as Three Kings’ Day, marking the end of the Christmas season in many cultures, especially in Spain and Latin America, where elaborate feasts are held, and special roscon de reyes pastries are baked.
Date 3: Candlemas
Candlemas, sometimes called the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, is a significant date for some traditions:
- Date: February 2nd, 2019
- Tradition: In some cultures, especially in Scotland, decorations are kept up until this date, symbolizing the “purification” of the Virgin Mary and the presentation of Jesus in the Temple.
💡 Note: Candlemas is associated with the lighting of candles, symbolizing the light of Christ.
Date 4: Old Christmas Eve
Old Christmas Eve is tied to the Julian calendar, which some Orthodox churches still follow:
- Date: January 12th, 2019
- Tradition: For those following the Julian calendar, Christmas falls on this day, and thus, decorations might stay up until this point, reflecting the 13-day difference between the Gregorian and Julian calendars.
Date 5: When You Feel It’s Right
Lastly, a personal or family tradition might dictate the timing:
- Date: Varies based on personal or family tradition
- Tradition: This can be when you feel ready to transition from holiday cheer to a new year, or when guests have left, or simply when you’re over the holiday spirit.
💡 Note: Embracing personal or family customs can create unique traditions that foster a sense of belonging and continuity.
As the glitter and lights of the festive season begin to dim, the timing for removing decorations can vary widely. Whether you opt for the traditional significance of Twelfth Night, the cultural richness of Epiphany, the deep roots of Candlemas, the unique timing of Old Christmas Eve, or the personal resonance of your family's traditions, the act of taking down decorations is not just an end but a transition into the new year with hope, renewal, and anticipation for future festivities.
Why is it considered bad luck to keep decorations up past Twelfth Night?
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Leaving decorations up past Twelfth Night is believed to bring bad luck according to an old English superstition. This belief stems from the tradition that the holly, ivy, and other decorations were placed to ward off evil spirits during the Christmas season, and failing to remove them might lead to inviting those spirits back into your home.
What is the significance of Candlemas?
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Candlemas, or the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus Christ, is significant because it commemorates the presentation of Jesus in the Temple and the purification of Mary, 40 days after the birth of Christ, as prescribed by Jewish law. It also marks the end of the Christmas-Epiphany season, and in many places, candles are blessed and lit to symbolize Christ as the light of the world.
Can I keep my Christmas tree up all year?
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While there’s no rule against keeping your tree up all year, traditionalists might frown upon this practice. However, if it brings you joy, consider recycling or repurposing the tree rather than keeping it as-is, which could pose safety risks like fire hazards if left to dry out.
