To me the 24th/25th and 26th are sacred days for doing absolutely nothing other than to enjoy absolutely everything and everybody BUT I have to admit once the 27th rolls 'round I do sometimes get the urge to start divesting. Couldn't help myself this morning but I went outside and brought in the four blow ups (Santa, Frosty, Nutcracker and a Flamingo with a Christmas Hat) as they'd started to blow about (there is wind today). Came in and have them going & drying in the spare bedroom with no plans other than to pack them away. Now I'm kinda looking about the house thinking what else can go away 'yet' still let me retain the feeling of the season? I know everything will be packed away by January 1st but maybe sooner. When is your drop dead have to have it all gone by?
The tree and the window candles leave on Jan. 1st after we watch the Rose Bowl Parade. We have about 40 nativity scenes, and they get carefully packed away on the 2nd. Household decorations (candle rings, baskets of pine cones, special table runners) go when I get the urge to dust. The urge doesn't happen often . . . .
My husband's family celebrated Christmas gift giving on All Kings Day, January 6th. That was typical in his country of origin. So we leave everything up until then. I must say I am rather eager to get on with it but out of deference to his family tradition they stay up until the 6th.
The tree traditionally exits the scene to become a temporary resting place for birds on January first. This year a relative can not make an appearance till January 2nd, hence a small delay. Yesterday the tree water intake is down by 28% today it is 32%. The only seasonal decorations that remain till January 31 are the miniature window village with lighted buildings, snow covered streets and trees of holiday lights. A timely snowfall, if it happens, helps to maintain the winter spirit. The disposed houseplants resume their normal sunlit areas on February first. Jerry
Over here it should be January the 6th.Before Christmas had been celebrated there was a pagan festival round about the 17 th or 19th of December.
Bwahahaha! We took it all down yesterday! But to be fair, we have been working out a system for more than 20 years!
We have here what we call "Three Kings" as the day to break it all down. Three Kings is the 6th of januari. 6 jan is the traditional day, but a lot of folks begin the day after the second Christmas day already. Actually I will miss the colourful lights.
Sjoerd, I feel a little melancholy when we don't have the lights, nativities, decorations. But then I remind myself there is next year, with the joy of getting everything out, decorating, and making merry!
Ours has always came down on January 3rd. We leave it up until Jan. 2nd but I won't take it down on my birthday so it comes down on January 3rd. dooley
With the exception of the lights strung across the front of the house ALL is down and packed away now 'til next year and by 'now' I'm meaning the 29th December.