Skin Care
When to Take Down the Christmas Tree? Wait Till February
Jan
After you by some means handle to purchase everybody the precise 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 marvel 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 overlook about them till subsequent yr could be a level of competition in lots of households. Personally, I hate taking down the Christmas tree and I’m at all times doing no matter I can to hold onto the magic. Through the years, my companion has been fairly the alternative, wanting to start out the New Yr sturdy by starting with a very recent 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 wish 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 must take down the Christmas tree by January 6. In truth, there are many good causes not to take down your tree and to depart 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 ultimately agreed to this with me):
Why You Ought to Take Down the Christmas Tree in February
Has anybody ever advised you that it’s truly dangerous luck to take down the tree earlier than January 6? In Christian traditions, Christmas at all times begins on December 25 (the delivery of Christ) and ends on January 6 (upon the arrival of the Three Clever Males). And should 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 have been to comply with 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 truth, should you have been to comply with 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 approach to have a good time that transition than by taking down the tree on February 1?
Whether or not you’re fascinated with exploring your personal Christmas—or Yuletide—traditions otherwise you’re merely not within the temper to half methods with these glimmering lights and flashing bulbs, you’ve got each purpose to attend till February 1 to take down the Christmas tree.
Opposite to standard perception, you don’t have to start out the brand new yr by hitting the bottom working. In truth, the extraordinary “New Yr, 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 thought 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.
