Christmas tree stress: it exists and I have it

Question: when do you set up the Christmas tree? And when does it ‘have to’ come down again? January 6th? After Epiphany? Who actually comes up with those unwritten rules? And why should you and I listen to them?

The rebel in me is already looking forward to a Christmas tree. And maybe that same rebel also wants to leave it up until the twelfth. I mean: the first Christmas music has officially started on Sky Radio, is that allowed then? Last week, May, Lil, and I were in London where the Christmas madness has completely taken off. Cozy lights, decorations; the whole shebang. In England, they don't know Sinterklaas, so the department stores are already full of lights. I find it confusing. So I looked for the basic rules – which you can then happily ignore, as far as I'm concerned.

So: when can you set up your Christmas tree?

A round of Google tells me that it officially depends on the region where you live and is based on the faith you adhere to. The unwritten rule is December 6th, after gift-giving night.

When does it ‘have to’ come down again?

Whenever you want. But officially no later than Epiphany, on January 6th. If you still have the tree up after Epiphany, then you're bringing bad luck into your home, according to something someone thought of a hundred years ago.

What about the meaning of the tree?

Some think this has to do with the Christian faith, but on the contrary. It has absolutely nothing to do with the Christian Christmas celebration. Really conservative Christians therefore also do not have a Christmas tree. In the Catholic Church, the triangular shape represents the Trinity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

But the Christmas tree also symbolizes something beautiful...

The Christmas tree mainly represents fertility. The idea behind it is that it is the ‘only’ tree that remains green in the barren winter when all other trees have no leaves. Therefore, the Christmas tree actually stands for new life.

And also mainly for coziness, right?

I think so. That little tree with the lights and the presents underneath, it just looks cozy. But for some, the Christmas tree has also become a status symbol. The bigger the Christmas tree, the better. Fun fact: the most expensive Christmas tree in the world was in Abu Dhabi last year and cost, especially due to the lavish decorations (gold, pearls, rubies, diamonds, even watches) 14 million euros. Ka-ching.

My advice?

Put it up when you feel like it and take it down when you’re done with the Christmas spirit and tired of the tree. Although I personally think it's quite a shame to chop down a tree, put it up decorated inside and throw it away two weeks later. Unless you have an artificial tree, of course. But again: nothing is mandatory. Do your thing; live and let live!