But are you really getting too excited if you put your tree up this week?And are you being too mean if you're making side remarks about those who have already decked their homes with bows of holly, festive flamingos and flashing lights?When is the watershed for Christmas decorations? The answer is, there isn't one. But here are some popular (and less popular) notions:Traditionally Christmas decorations went up on Christmas Eve and not before. In fact, it was bad luck to bring evergreens into the house before then.But, let's face it, who other than the super-stringent or chronically disorganised waits until then these days?This at least shows some restraint: you have waited until the beginning of December.This is also the traditional day Australians put their decorations up, ready for the beginning of what is their summer holidays.But while it's December, it still isn't Christmas, so perhaps waiting until the 1st of the month is just a token gesture to restraint.If you caved at the weekend and your tree was up while it was still November, this is where you win.

Advent, the season when Christians prepare for the celebration of Christmas, begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas - Sunday November 27 this year.Technically this is the official beginning of the build-up to Christmas, so use this as a stick to beat off your critics.best christmas lights long island 2014Some people use this argument mistakenly thinking the 12 days of Christmas lead up to Christmas Day. bedroom decor ideas tealThe 12 days of Christmas, as featured in the song, begin the day after Christmas Day, and end on Epiphany on January 6.Seen by many as a good compromise, this will also make sure your tree doesn't end up nothing more than a bald twig by Christmas Day. diy christmas decorating tips

But, again, there's no basis for it.To make things more complicated, people around the world celebrate Christmas and hang their decorations on different days.In some cultures, the decorations go up on Saint Nicholas's Day (December 6). And Eastern churches use the Julian calendar, so celebrate Christmas on what for us is January 7.In America, Christmas basically begins when Thanksgiving is over on the last Thursday in November.So, in summary, there is no set date to put your tree up. diy christmas decorating ideasJust do it when you want, and try not to be scathing when your neighbour has theirs twinkling bright halfway through November.Send us your Christmas tree pictures through Facebook and Twitter. home decor website template freeWe'll use the best online and in the paper.wedding decor rentals san antonio

You are using an older browser version. Please use a supported version for the best MSN experience. Beautiful Photos of Christmas Trees That Will Put You in the Holiday Spirit of The Active Times What drives the Christmas holiday spirit? Believe it or not, several studies have tried to find out. The answer varies with every person – some people make donations, others volunteer, and many are excited by the opportunity to see family that lives far away. But everybody loves a beautifully lit and decorated tree. View the full siteSo Christmas is over and most of you are back at work and may just want to put all the decorations away for another year – but when should you actually take them down? Sticklers for tradition would tell you that they should come down 12 days after Christmas - but they would also say you were wrong if you put them up more than 12 days before the big day. Twelfth Night is so called because traditionally Christmas was a 12-day celebration, beginning on December 25.

However, this in itself can create some confusion over which is the right day to remove all the sparkle as some will class January 6 as Twelfth Night because it is the 12th day after Christmas. Watch below: who wants to have to remove all these lights? Epiphany marks the end of Christmas, when Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist and the Three Kings came to visit bearing gifts, guided by the star which is now represented in the twinkling lights adorning our homes.Read more: Christmas is only just over and the Easter Eggs are on sale! A day sooner or later than Twelfth Night is considered unlucky, and if not removed on that day, then they should stay up all year. January 5 is observed as the last day of Christmas festivities - the eve of the Epiphany. In the past it was believed that tree-spirits lived in the greenery – such as holly and ivy – that people used to decorate their homes. While the festive season provided shelter for these spirits during the winter, they needed to be released outside once Christmas was over.

If this custom wasn't followed, greenery would not return and vegetation would not grow as a result, causing agricultural and then food problems.Read more: January blues - 19 of the worst things you have to deal with going back to work Even though Christmas decorations are now less about foliage and more about baubles, glitter, tinsel and singing Santas, many people still adhere to the superstition. As there is disagreement as to whether January 5 or January 6 is actually Twelfth Night, lots of countries end up taking down their festooned trees at different times. This can also depend on when people actually celebrate the festive season - for example in Russia Christmas Day falls on January 7. This is from the Christian tradition that tells us Jesus was born on December 25, but the Magi didn't actually arrive in Bethlehem with his presents until January 6.Read more: Tesco offers refund after customers complain glitter wrapping paper was too glittery Children were traditionally told that if you took down your decorations before the Eve of the Epiphany, the wise men might not be able to find their way - because Christmas lights represent the Star of Bethlehem which

guided them to Jesus. A number of countries in Europe follow the January 6 tradition, including the Germans, Poles and Czechs. However for some people, simply having the decorations up into the new year is too much and many will be taking them down today. Cornwall Council said it would only collect non-artificial Christmas trees in the weeks starting January 9 and January 16, advising: "Put your tree out on your normal rubbish collection day on the alternate week to your recycling collection. The trees will be collected for free and then shredded and composted."Read more: Newquay family Pie-Face and Speak Out mash up video seen by millions Alternatively you can take them to any household waste and recycling centre. There are various charity collections for Christmas cards. You can also put them in your cardboard bag as part of your household recycling collection. Only paper without a foil or plastic coating can be recycled. All sticky tape, string and ribbons should be removed. If the boxes are too big, flat pack them, tie them in a bundle and put them out next to your recycling.