Christmas brings happiness, excitement, and beloved customs.
The Christmas tree stands out as one of the most recognisable symbols of this holiday season often becoming the focal point of our festive decorations.
But when should you set up your Christmas tree?
Some folks stick to traditional timing, while others jump on the bandwagon of decorating earlier each year.
In this post, we'll look into the history of Christmas tree timing, the modern trend to decorate sooner, and the good points of both approaches.
We'll also give you practical advice to keep your tree fresh throughout the season.
1. Introduction: The Evolving Tradition of Christmas Tree Decoration
The tradition of decorating a Christmas tree is deeply rooted in history, yet the timing of when to put up the tree has evolved significantly over the years.
While some families stick to age-old customs, others have adapted their practices to fit modern lifestyles. Understanding the reasons behind these changes can help you decide the best time to bring the magic of Christmas into your home.
Overview of Changing Practices
Christmas tree decoration has come a long way from its origins. Traditionally, families would wait until the last possible moment to bring their tree into the home, a practice that has largely shifted in today’s fast-paced, holiday-driven culture. This blog will take you through the historical context of these practices, the modern reasons for earlier decorating, and how you can find the right balance for your family.
2. Traditional Timing: Waiting Until Christmas Eve
Historically, the Christmas tree was not put up until just before Christmas, often on Christmas Eve. This tradition has its roots in various cultural beliefs and customs that have been passed down through generations.
Historical Context of Decorating Close to Christmas Eve
In the past, particularly during Victorian times, it was common for families to wait until December 24th to put up their Christmas tree. This practice was deeply intertwined with the belief that setting up decorations too early could bring bad luck. As Dr. Martin Johnes, author of Christmas and the British: A Modern History, explains, the late decoration tradition was a way to build anticipation and keep the Christmas spirit concentrated within the holiday period.
- Cultural Beliefs: Decorating too early was considered to bring bad luck, a superstition that persisted well into the 19th century.
- Victorian Influence: The Victorians solidified many Christmas traditions, including the timing of the Christmas tree. Their influence spread across the UK and beyond, making the Christmas Eve tree a widespread custom.
- Twelfth Night: Traditionally, the tree would remain up until Twelfth Night (January 5th), marking the end of the Christmas season and the Epiphany.
Reasons Behind the Tradition
The rationale for this late decoration practice was twofold. First, it was believed that the closer to Christmas the tree was put up, the more concentrated and meaningful the celebration would be. Second, it helped to maintain the freshness of real trees, which were more likely to stay vibrant throughout the holiday period if they were only displayed for a short time.
Key Takeaway:
💡 Traditionally, Christmas trees were put up close to Christmas Eve to avoid bad luck and to concentrate the festive spirit. This practice reflects a time when the holiday season was more condensed and intense.
3. The Shift to Earlier Decorations: A Modern Trend
In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift towards putting up Christmas trees and decorations earlier, often as early as the end of November. This modern trend is influenced by various factors, including commercial interests and the introduction of longer-lasting tree varieties.
The Influence of Commercialisation
One of the primary drivers behind the trend of earlier Christmas decorating is commercialisation. As businesses began advertising Christmas products and sales earlier in the season, consumers started to follow suit by bringing the festive spirit into their homes sooner.
- Retail Influence: The increase in Christmas advertising and sales promotions in November has encouraged many families to start their decorating earlier to align with the holiday shopping season.
- Extended Holiday Season: With the commercial push for an extended holiday season, the act of decorating earlier allows families to enjoy their Christmas trees and decorations for a longer period.
Introduction of Needle-Retentive Tree Varieties
Another significant factor contributing to earlier Christmas tree setups is the availability of needle-retentive tree varieties. These trees, which originated from Scandinavia, can maintain their needles and freshness for longer periods, making it feasible to put them up earlier without worrying about them wilting before Christmas.
- Scandinavian Fir Trees: These needle-retentive varieties have revolutionized Christmas tree care, allowing families to enjoy their trees for a month or more without significant needle drop. Consider choosing a 5.5ft tall slim green Christmas tree with realistic branches and pine cones for a perfect balance of durability and aesthetics.
- Pre-Lit Trees: The introduction of pre-lit Christmas trees has also made early decorating easier and more convenient, with lights already integrated into the tree design.
Modern Family Practices
Today, many families choose to put up their Christmas trees around the beginning of Advent, which starts in late November. This shift reflects changing traditions and the desire to extend the festive atmosphere throughout the holiday season.
- Advent Start: Many families now align their tree decorating with the start of Advent, using this time to gradually build up the Christmas spirit.
- Personal Preference: Ultimately, the timing of Christmas tree decoration has become a matter of personal preference, with some choosing to follow tradition and others embracing the modern trend of early decoration.
Key Takeaway:
💡 The shift to earlier Christmas tree decoration is driven by commercialization, the introduction of longer-lasting tree varieties, and changing family traditions. This allows for a longer, more relaxed holiday celebration.
4. Benefits of Putting Up Your Tree Early
Decorating your Christmas tree earlier in the season can bring numerous benefits, both emotionally and practically. From boosting your mood to enhancing the festive atmosphere in your home, early decoration has its perks.
Psychological Benefits of Early Christmas Decorations
One of the most significant advantages of putting up your Christmas tree early is the positive impact it can have on your mental health. Surrounding yourself with festive decorations can boost your mood and bring a sense of joy and anticipation during the busy December period.
- Mood Improvement: Research has shown that decorating for Christmas early can trigger a spike in dopamine, the “feel-good” hormone, which can help improve your overall mood.
- Increased Happiness: Surrounding yourself with holiday decorations that bring you joy can contribute to a more positive outlook during the holiday season.
Enhancing the Festive Atmosphere
Putting up your Christmas tree early allows you to enjoy the festive atmosphere in your home for a longer period. This extended celebration can make the holiday season feel more relaxed and enjoyable.
- Extended Festive Period: By decorating early, you can spread out your holiday activities, reducing the stress of cramming everything into a shorter timeframe.
- Family Bonding: An early tree can serve as a focal point for family activities, such as decorating, gift wrapping, and gathering, fostering a sense of togetherness.
Expert Opinions on Mental Health
Interior influencers and experts agree that decorating early can have a positive impact on your mental health. For example, Ness Hancock, an interior influencer, notes that surrounding yourself with things that bring you joy, like a Christmas tree, can significantly boost your mental well-being during the holiday season.
- Positive Mental Shift: Early decorating can create a neurological shift that increases feelings of happiness and contentment.
- Celebration and Togetherness: The Christmas tree serves as a symbol of family, love, and togetherness, reinforcing these values in your home throughout the season.
Key Takeaway:
💡 Putting up your Christmas tree early can boost your mood, enhance the festive atmosphere in your home, and provide more opportunities for family bonding throughout the holiday season.
5. Practical Tips for Maintaining Your Tree’s Freshness
One of the concerns with putting up a Christmas tree early is ensuring it stays fresh throughout the holiday season. With proper care, your tree can remain vibrant and beautiful for weeks.
Expert Advice on Keeping Your Christmas Tree Fresh
Samuel Lyle, the owner of Pines and Needles, shares his top tips for maintaining the freshness of your Christmas tree. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your tree for the entire holiday season without worrying about it wilting.
- Cut the Bottom: When you bring your tree home, cut about 3 centimetres off the bottom of the trunk. This fresh cut allows the tree to absorb water more effectively.
- Water Regularly: Your tree needs plenty of water to stay fresh. Samuel recommends giving your tree around two to three pints of water a day, especially if your home is warm due to central heating.
- Use the Right Stand: Place your tree in a stand designed to hold water, not soil or sand, as these can block the tree’s pores and prevent proper hydration. If you're considering an artificial tree that offers convenience and beauty, a 4ft snow-dipped Christmas pencil tree with red berries and white pinecones could be a perfect choice.
Letting Your Tree Relax Before Bringing It Indoors
Before bringing your tree inside, it’s a good idea to let it “relax” outside in a bucket of water for a couple of days. This process allows the branches to settle and ensures the tree is fully hydrated before being placed in a warm indoor environment.
- Relaxing the Tree: Letting your tree relax helps it adjust to the indoor temperature and reduces the risk of needle drop.
- Snipping the Netting: Once your tree has relaxed, snip away the netting and gently shape the branches to your liking.
Maintaining Hydration Throughout the Season
To keep your tree looking its best, it’s crucial to maintain consistent hydration. Be sure to check the water level in your tree stand daily and top it up as needed. If the water level drops below the trunk, the tree’s sap will seal the bark, preventing it from absorbing more water even if you refill the stand later.
- Check Water Levels: Regularly check the water level in your tree stand and ensure it never drops below the trunk line.
- Avoid Drying Out: Keep your tree away from direct heat sources, such as radiators or fireplaces, to prevent it from drying out too quickly.
Key Takeaway:
💡 Proper care, including regular watering and allowing your tree to relax before bringing it indoors, is essential to keeping your Christmas tree fresh and vibrant throughout the holiday season.
6. Conclusion: Finding the Right Time for Your Family
Deciding when to put up your Christmas tree is a personal choice that can be influenced by tradition, modern trends, and your family’s unique preferences. Whether you choose to stick to the traditional timing of Christmas Eve or embrace the modern trend of early decoration, the most important thing is to enjoy the process and make it a joyful part of your holiday season.
Recap of Traditional and Modern Approaches
Both traditional and modern approaches to Christmas tree decoration have their merits. The traditional method of waiting until Christmas Eve allows for a concentrated, meaningful celebration, while the modern trend of early decorating extends the festive spirit and can enhance your mood.
Encouragement to Choose What’s Best for Your Family
Ultimately, the best time to put up your Christmas tree is whenever it brings the most joy to you and your family. Whether you’re eager to start celebrating in November or prefer to wait until closer to Christmas, the key is to create a tradition that reflects your family’s values and preferences.
Final Thoughts on Balancing Tradition with Joy
As you decide when to put up your Christmas tree this year, remember that the holiday season is about creating memories, celebrating togetherness, and finding joy in the simple things. Whether your tree goes up early or late, let it be a symbol of the love and happiness that Christmas brings.
By understanding the evolution of Christmas tree traditions and considering the benefits of both early and traditional decorating, you can make an informed decision that enhances your holiday experience. Happy decorating!