As the final mince pie is eaten and the last carol fades, a familiar post-Christmas dilemma emerges for households across the UK: when is the right time to dismantle the festive decorations? The centrepiece of this annual debate is, invariably, the Christmas tree.
The Traditional Date: Twelfth Night Explained
According to long-standing tradition, the most agreed-upon date to take down your Christmas tree is January 5. This day is known as Twelfth Night, marking the conclusion of the twelve days of Christmas.
The following day, January 6, is The Epiphany, a Christian feast day that commemorates the visit of the Three Wise Men to the baby Jesus. Some debate exists over whether Twelfth Night falls on the 5th or 6th, depending on whether you count from Christmas Day or Boxing Day as the first day.
Why It's Considered Bad Luck to Delay
Superstition strongly advises against leaving your decorations up beyond this point. This belief is rooted in an old legend which suggests that tree spirits take shelter in the festive greenery of holly, ivy, and the Christmas tree during the holiday period.
The folklore states that these spirits must be released once the celebrations are over. Failing to take your decorations down in time is said to trap these spirits, potentially leading to agricultural problems and food scarcity in the spring.
Modern Trends: Breaking with Tradition
Despite the traditional guidelines, modern habits are shifting. Research from the John Lewis Festive Traditions Tracker 2023 reveals that a third of people now ignore the Twelfth Night rule altogether.
Nearly 20 per cent of people now choose 'Twixmas' – the period between Christmas Day and New Year's Day – to pack everything away. For many, taking down the tree before New Year's Eve has become a popular way to start the coming year with a clean slate.
Whether your tree is a freshly-cut fir or a reusable faux model, the decision ultimately rests with you. You can follow the centuries-old custom tied to Twelfth Night and Epiphany, or join the growing number opting for an early clear-out during Twixmas. Just remember the old warning: delay at your peril, unless you fancy testing the legendary bad luck for yourself.
