What is the Appropriate Moment to Retrieve Your Holiday Light Decorations?
What is the Appropriate Moment to Retrieve Your Holiday Light Decorations?
Holiday decorations, specifically Christmas lights, are a common sight signalling the beginning of the festive season. While they spread joy in December, they can become bothersome if left up too long beyond the year. There isn't a specific day marked for removing Christmas lights, but many have their thoughts on the occasion. This practice varies from family to family, yet some popular days Southerners pack their holiday lights for the following year's festivities are as follows:
New Year's Day
If you're one of those individuals who prefer to take down Christmas lights on New Year's Day, you're not alone. As per Opendoor's Home Decor Report, 51% of respondents remove their Christmas decorations around New Year's Day. New beginnings signify the start of the new year, and Christmas lights carry remnants of the previous year into the new one. If you're seeking a fresh start in January, taking down your Christmas lights close to or on New Year's Day is an excellent way to begin your year positively.
Three Kings' Day
While not celebrated widely in the United States, Three Kings' Day has historical significance in the Christian faith. It represents the 12 days of Christmas, which symbolizes the time it took the wise men, or the three kings, to journey to Bethlehem for the Epiphany after Jesus' birth. The 12th day is now known as Three Kings' Day, which falls on January 6 annually.
Many believe that Three Kings' Day is the final day to leave up Christmas lights until the holiday season truly concludes. While not universally observed in the U.S., it marks the end of the Christmas celebrations globally.
Before February 1st
While a significant number take down Christmas lights by the first week of January, you won't be considered an outsider if you choose to leave them up for the rest of the month. According to the Neighbor's 2020 "Undeck the Halls" report, 33% of participants suggested that decorations should be taken down by February 1 or sooner.
Within 90 Days
While there isn't a strict date labelled for taking down Christmas lights, experts recommend a specific period for them to stay up. According to the National Fire Protection Association’s National Electric Code, Christmas lights should only be up for a maximum of 90 days to prevent electrical issues that could potentially damage your home. This timespan protects your home against potential house fires and saves money on your monthly electric bill since keeping lights on for a prolonged period can be expensive.
In relation to the wide variety of opinions on when to remove Christmas lights, Southern Living magazine often provides inspiring ideas for Christmas Decor throughout the holiday season, suggesting that some Southerners follow the tradition of packing their lights away on New Year's Day or Three Kings' Day, while others might choose to keep them up until February 1st or even within the 90-day period suggested by experts to avoid electrical issues and save on energy costs. Holidays Occasions like these offer various Holiday decorations options, including keeping Christmas lights up to celebrate the festive spirit until the appropriate occasion passes.