How Soon is Too Soon for Christmas Lights? Christmas Tree?
Christmas decorations are starting to go up earlier every year. Outdoor Christmas lights, decorations, Christmas tree. How early is TOO early to decorate for Christmas?
Is it ok to turn on your outdoor Christmas lights before Thanksgiving or do you need to wait until December? While this is a controversial topic, many agree it is ok to turn on Christmas lights in mid-November. In recent years, those with an artificial tree can start after Halloween.
If you are ready for some holiday cheer, you might want to keep reading to determine if it’s time to change out your fall decor for the festive season of Christmas.
See more posts about Christmas as well as outdoor spaces.
Why Do People Put Up Christmas Lights So Early?
More and more people are getting extravagant lighting on the exterior of their home.
This often means homeowners need to hire Christmas lighting companies to assist with the installation as individuals do not have the proper equipment to safely complete the job.
In order for the companies to squeeze in all of their customers, early bird discounts are frequently provided for those willing to install their lights early.
My neighborhood had MANY homes that had lights on the exterior of their houses prior to 1st November to get the discounted rate, but opted to just leave them off.
Of course in modern neighborhoods with an HOA, it is best to look through the rules of the homeowners’ association to make sure that is even allowed.
Is October Too Early to Decorate for Christmas?
Yes, October is thought to be too early to pull out the Christmas decor, even the outdoor lights.
As previously mentioned, if you find it is better weather OR you get a good deal to install early, by all means, go ahead and put them up in October. But, just leave the lights off for a little while longer.
Don’t even think about September:) You might want to read when you should decorate for fall!
Is November too Early to Decorate for Christmas?
Starting the Christmas countdown happens for most Americans in November.
When I asked Alexa, she told me “the day after the Thanksgiving holiday” (Black Friday) is when individuals should start decorating for Christmas.
Another popular time is mid-November.
Most would agree that anything before Nov 7-8 is a bit early for turning on your outdoor Christmas lights.
I love to wrap outdoor trees with lights in the front yard when the weather is still nice in Missouri. This usually means well before 1st December.
Christmas Tree: How Soon Is Too Soon?
I am of the opinion that you can decorate the interior of your home for Christmas when you feel led to do so as it’s your house!
Having a real tree vs. an artificial tree will certainly have an impact, though.
A live tree put up too early runs the risk of not lasting until Christmas Day and can become a fire hazard if allowed to get dry. Plus, needles will begin to fall from evergreen trees after time.
So, those with a real tree may wish to wait until at least the beginning of December before putting up their tree.
Some even wait until Christmas Eve to put up real trees as this is their Christmas tradition.
Many homes prefer to decorate on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day. This is referred to as the first day of the Advent.
I think you are getting the idea that there is personal preference involved as well as tradition when deciding on the right time to put up your Christmas tree.
As long as the tree is up before Santa comes Christmas morning, I think you are fine!
READ: 10 Advent Calendar Ideas – Plus What to Put in the Drawers
Is There Any Science Behind When To Put Christmas Lights Up?
According to the American Christmas Tree Association (yes, that is a thing!), decorating for Christmas can be helpful for mental health. They indicate that decorating earlier in the year (i.e., November) can boost moods and help with depression.
We have all been through a lot with the recent pandemic. So, I think a positive neurological shift and boost in a feel-good hormone is exactly what we need after the last couple of years.
“Putting up things that are colorful, things that smell good, things that kind of evoke nostalgia and good memory cause happiness in our brain kind of gives us a dopamine hit, which is really the feel good neurotransmitter,” said Dr. Sarah Adler, a psychologist at Stanford Health Care.
by David Louie via ABCNews.com
Decorating in November doesn’t have to mean forgetting about Thanksgiving. Find a way to incorporate both!
You can light some fall candles and Christmas scented candles at the same time and enjoy!
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FAQ
The day after Thanksgiving is the recommended time to begin decorating for Christmas. However, many begin putting up outdoor Christmas lights in mid-November.
Many take down their Christmas tree on New Year’s Day. Some traditions feel it is bad luck to leave Christmas decor up beyond January 6.
The majority of individuals in America stop using their outdoor Christmas lights after the first week of January.
