Christmas is a magical time of year, filled with joy, cheer, and the beautiful sight of decorations adorning homes and streets. From twinkling lights to lush garlands, the festive spirit is unmistakable. But as the New Year approaches, many wonder when it's time to start packing away these symbols of holiday merriment. Here's a detailed guide on when to take down Christmas decorations in 2019, ensuring your holiday goodbye is as joyful as your holiday hello.
The Traditional Time Frame
Traditionally, the end of the Christmas season is linked to several key dates:
- Twelfth Night: This is often considered the last day of Christmas, falling on January 5th, 2019. Many follow this tradition and begin taking down their decorations on the night of January 5th or the following day, January 6th.
- Epiphany: Also known as Three Kings Day, Epiphany is celebrated on January 6th, marking the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus. It’s common to remove decorations by this date in many cultures.
- Orthodox Christmas: For those celebrating according to the Julian calendar, the end of the Christmas period often aligns with January 19th or 20th, 2019.
🌟 Note: In some regions, especially in the UK, there's a belief that keeping decorations up past Twelfth Night invites bad luck. However, this is more folklore than fact, and traditions vary.
Why Unpack The Joy?
So, why should you consider taking down your Christmas decorations post-haste?
- Starting Fresh: The act of taking down decorations symbolizes a fresh start. As the calendar turns, there’s an opportunity to declutter and set new goals for the upcoming year.
- Space: Christmas decorations often take up significant space. Removing them frees up room for new decor or simply reduces clutter.
- Energy Efficiency: Holiday lighting, although beautiful, can significantly increase energy costs. By turning them off, you save energy and perhaps even cut a few dollars off your electric bill.
- Preserving Decor: Packing away decorations carefully protects them from damage, ensuring they’re in good shape for the next holiday season.
When Exactly Should You Start Packing?
Here’s a breakdown of when you might want to start packing your Christmas decorations:
- After New Year’s Day: Many people choose to take down their decorations immediately after the New Year celebrations have concluded, starting fresh for the new year.
- Twelfth Night: As mentioned, the 5th of January is the traditional time to start removing decorations.
- Before Epiphany: If you’re following the religious calendar, you might want to have your decorations down by January 6th, or if you’re Orthodox, by January 19th or 20th.
Steps to Pack Away Your Decorations
Here are some steps to ensure your decorations are safely stored:
- Unplug All Lights: Safety first! Ensure all lights are unplugged before taking them down.
- Organize as You Go: Group similar items together to make unpacking next year easier.
- Use Storage Containers: Invest in Christmas-specific storage bins or boxes to protect your decor. Label everything for easy access next year.
- Test Before Storing: Test lights, mechanical decorations, and any batteries to make sure they’re not dead or malfunctioning when stored.
- Clean Decorations: Wipe down any dusty or dirty items before packing to keep them looking their best for next year.
- Handle with Care: Be gentle with fragile items, using bubble wrap or tissue paper for extra protection.
💡 Note: Wrap garlands and lights in loops rather than coils to avoid kinks and ensure they're easy to reuse.
Alternative Ways to Keep the Magic Alive
If you’re not quite ready to let go of the holiday spirit:
- Leftover Decorations: Consider using some of your Christmas decorations to celebrate throughout January, especially if they’re not explicitly Christmassy.
- Outdoor Lighting: Leave outdoor lights up as general winter decor; many use them for birthday celebrations or simply for ambiance.
- Festive Scent: Keep the scent of the holidays lingering with pine-scented candles or pine cones placed around your home.
In embracing the end of the Christmas season, we reflect on the joy shared and the memories made. Taking down your decorations isn't just about tidying up; it's about cherishing the time you've had with family, friends, and the festive atmosphere. Whether you follow the traditional calendar or create your own, there's no rush to remove the cheer. Remember, the true spirit of the season resides within us, not just in our decorations. As you pack away the lights, the garlands, and the ornaments, consider the moments of warmth and community that they brought, and perhaps leave a few small reminders up to ease the transition into the new year. After all, every time you see a piece of that holiday magic, you can relive the joy it brought.
Can I keep some Christmas decorations up all year?
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Absolutely! Some decorations, especially those with themes of peace, love, or winter can remain up if they bring you joy and don’t disrupt the aesthetics of your home.
Is there a good time to put up Christmas decorations?
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Many people start decorating after Thanksgiving or around the first weekend of December. However, this is personal preference; some wait until closer to Christmas, while others begin as early as November.
What if I can’t take down all my decorations at once?
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It’s perfectly fine to spread the task over a few days. Just ensure you’re being mindful of the end-of-season dates if you’re following a traditional calendar. It’s better to take it slow and store items carefully than to rush and risk damage.
