After you by some means handle to purchase everybody the proper presents and survive the seasonal shenanigans comes probably the most dreaded a part of winter—taking down the decorations. Should you’re already beginning to surprise when to take down the Christmas tree, put these worries to relaxation, as a result of there’s no have to rush the method of snapping again out of your post-holiday comedown.
Deciding when to pack up the Christmas decorations into cardboard containers and neglect about them till subsequent yr is usually a level of competition in lots of households. Personally, I hate taking down the Christmas tree and I’m all the time doing no matter I can to hold onto the magic. Over time, my accomplice has been fairly the other, wanting to begin the New Yr sturdy by starting with a very contemporary slate. For him, rigorously eradicating every decoration and wrapping up each string mild is symbolic ritual that signifies a brand new chapter in life. Me? I already wish to return in time and relive Christmas morning.
Should you’re extra like me, I’m right here to present it to you straight—you don’t must take down the Christmas tree by January 6. In reality, there are many good causes not to take down your tree and to depart it up so long as February! Should you don’t really feel like giving in to the stress of shifting gears the second January begins, I’m right here to validate and encourage your instincts. Right here’s why I’m personally leaving my Christmas tree up till February 1 (and why my accomplice finally agreed to this with me):
Why You Ought to Take Down the Christmas Tree in February
Has anybody ever advised you that it’s really dangerous luck to take down the tree earlier than January 6? In Christian traditions, Christmas all the time begins on December 25 (the start of Christ) and ends on January 6 (upon the arrival of the Three Sensible Males). And for those who’ve ever puzzled why January 6 appears to be the date everybody has agreed to take down the tree, it has rather a lot to do with the 12 days of Christmas.
Should you have been to observe the unique traditions of Xmas, you’ll put your tree up on December 21 and take it down on February 1.
Nonetheless, Christmas is a vacation that comes with a number of interpretations, traditions and cultural leanings. In reality, for those who have been to observe the unique traditions of Xmas—the Pagan celebration of the winter solstice that got here earlier than the custom of Christmas—you’ll put your tree up on December 21 and take it down on February 1, upon the celebration of Imbolc. In Celtic Pagan traditions, Imbolc—which straight interprets to “within the stomach of the Mom”—is the celebration of the midway level between winter and spring. What higher a method to have a good time that transition than by taking down the tree on February 1?
Whether or not you’re desirous about exploring your individual Christmas—or Yuletide—traditions otherwise you’re merely not within the temper to half methods with these glimmering lights and flashing bulbs, you’ve gotten each cause to attend till February 1 to take down the Christmas tree.
Opposite to common perception, you don’t have to begin the brand new yr by hitting the bottom working. In reality, the extraordinary “New Yr, New Me” stress could cause you to slam on the gasoline pedal earlier than you even know the place you’re going. And though my accomplice’s intuition has typically been to take down the tree ASAP, he’s coming round to the thought of slowly and steadily adjusting to one thing new. In any case, it takes time to thaw the ice of winter. Bear in mind—the bears are nonetheless hibernating.
