When is it Acceptable to Put Up a Christmas Tree? November or December?

Families have a variety of traditions when it comes to decorating their homes for the holiday season. Some choose to follow family-specific customs, while others keep to more societal norms. For instance, my grandfather would go out on Christmas Eve and get the tree, while my mother and her sister would be fast asleep. Similarly, when I was younger, we'd get our tree and set it up the weekend before Christmas. There were years when my brother, sister, and I took the task seriously, even staying up past our usual bedtime to help set up the tree.

Beyond Family Traditions: Personal and Cultural Practices

While personal and family traditions play a significant role, there are several common perspectives on when it's acceptable to put up a Christmas tree, particularly in the context of November or December.

November

Many families start decorating for Christmas after Thanksgiving, often on the weekend following it. This approach allows them to enjoy the festive spirit for an extended period. Some people choose to put up their trees earlier in November, especially if they want their decorations to last longer.

December

Traditionally, December is a popular time to put up a Christmas tree. This is particularly seen after the start of Advent, which is four Sundays before Christmas. Advent preparation sets the tone for the joy and anticipation that mark the holiday season.

Ultimately, it's a Matter of Personal Preference

Whether you put up your tree in November or December, it comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy the festive atmosphere and want to get into the spirit early, putting up a tree in November can be perfectly acceptable! Moreover, you can choose to be as creative and flexible as you wish. For example, my wife and I often didn't have a tree when she was growing up. As a result, we started a tradition of going out to get one the day after Thanksgiving. We often ended up being the first ones at the local nursery.

Proper Tree Placement and Maintenance

When it comes to timing, there are some practical considerations, such as the lifespan of a fresh tree. A fresh tree should not be put up before December 1st, and should generally not be kept indoors for more than 1.5 weeks due to the risk of drying out. Needles will start to fall out, and watering will only help to a certain extent. If you have a fresh tree, wait until December 1st to decorate for the best results.

For those with artificial trees, it's best to put them up in November and take them down in early February. We have a small house, and every year we put up at least one tree for Thanksgiving. Keeping the tree inside for too long can obstruct traffic and cause inconvenience. An artificial tree is a great option if you want to enjoy the festivities for an extended period.

Storing Your Christmas Tree Outside

If you prefer to keep your tree outside, you can do so until you're ready to decorate. You can purchase a tree and leave it in the garage or outside until December 1st. This way, you can ensure it stays fresh and healthy until you're ready to bring it inside and decorate.

Whether you follow traditional timing or opt for an earlier or later start to your holiday decorating, remember that there are no hard and fast rules. The most important thing is to enjoy the festivities and the time spent with your loved ones. So, put up your tree whenever it feels right and create memories that will last a lifetime.