Is it time to take down the Christmas tree?

 When do you take apart your Christmas tree, stowing lights and ornaments and setting the furniture back in place?

Mine’s already done, although that’s a little earlier than usual. How early is too early?

 

Many people wait till after Twelfth Night to dismantle their Christmas trees.

This church holiday, also known as Epiphany or Three Kings Day and celebrated annually on January 6, marks the arrival of the trio of wise men (or magi) to welcome and honor the infant Christ. Some Christians also recall Jesus’ baptism (as an adult) on this occasion

Other folks un-decorate and remove their Christmas trees on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day.

 

My tree came down a few days early by either measure.

This was a weird year for sure – in so many ways. From pandemic to politics, distances from person to person became painfully evident.

 

I love Christmas. It’s one of my favorite times of the whole year.

Perhaps that’s why I put up my Christmas tree and decorate my home for Yuletide as soon as the Thanksgiving dishes are done. True story: We are still eating turkey leftovers each year, while lighting the Christmas tree.

Usually, I leave the tree up and lit (even if the ornaments are packed) through New Year’s Day. Sometimes we are hunkered down with a blizzard. Or we may host a family gathering. So the holiday festivities and feelings linger at least that long.

 

But again, this year feels different.

My Christmas tree is neatly stashed in its appointed tote, tucked away in the basement for next year. The holiday ornaments are packed and stowed as well. The colorful wreath still hangs on the front door, although its storage box stands ready. Soon, it will be replaced by my more subtle winter grapevine/floral version.

The wrapping paper rolls are tucked away (with the bigger ones hidden in the Christmas tree tote. The ribbons are boxed. The cookies are gone, and the holiday cookie cutters are tinned for next year in an old Christmas popcorn bucket.

Somehow it feels good to simplify my décor and reorganize my home, even before the New Year rolls in.

Maybe it’s one way of marching on from an abundantly difficult 2020 into the promise of finding brand-new opportunities and options (including vaccines and values) in 2021.

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