We put our tree up as the family are winding down for the christmas break, work and school slows down. So the week before teens break up from school.
We are not religious in a formal way but I have hippy tendencies from time to time and enjoy the celebrations and reflection that the Christian faith gives over Christmas. Carols sung by well practised choirs in churches are transcending.
The tree is a family event, with decorations made by the kids over the years with memories and laughter with a lot of what goes on the tree. And Christmas itself is a time we are all off, no shopping or usual chores or clubs, it isn’t “over” on Boxing Day nor does it start in November.
Santa is not the one who brings magic to our house for Christmas, even when the kids were young they still had presents unopened under the tree on Boxing Day. It seems insane to me to be “right cone on you were too slow get these presents opened mum wants to dismantle the tree to vacuum now”
Personally I find having a tree up longer than the summer holidays doesn’t make those couple of weeks during the darkest time of the year special.
We have fairy lights up in the house all year round, they are pretty. So I understand that Christmas trees are pretty and cheer up a room. But you can do that and still not put a tree up beginning of November.
To me it is insane, I know it hurts no one, and trying to have a discussion about it is interesting. I understand people who might not have family around this Christmas putting a tree up early. And I understand for many the only parts of Christmas they enjoy are before the 25th, then want it over, that I don’t understand as much. But the whole of November is beyond my comprehension.