When Should You Take Down Xmas Decorations in 2018?
As the vibrant hues of the holiday season start to fade, the question of when to take down Christmas decorations often comes to mind. With 2018 being a year like any other, there are traditional, religious, and practical considerations for timing the end of your festive decor. Let's explore the reasons behind different decoration removal dates and the best practices for storing your holiday items.
Traditional Timing
The tradition of keeping up Christmas decorations has roots in various cultures:
- Twelfth Night: Historically, decorations are supposed to be taken down by Twelfth Night, which falls on the 5th of January for many. This is rooted in English Christian tradition, where leaving decorations up beyond this date is considered bad luck.
- Epiphany: For some, the decorations are taken down on the Day of Epiphany, which commemorates the arrival of the Magi, often celebrated on January 6th.
- Other Traditions: Some traditions extend the festive period to February 2nd, known as Candlemas. However, this is less common in the modern era.
Religious Significance
Many people choose to adhere to the religious calendar for removing decorations:
- In the Catholic Church, the season of Christmas ends with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which can be on the Sunday after the Epiphany, meaning decorations might stay up slightly longer.
- Orthodox Christians often keep decorations until January 19th, the feast of the Epiphany according to the Julian calendar.
- Protestants and Anglicans tend to remove decorations shortly after the Epiphany or Twelfth Night.
Practical Considerations
Besides tradition and religion, practicalities can dictate the decoration removal date:
- Weather: If you’ve placed decorations outside, adverse weather conditions can influence your decision to take them down sooner rather than later.
- Storage: You’ll want to pack away your decorations carefully to preserve their condition for future years. Taking them down too late can limit storage space for new purchases or clutter the home.
- Pace of Life: Your schedule might not allow for an immediate takedown of decorations, especially if you’re dealing with the post-holiday slump or the New Year’s resolutions.
💡 Note: Remember that while tradition can set a date, it's not a strict rule, and flexibility should be considered based on personal circumstances.
Steps to Pack Away Christmas Decorations
Preparing to store your Christmas decorations can be an event in itself. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Remove and Sort: Carefully take down all decorations and sort them by type (lights, ornaments, etc.) to make packing easier.
- Check for Damaged Items: Inspect lights, garlands, and ornaments for any damage. Now is the time to repair or decide if items are beyond salvage.
- Clean and Dry: Make sure everything is clean and dry before storing. Use a soft cloth for delicate items, and air-dry any fabric decorations.
- Organize and Pack:
- Lights can be wrapped around spools or cardboard cutouts to prevent tangling.
- Ornaments can go in divided boxes or egg cartons.
- Delicate items should be individually wrapped with acid-free tissue paper or bubble wrap.
- Label Boxes: Clearly label each box with the contents and any necessary instructions for setup next year.
- Choose Appropriate Storage: Use plastic bins with tight-fitting lids or specialty ornament storage containers to protect from moisture and pests.
📝 Note: Make sure to store your Christmas tree last, as its large size can take up space needed for smaller, more delicate items.
Conclusion
The ideal time to take down your Christmas decorations in 2018 can vary based on your traditions, religious affiliations, or personal practicality. While the traditional Twelfth Night and Epiphany mark the end of the festive period for many, others might extend the cheer for a longer time or rush to put away the holiday items. Regardless of when you choose to take down your decorations, the process of packing them away carefully ensures they’ll be ready for use in the years to come. Each piece of your holiday decor carries memories and traditions, making the care you take in storing them an act of preserving your joy for the next holiday season.
Can I keep my Christmas decorations up all year?
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While there’s no rule against it, keeping up Christmas decorations all year might feel out of place for many. However, some decorations might become part of your regular decor, like fairy lights or festive garlands.
What do I do with decorations that are worn out?
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Consider donating or upcycling worn-out decorations. Craft enthusiasts can turn broken ornaments into new decor, or you can recycle materials where possible.
Is it bad luck to leave decorations up past a certain date?
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According to tradition, leaving decorations up past Twelfth Night (January 5th) or Epiphany (January 6th) is considered bad luck by some. However, this is largely superstition, and there are no inherent consequences to leaving them up.