Rather in advance or at the last minute? The date on which everyone puts up their Christmas tree is often a family affair. But did you know that there is an official date, in fact several, if we want to follow tradition?
In recent years, Christmas seems to be coming earlier and earlier into our homes (and even earlier onto store shelves). As soon as Halloween is over, the first garlands and trees appear. Two schools then oppose each other: those who immerse themselves in the Christmas spirit from November 1st and those who prefer to wait until December, or even the very last days. If you are more the type to respect tradition, certain key dates are worth remembering. But be careful, anticipating could well have unsuspected virtues! According to a study by English psychoanalyst Steve McKeown, starting to decorate your home earlier simply makes you happier. So why wait?
What is the traditional date for making your tree?
If everyone does what they want, the different traditions can still help you choose the ideal date to make your Christmas tree. The most popular traditional date is undoubtedly that of Advent Sundayi.e. the fourth Sunday before Christmas, in order to enjoy the tree throughout the month of December. In 2024, it is therefore the Sunday December 1 which will kick off the Christmas tree installations. Perfect for sticking to the opening of the first window of the Advent calendar. In the Orthodox tradition, the Christmas tree will be installed for the Saint Nicholas December 6.
Do you find this date too early to make your Christmas tree? You can turn to an 18th century English tradition which consists of making your own tree December 13, i.e. 12 days before Christmas to represent the months of the year to come. This is an ideal date if you choose a natural Christmas tree so that it is not dry on December 25th. Not all varieties last as long as each other.
Still too early? Instead, align yourself with Celtic tradition where the trees were decorated with wheat, fruits and flowers for the winter solstice, December 21. Finally, according to another tradition, it is customary to make the tree Christmas Eve with family to mark the arrival of the long-awaited day. Please note that by waiting until the last minute, you can generally get good deals on the price of trees.
Do you prefer to follow the movement and make your tree when the most beautiful specimens are revealed? The famous Rockefeller Center tree will be illuminated on December 4 in New York. In Paris, the giant fir tree from Galeries Lafayette is revealed in mid-November. The city of Paris chose November 24 for the illumination of the Champs Elysées.
When to start decorating the house?
What about home decoration then? Tradition says nothing about it! However, we note that most of the light decorations in homes or Christmas door wreaths generally appear at the very beginning of December. If the crowns are installed outside, they will have the advantage of being able to be installed before because they will last longer.
Concerning exterior lighting and garden decorations, the smartest recommend installing the garlands from November to benefit from less cold days and then lighting them only in December.
