After the festive holiday season comes to a close, many people face the dilemma of when to remove their Christmas decorations. While traditions may differ, and some might choose to keep their decorations up until a particular event or date, here's a detailed look at the best dates to take down your Christmas decor in 2018, along with why each date holds significance.
Twelfth Night – January 5th, 2018
Traditionally, in the UK, the Twelfth Night marks the end of the Christmas festivities. In 2018, this falls on January 5th. Keeping decorations up beyond this day is considered bad luck in some folklore. This practice stems from the medieval Christian calendar where Christmas was observed for 12 days, from December 25th to January 5th.
- Why Choose Twelfth Night?
- Tradition: It follows the historical Twelve Days of Christmas.
- Bad Luck Aversion: Many believe it’s inauspicious to leave decorations beyond this date.
The Epiphany – January 6th, 2018
The Epiphany marks the end of the festive season in many Christian traditions, commemorating the visit of the Magi to Jesus. On this day, celebrations end, and decorations come down. For some, it's the last chance to enjoy holiday treats and the company of friends and family before life returns to normalcy.
- Why Choose Epiphany?
- End of Feast: Epiphany is considered the last day of holiday festivities.
- Religious Significance: It’s a major feast in the liturgical calendar.
The First Working Day After Epiphany – January 8th, 2018
For those who work, taking down decorations after the long weekend can seem like a good idea. In 2018, the first working day after Epiphany falls on January 8th. This choice allows for a seamless transition back to work or school while still having the decorations up for the extended holiday.
- Why Choose This Date?
- Practicality: It's often easier to manage time on a workday.
- Transition: Marks the psychological return to normal schedules.
The First Weekend After Epiphany – January 13th, 2018
The first weekend after Epiphany provides an opportunity to take down decorations at a more relaxed pace, especially for those with busy schedules. January 13th could be an excellent day for this task as it's a Saturday, allowing you to enjoy the process and spend time with family.
- Why Choose This Date?
- Family Time: It allows for a fun family event in taking down decorations.
- Leisurely Pace: No need to rush through the process.
Candlemas – February 2nd, 2018
While less common in modern practice, Candlemas marks the official end of Christmas in some traditions, particularly in England. It’s a significant date for those who enjoy a longer festive season.
- Why Choose Candlemas?
- Extended Celebration: Keeps the spirit of Christmas alive for longer.
- Historical: Follows the old customs of the Christian liturgical year.
In closing, the choice of when to remove your Christmas decorations depends on your traditions, superstitions, schedule, and personal preferences. Whether you follow the traditional Twelfth Night or extend the joy until Candlemas, each date carries its own cultural or practical significance. Remember, the most important aspect is to enjoy the process of packing away the decorations, perhaps with a sense of gratitude for the time spent celebrating, and look forward to what the new year holds.
Is it bad luck to leave Christmas decorations up past Twelfth Night?
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In some traditions, particularly in the UK, it’s believed that leaving decorations up past Twelfth Night might bring bad luck. However, this is more folklore than an absolute rule, and different cultures might have different beliefs.
Can I still celebrate Epiphany if I take down my decorations before?
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Absolutely, you can still celebrate the religious significance of Epiphany or even just its cultural traditions without having decorations up. It’s more about commemorating the event than the physical decor.
What should I do with my Christmas tree after the season?
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There are several environmentally friendly options: many communities offer tree recycling programs where trees are turned into mulch, or you can use it to create a habitat for wildlife in your garden or for brush composting.
