The festive season brings with it the joy of decorating our homes with lights, ornaments, and all the holiday cheer. However, as January rolls in, the question of when to take down the Christmas decorations becomes relevant. Here are five thoughtful tips to guide you through the process of when to pack away your holiday decor for the year 2017:
1. Traditional Timing
Traditionally, the practice in many Christian cultures is to take down Christmas decorations on the Twelfth Night, which falls on the evening of January 5th or January 6th. This period marks the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas and the start of Epiphany. While this tradition has been observed for centuries:
- It allows you to enjoy your decorations well into the new year.
- It’s a practical time to avoid clutter as the festivities wind down.
- Some believe keeping decorations beyond this time invites bad luck!
⏰ Note: In 2017, the Twelfth Night falls on January 6th, following the Gregorian calendar.
2. Personal Milestones
Many people prefer to leave their decorations up until personal or significant milestones have passed:
- New Year’s Resolutions: Keep decorations up until you’ve set and written down your New Year’s resolutions for motivation.
- Children’s Return to School: If you have children, you might wait until they return to school after the holiday break, extending the festive atmosphere for a bit longer.
- First Paycheck: Some families remove their decorations after receiving the first paycheck of the new year, signifying the transition back to routine life.
3. Emotional Connection
The choice to take down decorations can also be influenced by emotional readiness:
- If you still enjoy the warmth of holiday lights in early January, there’s no harm in keeping them up a bit longer.
- It’s beneficial to remove decorations when you feel the Christmas spirit has faded, or you’re ready for a change in atmosphere.
💡 Note: The emotional aspect varies from person to person, so follow your heart when deciding on this matter.
4. Practical Considerations
Here are some practical reasons you might want to consider when deciding on when to take down your Christmas decorations:
| Practical Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Safety | Removing decorations that can become safety hazards, like dried-out Christmas trees, reduces the risk of fires. |
| Space | Once holiday festivities end, extra decorations can occupy valuable space in your home. |
| Organization | Taking down decorations early in the new year helps in organizing your home as you reset for the upcoming year. |
5. Weather Influence
The weather can significantly impact when you decide to remove your Christmas decorations:
- If it’s still cold and wintry, keeping some holiday lighting might add warmth to your home.
- Alternatively, if the weather becomes milder or if you live in a region where snow is unlikely, taking down the decorations might align better with your surroundings.
- In certain parts of the world, waiting until the first signs of spring might make more sense, especially if your decorations include external lights that enhance the wintery appeal of your home.
To summarize, there are traditional dates like the Twelfth Night, personal milestones, emotional readiness, practical reasons, and weather conditions to consider when deciding to remove your Christmas decorations. Following your heart, considering safety, and being mindful of your environment can guide you in this festive decluttering. Whether you choose to keep the cheer going or to embrace the new year with a clean slate, the choice is yours to make.
Why is it considered bad luck to leave Christmas decorations up past January 6th?
+
In some traditions, keeping Christmas decorations up beyond Twelfth Night is believed to invite bad luck or misfortune, as it’s seen as holding onto the past rather than welcoming the new year.
What can I do with my Christmas tree after taking down decorations?
+
You can recycle your tree, use it for mulch or compost, or even have it collected for disposal through local community programs.
How do I store my holiday decorations effectively?
+
Organize decorations in labeled boxes or bins, use storage solutions designed for fragile ornaments, and wrap lights around cardboard to prevent tangling. Keep everything in a dry, cool place.
Is it okay to keep some Christmas lights up all year?
+
Yes, LED string lights can be used to create a cozy atmosphere or highlight garden features throughout the year. Just ensure they’re weatherproof if used outdoors.
