2007-01-03 08:01:09 · 16 answers · asked by holguinmoy2001 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
There's no compulsion, but unless you belong to the Orthodox or Coptic Church, the absolute deadline is 6th January (the Feast of the Epiphany).
2007-01-03 08:09:08 · answer #1 · answered by Doethineb 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Except for commercial enterprises, proper etiquette indicates that all Christmas decorations (including the Christmas tree) should be removed from display by 1 January of the immediately-following year.
Additionally, Christmas decorations (including the Christmas tree) should never be displayed prior to the Friday following the fourth Thursday in November (i.e.: the day after "Thanksgiving").
Within these parameters, the Christmas tree may be erected and/or decorated, and displayed.
Some people designate a particular tree not felled to serve as the Christmas tree; ordinarily, this is the same tree from year to year, but it doesn't have to be.
In that case, excepting transplant, *technically* the tree is "up" for at least as long as its adult life; however, it isn't "officially" a Christmas tree except during the aforementioned "window" of time.
Although I don't think there's any specific prohibition in etiquette against so doing, most people don't designate standing dead trees as Christmas trees.
So, there's no command regarding how long a Christmas tree must remain "up" or on display; rather, the limits of manners prevent the cheapening of Christmas symbology through overuse.
On the other hand, as many have observed, Catholic people may keep it on display (depending on the particualr sect) *up to* 6 January (*technically* this means "removed by 11:59:59 PM on 5 January," though the time may be extended to anytime before sunrise on 6 January) or *through* 6 January (*technically* this means "removed by 11:59:59 PM on 6 January," though the time may be extended to anytime before sunrise on 7 January).
As certain adherents of Catholic (or Catholic-derivative) faiths have noted, there is another tradition which prohibits taking the tree down *before* Epiphany/the Feast of the Epiphany: for them, taking the tree down anytime before 7 January would be a no-no.
In 2006, some commercial enterprises in Mississippi had Christmas decorations on sale and on display during the first week of July; virtually every store put up Christmas decorations immediately after Halloween (most either skipped Thanksgiving altogether or minimized the treatment of Thanksgiving).
In 2006, most commercial enterprises in Mississippi left up "Christmas 2005" decorations through the end of January, and some stores kept Christmas decoration on display through mid-February.
2007-01-03 08:10:15 · answer #2 · answered by wireflight 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
MUST?? No requirement. Traditionally, however, many people keep their trees up for approximately 12 days past Christmas or until the Feast of the Magi. That being said, if it is a LIVE tree and dropping needles the only "must" is you MUST take it down and remove it from your home ASAP to avoid safety concerns. Just IMHO.
2007-01-03 08:11:20 · answer #3 · answered by rmt0528 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you want to leave your tree up all year long, that is your choice; however, most people take their Christmas trees down after New Years Day at the latest.
2007-01-03 08:09:28 · answer #4 · answered by earthling 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are no set rules on how long you should keep your tree up. Some take it down the day after Christmas. Some wait til Jan. 2. I know someone who actually keeps theirs up all year round and just puts different decorations on it for different holidays--even Halloween!
2007-01-03 08:11:13 · answer #5 · answered by rowdyrebelgal 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think the tree MUST be up untill New Year's. It's sort of the trees final moment to shine.
Once the new year is upon us, though it's time to say goodbye to the tree. Give it a proper burial by MLK Jr day by the absolute latest!
2007-01-03 08:09:42 · answer #6 · answered by herbal_tees 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
We put up our tree 1 wk. before Christmas and take it down Jan. 2nd. That's the way mom always did it and i have continued to do it through my life. It worked for her and works for us.
2007-01-03 12:28:39 · answer #7 · answered by lynnie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tradition says through the 12 days of Christmas, or Epiphany. (Which is when the wise men came to see Jesus.) This year, that day is January 6. Any time after that is good.
2007-01-03 08:09:00 · answer #8 · answered by Tyler's Mommy 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
If real tree keep watered and keep up 'til Jan 6th Ephiany. I f artificial keep up as long as it gives you enjoyment.
2007-01-03 08:15:42 · answer #9 · answered by bezzdekkki 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Strictly your call. If you honor or celebrate the orthodox holiday, then by all means keep it up. If you don't, then peronally I take it down after New Year.
2007-01-03 08:09:40 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋