December arrives in small steps, and with it that almost instinctive need to fill the house with lights, colors and the scent of celebration. There are those who begin to hear the call of the tree right from the first cold weather: they take it out, unravel the lights, arrange the baubles. And the house immediately changes face, takes on another turn, becomes warmer. More alive. But when should the tree really be built? And when should it be removed? And above all: how can it be stored well for next year?
There are those who bring it out almost instinctively, at the end of November, and those who wait to feel that Christmas pinch that arrives punctually with the Immaculate Conception. Still others wait until the last second, perhaps with the first jingles on TV in the background. No choice is better than the other, but knowing when and how to move can remove some doubts — and a lot of stress.
And then, let’s face it: there are moments that seem made especially for putting up the tree. A gloomy Sunday, perhaps, when it’s raining outside and inside you just want cuddles and fairy lights. In some cases, you don’t even need a calendar: your heart is enough.
When the Christmas tree is put up (and why that date changes from city to city)
Every December brings with it a simple but recurring question: when does the tree get built? The Catholic tradition suggests theDecember 8thfeast of the Immaculate Conception. In many Italian families, it is the day when the boxes are reopened, the lights are unraveled and the usual struggle with the electrical socket begins. But every corner of Italy has its history. TO Milanofor example, Christmas begins on December 7con Saint Ambrose. On that date, the Duomo lights up and the Milanese houses follow the wave. Further south, a Barithere are those who anticipate it by another day: Saint NicholasDecember 6th, is the perfect time to start the decorations.
And then there are the romantics, those who wait for the Winter Solsticebetween December 21st and 22nd. A choice that comes from afar, when the return of light and the beginning of a new cycle was celebrated. A bit like saying: the tree lights up when you really feel the need. In short, between religious traditions, local customs and personal choices, one thing is certain: there is no wrong date. And after all, who has never succumbed to the temptation to anticipate, just to enjoy that unique atmosphere a little longer?
When to remove the Christmas tree (guilt-free)
Putting it together is fun. Taking it apart, well… a little less. Yet even here there is a symbolic date that acts as a watershed: the January 6day of Befana. It is there that, in many homes, the Christmas period officially ends.
However, some people like to prolong the times. Maybe until February 2for the Candlemas. An ancient anniversary, accompanied by the saying: “For Candlemas, let’s leave the winter behind.” Translated: if you really don’t feel like turning off the lights, you can wait a little longer.
In any case, no rush. There is no official regulation to follow, nor a voice-over to judge. There is only one house that slowly returns to normal. And if that tree stays lit a few more days… never mind.
The important thing is to face it calmly, without turning it into another task to check off. After all, Christmas also serves to remind us that every now and then we can slow down.
How to store the tree and decorations (without going crazy)
Once the holiday season is over, the moment of truth arrives: where do I put all this?
The answer is simple, but method is needed. The tree goes folded delicatelywithout forcing the branches. If possible, better wrap it in plastic and put it back in its original box. Or something similar, as long as it’s comfortable.
The decorations, then, deserve special care. The balls they are delicate luci they twist in an instant and ribbons they bend which is a pleasure. The best strategy? Every piece goes individually wrapped in paper (the kitchen one is fine too), then slipped it in padded bags or little boxes with a little cotton wool. A painstaking but future-saving job.
What if there is little space at home? No drama. There are smart solutions like i temporary boxeslike those of Casaforte – The Hotel of Things. These are safe deposits, under video surveillance, where you can place the tree, the nativity scene and everything else. Out of sight, but ready to make a comeback next December.
Even objects, after all, need a quiet corner where they can wait for better times. If they could talk, some trees would perhaps say: thank you, see you next year.
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