Lifestyle

When should you put up your Christmas tree and why do we have trees in our home in December?


The tradition of Christmas trees has been around for years (Picture: Artur Widak/Getty)

The festive period is finally upon us and for many that means adorning the home with Christmas decorations.

Whether a freshly-cut fir or an artificial one, nothing gets you quite in the Christmas spirit than decorating a tree.

While Christmas trees have been a tradition for centuries many are unaware how the practice began, and the role the monarchy had in popularising them.

Why are Christmas trees kept in homes?

The modern-day Christmas tree hails from 16th century Germany when Christians began setting up ‘paradise trees’ – from the story of Adam and Eve – in their homes.

At the same time families prepared wooden ‘Christmas pyramids’ which were decorated with evergreens, candles and a star.

Soon, the two merged to create the Christmas tree.

A drawing of Queen Victoria’s Christmas tree at Windsor Castle (Picture: Hulton Archive/Getty)

The Christmas tree made its way over to the UK in the early 19th century, and was popularised by Queen Victoria and her German-born husband Prince Albert – both of whom were known to love Christmas.

The Victorian trees were first embellished with ribbons, toys and small gifts, however in the turn of the 20th century intricate ornaments and decorations were adopted.

In current days, the Christmas tree is a staple in many homes over the festive period, regardless of faith, with modern use generally secular.

The modern day Christmas tree originated in Germany (Picture: Christof Stache/AFP/Getty)

When should Christmas trees be put up?

Historically, Christmas trees were put up on Christmas Eve and taken down following the Twelfth Night.

In many countries – including those in south America – trees are on display from December 8, the Day of Immaculate Conception, until early January.

However some households choose to get their tree at the beginning of Advent – four Sundays prior to Christmas Day – while others opt to hang their decorations 12 days before Christmas.

And then there are those that decide December 1 is an acceptable milestone to use for putting up the tree – as well as others who are so excited to get their tree up, it’s adorned as early as November.

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