Christmas: When is the right time to put the Christmas tree up?

5th December 2010, Kingston-Upon-Hull, Yorkshire, UK.

In the UK traditionally people do not put up the Christmas Tree and begin to decorate their homes until about 12 days before Christmas. If you follow this tradition then the reverse happens by the 6th January, which is 12 days after Christmas. It is traditionally unlucky to have any sign of Christmas, by way of tress, Christmas cards and decorations, showing after this date.

In other parts of the world, such as Germany, the tree is not erected and decorated until the 24th December 2010, or Christmas Eve. Some people in the UK abide by this also. This is probably good news if you always purchase a real tree. Erect such a tree too early and you will be picking up pine needles the next summer. Yes, I know they are treated these days but dropping needles can still be a problem.

When we had a post Christmas vacation to Cyprus one January we saw evidence of Christmas well into February. Trees and street decorations were left lingering on and on.

As I usually have an artificial Christmas tree, or two, I tend to go for early in December. The effort it takes to get the gear out of the loft of our home, hubby's job, clean, mess about and do the deed, all my jobs, deserves being enjoyed for a month at least.

These days many people in the UK do the same. This means though, that, especially as now we have New Year's Day on leave from work, 1st January is when most of Christmas disappears. I guess the early start means that by 1st January the glitz is looking a little shabby. After all some people have their Christmas trees out by late November!

With such bad weather this last week in the UK I had not quite decided what to go for this year. However, I noticed one or two hints of Christmas appearing and decided to follow suit. The deep snow certainly made it look Christmassy. This year, despite having a small home, we have three trees. Over the top? Yes, but who cares.

The smallest fibre optic lit one is in my kitchen. It belonged to my hubby's late mother. We do not usually decorate the house apart from trees, cards and a few small sentimental things. I have an old glass decoration which belonged to my grandma, who died before I was born, for example.

The snow is slowly going today although more is forecast. This means that the light on my forsythia tree will have to wait a little longer. However, sat indoors with the tree lights ablaze it feels like Christmas already. I am going to write my Christmas cards today to complete the picture. When will you join me, or have you beaten me to it already?