Well, we're all partied out now that Christmas is over for another year and as we return to work we're wondering just when we should take down our tree and decorations.
The date to do so depends on whether you’re superstitious. Many people tend to take down their Christmas decorations before they return to work, although according to tradition they should do it on Twelfth Night. And this is January 5 - although there can be some dispute over the date, as explained below.
A day sooner or later is considered unlucky, and if not removed on Twelfth Night, then they should stay up all year.
Why is it unlucky?
January 5 is observed as the last day of Christmas festivities (the eve of the Epiphany).
In the past it was believed that tree-spirits lived in the greenery – such as holly and ivy – that people used to decorate their homes. Whilst the festive season provided shelter for these spirits during the winter, they needed to be released outside once Christmas was over.
If this custom wasn’t followed, greenery would not return and vegetation would not grow as a result, causing agricultural problems.
Even though Christmas decorations are now less about foliage and more about baubles and tinsel, people still feel uneasy about the superstition.
Do all countries follow this tradition?
No, as there is disagreement as to whether January 5 or January 6 is actually Twelfth Night, but January 6 is the day of the Epiphany. This is the Christian tradition that tells us Jesus was born on December 25, but the Magi (three kings, to you and me) didn’t actually arrive in Bethlehem with his presents until January 6. Which can happen if you rely on a star for navigation.
Christmas tradition used to tell children that if you took down your decorations before January 6, the wise men might not be able to find their way - as Christmas lights represent the Star of Bethlehem.
Lots of people in Europe follow the January 6 tradition, including Germans, Poles and Czechs.
How should I store my Christmas decorations?
We live in times of unsettled weather and we’ve heard plenty stories of people losing decades-worth of family Christmas decorations to floodwaters because of poor storage in garages and outhouses.
So if your decorations aren’t keeping with tradition and going into a loft or attic, make sure they’re stored in a watertight, plastic box - in fact, doing this wherever they are kept will protect them from damp and pests.
It’s also worth wrapping fragile Christmas ornaments in tissue paper before storage - and, of course, coiling the lights in a neat circle round your arm. Obviously the loft fairies will have tangled them into a mess by next December, but at least you can say you tried.