Out with it
How long should Christmas decorations stay up?
© екатерина лагунова / Adobe Stock
Before the end of the year, at the New Year or later? When should the Christmas decorations go away and what rule does the editors follow? One thing is certain: one is not enough.
Christmas has only been around for a few days and I’m already itching to grab my Christmas decorations and free the apartment from them. A few pine cones or other neutral winter favorites may remain, but for me the festival is over by the end of Boxing Day and the worst can go. Others may want to start the new year without the Christmas spirit like I do, others wait until the Epiphany on January 6th, while others celebrate the remembrance even throughout January.
Is there a golden rule at all – and how does the editorial team handle it? We asked.
When it comes to the Christmas decorations
A small decorative highlight that determines the time itself
“We’ve never had a Christmas tree because we always go to our families at Christmas. But we always set up an Advent wreath and it burns until all the candles we bought are gone. That will be the case by New Year’s Eve at the latest , then it disappears back into its box – until we look for it again in about eleven months.”
Better to get out earlier with the tree thanks to needle chaos
“We always get our Christmas tree on December 23rd at a Christmas market, which is taken down on that day. All Christmas trees can be purchased for a donation and receive a second little Christmas. But since the Christmas trees had already been at the Christmas market for four weeks, needle them accordingly quickly. So that I want to have the whole Christmas tree decorations taken down by January 1st at the latest. The decorated Christmas tree is a short pleasure with us, but it is always something very special at the time.”
Quickly get out with it for a breath of fresh air
“As nice as I think Christmas decorations are during the Advent season: Everything has to go in the new year, then I need space and air for spring cleaning – from March the Easter decorations will be on the table again.”
Contemplative until the new year
“I only have very few Christmas decorations that I get from the attic for the first Advent. These include a small red Moravian star that I hang in the window and an Advent plate for four candles made of green porcelain from the 1960s. I don’t have a specific time , when I put these Christmas companions away again. I put the Advent wreath away when the candles have burned down and the star disappears into its box sometime after New Year’s Eve. And I’m already looking forward to seeing you again next year.”
Not at all, because there aren’t any
“I haven’t actually had any Christmas decorations in my own apartment for two years. Not because I don’t think they’re pretty, but because my dog was just a puppy and ate about everything that wasn’t nailed down and in the second year my Christmas decorations buried somewhere deep in my moving boxes. In general, however, I’m more of an “early birder”. When I unpack the Christmas decorations, they are already set up at the end of November, at the latest on December 1st (including a small tree in the pot). At the latest one day before New Year’s Eve flies “But the Christmas decorations are out again. It can still remain wintry. Let’s see what keeps me from putting up decorations next year.”
Being a Grinch is ok too
“I love cheesy Christmas films, gingerbread and colorful holiday lights – in theory. Because the holidays are never as contemplative and beautiful as you would like, my anticipation is now limited. That’s why we don’t decorate at home for Christmas. The parents and in-laws are partying anyway. And when the strenuous days are finally over, we’re glad that we don’t have to pack up the decorations at home as well.”
Official: Until January 6th?
On many pages it is officially stated that the Christmas tree, Advent wreaths or other decorations may remain standing until January 6th. Because then it is Epiphany, which for many (Catholic) people is officially a sign to put away the Christmas decorations. For some federal states (Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and Saxony-Anhalt) this is even a public holiday. In addition, it also heralds the end of the rough nights.
However, a Statista survey from 2021 shows that Christmas trees often do not see the New Year. 31 percent of those surveyed wanted to dispose of their tree during the holidays. 12 percent made it New Year’s Day and a quarter Epiphany. In addition, 31 percent left the tree there afterwards, maybe until February 2nd? That is when Candlemas is celebrated, another holiday that is supposed to herald the end of the Christmas season and goes back to an old Jewish custom.
We would say: each one as it suits. It doesn’t really matter whether it’s based on a religious standard or based on your own potential for joy. If the decoration is already annoying, we say: get rid of it! And everyone else is welcome to keep the glitter of this season to themselves.
Sources used: Statista, mdr.de, erzbistum-koeln.de, ndr.de