After you one way or the other handle to purchase everybody the fitting items and survive the seasonal shenanigans comes probably the most dreaded a part of winter—taking down the decorations. In case 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 must rush the method of snapping again out of your post-holiday comedown.
Deciding when to pack up the Christmas decorations into cardboard packing containers and neglect about them till subsequent yr is usually a level of rivalry 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 companion has been fairly the other, wanting to start out the New 12 months robust by starting with a totally contemporary slate. For him, fastidiously eradicating every decoration and wrapping up each string mild is symbolic ritual that signifies a brand new chapter in life. Me? I already need to return in time and relive Christmas morning.
In case you’re extra like me, I’m right here to offer it to you straight—you don’t should take down the Christmas tree by January 6. In reality, there are many good causes not to take down your tree and to go away it up so long as February! In case you don’t really feel like giving in to the strain 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 companion finally agreed to this with me):
Why You Ought to Take Down the Christmas Tree in February
Has anybody ever instructed you that it’s really unhealthy luck to take down the tree earlier than January 6? In Christian traditions, Christmas all the time begins on December 25 (the delivery of Christ) and ends on January 6 (upon the arrival of the Three Clever Males). And in the event you’ve ever questioned why January 6 appears to be the date everybody has agreed to take down the tree, it has lots to do with the 12 days of Christmas.
In case you had been to observe the unique traditions of Yuletide, 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, in the event you had been to observe the unique traditions of Yuletide—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 technique to rejoice that transition than by taking down the tree on February 1?
Whether or not you’re curious 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 will have each motive to attend till February 1 to take down the Christmas tree.
Opposite to fashionable perception, you don’t have to start out the brand new yr by hitting the bottom working. In reality, the extreme “New 12 months, New Me” strain may cause you to slam on the fuel pedal earlier than you even know the place you’re going. And though my companion’s intuition has typically been to take down the tree ASAP, he’s coming round to the concept of slowly and steadily adjusting to one thing new. In spite of everything, it takes time to thaw the ice of winter. Bear in mind—the bears are nonetheless hibernating.
