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As the holiday season winds down, the question of when to dismantle Christmas decorations arises. Interior designer Jennifer Jones of Niche Interiors emphasizes the importance of adhering to a timeline, advising, “I strongly encourage you to remove festive decorations in the first week of January. There’s nothing more frustrating for a designer than seeing lingering holiday displays like icicle lights and inflatable snowmen well into February. Plus, removing the Christmas tree at the same time is a good move.”
Determining the Right Time to Remove Christmas Decor: Personal Preference Matters
Etiquette expert Lisa Mirza Grotts, known as the Golden Rules Gal, offers a timeless perspective on the matter: “As long as your decorations spark joy, let them stay. However, when Epiphany arrives, it might be wise to embrace simplicity.”
Grotts further notes that while many traditionally remove decorations by Twelfth Night, there’s room for personal interpretation in this practice. “Whether it’s for the warmth of the season or the desire to welcome the new year with clarity, modern protocols allow for a more flexible approach.”
Natural decorations like wreaths and garlands have their own timelines, as they require prompt removal to maintain their freshness and prevent drooping.
Psychotherapist Braquelle Murphy, MS, LCPC, reminds us that the emotional ties to holiday decor can complicate the process of taking them down. “These decorations often evoke feelings of joy and nostalgia, making it challenging to part with them. It’s okay to take your time,” she advises. However, she also points out that for many, removing these items serves as a helpful transition back to everyday life, providing a sense of closure and an opportunity for a fresh start.
Ellen Flowers from the Perennial Style encapsulates this sentiment well: “The ideal moment to take down your decorations is truly when it feels appropriate for you and your home, whether that aligns with social expectations or personal feelings.”
As a general guideline, design experts suggest completing outdoor decoration takedown by the second week of January to uphold aesthetic standards in your neighborhood.
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www.architecturaldigest.com