The time-honored tradition of celebrating Christmas brings with it the joy of setting up festive decorations, from twinkling lights to glistening ornaments. As the festive season approaches its twilight, many wonder when to pack away these symbols of holiday cheer. Particularly, the date known as 12th Night holds significance in this regard. This blog post will explore when 2017's Christmas decorations should be taken down in adherence to the 12th Night tradition, why this time is chosen, and how to do it respectfully and effectively.
The Significance of 12th Night
The 12th Night traditionally marks the end of the Christmas season in Western Christianity. This day, often falling on the 5th or 6th of January depending on how the days are counted, culminates the 12 days of Christmas. Here's why it's significant:
- Historical and Religious Roots: Originally, 12th Night was a major celebration, concluding the Christmas festivities. It leads directly into Epiphany or Three Kings Day, celebrating the visitation of the Magi to Jesus.
- Tradition and Superstition: There are numerous traditions and superstitions linked to leaving decorations up past this date. For instance, in some cultures, it's believed that leaving decorations up invites misfortune or even bad luck for the coming year.
When Should You Pack Away Your Decorations?
In 2017, the 12th Night fell on January 5th. Here are the dates for when to take down Christmas decorations according to different traditions:
| Tradition | Date to Take Down Decorations |
|---|---|
| Western Christian Tradition (12th Night) | January 5th |
| Epiphany | January 6th |
| Alternative (12th Night) | January 6th |
🎄 Note: If you're unsure, choosing Epiphany or the last feasible day before work or school starts can also be a good rule of thumb.
How to Pack Away Your Christmas Decor
The act of taking down decorations should be done with care to ensure they are preserved for next year. Here’s how:
- Ornaments: Store in sturdy, clearly labeled boxes, using tissue paper or bubble wrap for fragile items.
- Lights: Wrap them carefully around cardboard or use storage reels to prevent tangling.
- Tree: If artificial, disassemble following the instructions carefully to avoid damage. For real trees, ensure all decorations are removed before disposal.
- Wreaths and Garland: Use specialized storage bags or boxes to keep them from getting crushed or dusty.
- Outdoor Decor: Ensure all outdoor lights and decorations are weatherproof before storing them, or allow them to dry completely if they've been exposed to wet conditions.
Celebrating 12th Night
Some families choose to celebrate the 12th Night with:
- Twelfth Night parties: A final festive gathering with friends and family, often involving food, drinks, and music.
- Burning Christmas Greens: A symbolic act of burning the now-dried out Christmas tree or any other pine decorations to ward off evil spirits.
- Twelfth Night Cake: In many cultures, a cake is baked with a hidden bean or token inside. The finder gets to wear a paper crown, becoming the 'king' or 'queen' for the evening.
🍰 Note: Consider adding a touch of tradition to your own celebration with a Twelfth Night party to make the transition from holiday to everyday life smoother.
The Wrap-Up of Holiday Decorations
As the New Year begins, so does the time to consider returning our homes to their non-festive state. Packing away Christmas decorations, particularly around the 12th Night, symbolizes the end of the holiday season and allows for a fresh start to the new year. Here are key points to remember:
- Respect Tradition: Whether for religious, cultural, or merely traditional reasons, many choose to adhere to the 12th Night timeline for taking down decorations.
- Preservation for Next Year: Proper storage techniques ensure your decorations last for many seasons to come.
- Celebrate the Transition: Use this time as an opportunity to celebrate the end of the holiday season with friends or family, making the process more enjoyable.
As we take down the decorations and move into the New Year, let us cherish the memories of the holiday season while also embracing the new beginnings that come with each turn of the calendar.
Why should I take down decorations on 12th Night?
+
The tradition of removing Christmas decorations on or around 12th Night stems from historical Christian practices, where the 12 days of Christmas end on this day. There’s also a superstition in some cultures that leaving decorations up past this date can bring misfortune or bad luck for the coming year.
What if I want to keep my decorations up longer?
+
While adhering to the 12th Night tradition is not mandatory, it’s a cultural or religious choice. If you wish to keep your decorations up longer, ensure they’re not obstructing daily life, and consider the local customs or regulations regarding exterior decor.
What should I do with my real Christmas tree after 12th Night?
+
Real trees should be stripped of all decorations, and any flammable tinsel or lights should be removed. Many municipalities offer recycling or disposal services for Christmas trees; check locally for proper disposal methods.
