Christmas season has a unique charm that transforms homes into little havens of festive joy. Between the twinkling lights, fresh-baked cookies, and cozy gatherings by the fireplace, there’s nothing quite like being home for the holidays. But even in this season of cheer, tensions can rise when it comes to cherished holiday traditions. Each family has their own, sometimes very particular, ideas on the right way to do things—from when to open presents to the best time for Christmas dinner. And, of course, the big question: When exactly should the Christmas tree go up? Curious about where people stand, we asked, and they certainly had opinions. Here are a few different perspectives.
Some start as early as October, using the first cool breeze as an unofficial green light for Christmas prep. Forget waiting until Halloween’s over—by mid-October, their trees are already up and twinkling, sharing space with pumpkins and fake spider webs. For them, getting into the Christmas spirit early just extends the holiday joy. Who says two months of holiday cheer is too much?
Then there’s the crowd that treats November 1 as Christmas kickoff. Once Halloween’s last candle has flickered out, it’s all about transitioning from spooky to merry. This group swaps out skeletons for Santa overnight and loves diving into two months of full-on holiday vibes. As one person put it, they’re setting up Christmas trees while handing out Halloween candy. It’s all about maintaining that festive energy year-round—whether it’s eerie or holly-jolly.
Others prefer a slightly more restrained approach, tying the tree setup to Thanksgiving festivities. For them, the tree goes up just before Thanksgiving, adding to the family gathering atmosphere. Some choose the day before Thanksgiving to start decorating, waiting until everyone arrives to hang the ornaments together. Others pick the weekend before Thanksgiving as the perfect moment, letting the tree’s glow add to the pre-Christmas gatherings. It’s about kicking off the holiday season with family, making memories as they go.
Then we have the classic traditionalists. They let Thanksgiving shine before even thinking about Christmas decorations. This group firmly believes in “one holiday at a time” and doesn’t even consider trimming the tree until Thanksgiving’s done. But once that turkey’s carved and leftovers are packed away, it’s a straight shot to Christmas mode. Many even set up the tree the day after Thanksgiving, not missing a beat in bringing on the holiday spirit.
Finally, there are those who wait until the first week of December to go all-in with decorations. They keep a little distance between Thanksgiving and Christmas, creating anticipation for the season. For these folks, setting up the tree in December helps savor each moment of Christmas, keeping it special and giving each holiday its own space to shine.
No matter the timing, the Christmas tree brings warmth, light, and a sense of wonder to every home, and each family’s tradition is a testament to the joy and individuality of the holiday season. Whether they start celebrating in October or wait until December, everyone has their own way of making the season special, adding a personal touch to the magic of Christmas.
