Too early for Christmas decorations? Mum sparks discussion after putting her tree up in October
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Even though it feels like the year only just began (or is it just us?), it'll be Christmas before we know it. So now's the time to start thinking about putting up your tree, right?
Well, that depends on who you ask. If you were following the tradition set out by the ancient peoples of Europe, you wouldn't put up your Christmas tree until just before Christmas Eve.
However, many people tend to put up their Christmas trees much earlier than that these days.
In a post on the popular Facebook group Kmart Home Decor & Hacks, an enthusiastic mother uploaded a photo of her magnificent Christmas tree and said she had no regrets about putting it up early, even though it may be against some people's 'tradition'.
'Yes, it's early. Don't come at me. Kmart made me do it,' the mum wrote in the caption of her social media post.
The woman bought the tree from an overseas retailer, Christmas Warehouse, and decorated it with ornaments from Kmart to make it look more festive and magical.
However, people in the Facebook group had different ideas about whether or not it was too soon to put the display up.
'It's too early; it's not even November, let alone December!' one user wrote in the comments section, with another agreeing and adding, 'This is beautiful but way too early…'
On the other hand, some defended the behaviour, saying that it was entirely up to the person and it is perfectly understandable to set up their Christmas tree in October.
'Never too early for some happiness,' said a third, while another went on to say: 'No such thing as too early. I put mine up two months before Christmas. What is the point of owning something so beautiful if it is only on display for a few weeks each year?'
Is there really an 'appropriate' date to put up your Christmas decorations at home?
For many people, December 1 marks the date when it is socially acceptable to put up your tree — any date before then is too early to decorate for Christmas (or so they say).
As Christmas was traditionally a Christian religious celebration, another way to determine when it's 'time' is by going by the date on which Advent begins.
Christians get ready for Christ's coming during Advent and celebrate his birth on December 25 each year.
This season usually falls between November 27 and December 3 every year (give or take a day), meaning that going by this tradition, any date after November 27 would be considered an appropriate time to start celebrating – i.e., putting up your tree and decking out your house with all things merry and bright!
Also, as most Australian schools have their break for holidays around mid-December anyway (sometimes even earlier), a lot of families use this opportunity to get into the festive spirit together before everyone scatters around for their summer getaways.
There are even studies that claim that if you choose to put up your decorations early, you're likely to be a happier person! Of course, though... times have changed.
Nowadays, as many people with a variety of beliefs from all around the world celebrate Christmas, the 'right' time to move forward with decorating tends to come down more to personal choice and preference than anything else.
So, if you want to go ahead and put yours up these days, feel free!
Here in Australia, it's also pretty commonplace to see malls and bigger stores roll out their decorations in early November already. Are those Christmas Carols we hear?
So, if you'd prefer your household festivities follow suit with what commercial establishments are doing… Well, now might be the time to get cracking on gathering those decorations!
Just don't force anyone, in particular, to help you carry/set things up earlier than they might be comfortable with (we can only imagine how frazzled some people would feel dealing with an unexpectedly huge box of baubles in October).
Otherwise, have fun crafting away at making this holiday season as merry and as bright as possible. Enjoy the next few weeks leading up to the holidays, everyone, and have fun decorating!
Now, when do YOU think it’s appropriate to start decorating for Christmas?
Well, that depends on who you ask. If you were following the tradition set out by the ancient peoples of Europe, you wouldn't put up your Christmas tree until just before Christmas Eve.
However, many people tend to put up their Christmas trees much earlier than that these days.
In a post on the popular Facebook group Kmart Home Decor & Hacks, an enthusiastic mother uploaded a photo of her magnificent Christmas tree and said she had no regrets about putting it up early, even though it may be against some people's 'tradition'.
'Yes, it's early. Don't come at me. Kmart made me do it,' the mum wrote in the caption of her social media post.
The woman bought the tree from an overseas retailer, Christmas Warehouse, and decorated it with ornaments from Kmart to make it look more festive and magical.
However, people in the Facebook group had different ideas about whether or not it was too soon to put the display up.
'It's too early; it's not even November, let alone December!' one user wrote in the comments section, with another agreeing and adding, 'This is beautiful but way too early…'
On the other hand, some defended the behaviour, saying that it was entirely up to the person and it is perfectly understandable to set up their Christmas tree in October.
'Never too early for some happiness,' said a third, while another went on to say: 'No such thing as too early. I put mine up two months before Christmas. What is the point of owning something so beautiful if it is only on display for a few weeks each year?'
Is there really an 'appropriate' date to put up your Christmas decorations at home?
For many people, December 1 marks the date when it is socially acceptable to put up your tree — any date before then is too early to decorate for Christmas (or so they say).
As Christmas was traditionally a Christian religious celebration, another way to determine when it's 'time' is by going by the date on which Advent begins.
Christians get ready for Christ's coming during Advent and celebrate his birth on December 25 each year.
This season usually falls between November 27 and December 3 every year (give or take a day), meaning that going by this tradition, any date after November 27 would be considered an appropriate time to start celebrating – i.e., putting up your tree and decking out your house with all things merry and bright!
Also, as most Australian schools have their break for holidays around mid-December anyway (sometimes even earlier), a lot of families use this opportunity to get into the festive spirit together before everyone scatters around for their summer getaways.
There are even studies that claim that if you choose to put up your decorations early, you're likely to be a happier person! Of course, though... times have changed.
Tip
Check out one of our previous articles if you're looking for a Christmas tree that won't break the bank, or are still deciding between buying a real tree or an artificial one.
Nowadays, as many people with a variety of beliefs from all around the world celebrate Christmas, the 'right' time to move forward with decorating tends to come down more to personal choice and preference than anything else.
So, if you want to go ahead and put yours up these days, feel free!
Here in Australia, it's also pretty commonplace to see malls and bigger stores roll out their decorations in early November already. Are those Christmas Carols we hear?
So, if you'd prefer your household festivities follow suit with what commercial establishments are doing… Well, now might be the time to get cracking on gathering those decorations!
Key Takeaways
- As Christmas was traditionally a Christian religious celebration, people usually go by the date on which the Church commences celebrating the pending birth of Jesus on Christmas Day: the beginning of Advent.
- As many people with a variety of beliefs and backgrounds now celebrate Christmas all around the world, the right time to put up and take down your holiday decorations these days tends to come down to personal choice and preference.
- It's pretty common to see Christmas decorations start popping up in malls and department stores in early November, so if you want to follow that lead, you can put yours up now.
Otherwise, have fun crafting away at making this holiday season as merry and as bright as possible. Enjoy the next few weeks leading up to the holidays, everyone, and have fun decorating!
Now, when do YOU think it’s appropriate to start decorating for Christmas?