Christmas tree: leave it until January for a good indoor climate

Created: 12/28/2022, 4:00 p.m

By: Joana Lück

Even if the temptation to decorate the tree is great after Christmas, there are many reasons to leave it standing for a while.

Spirits argue about how long you leave the Christmas tree up after Christmas.

In the Christian tradition, however, it is frowned upon to dispose of the tree before the Epiphany on January 6th.

We explain why this is so and what other reasons there are that speak in favor of leaving the tree longer.

Christmas: Why you should leave the Christmas tree in place until January 6th

The needles begin to trickle and the once lush green seems to be fading more and more every day.

The custom of leaving the tree after Christmas and into the New Year is becoming more and more popular.

Many only decorate the plant after Epiphany.

According to Christian tradition, the Christmas tree stays up until January 6th.

© Monkey Business 2/Imago

The so-called Rauhnächte (English: Twelve days of Christmas) are in the Christian tradition the twelve nights between December 25th and Epiphany.

Even if January 6th is only a German holiday in a few federal states, this day plays an important role in Christianity.

Also known as the Epiphany or Epiphany, the Feast of the Magi marks the arrival of Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar to the newborn Jesus.

Guided by the Star of Bethlehem, they give him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

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But in addition to the Christian tradition, there are other reasons to leave the tree at least until the New Year:

• If the tree is still attractive, it is also suitable as a decorative element when decorated.

• Organic spruces and firs ensure a good indoor climate in your living room

• The longer the tree stays with you, the drier it gets.

  And the drier the wood is, the more suitable it is as firewood for the tiled stove, fireplace or fireplace.

• If you have chosen a box tree as your Christmas tree, you can simply put it outside after you have decorated it.

Christmas: Different countries, different customs

In Sweden, the disposal of the Christmas tree is associated with a festival: Since the 17th century, people have burned their tree on St. Knut's Day on January 13th or, like in Germany, they have given it to a collection point for dead trees.

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In England, many people decorate their trees on Boxing Day, December 26th, even if this is supposed to bring bad luck.

When the time comes to decorate, you should make sure that you dispose of your tree properly and don't just throw it on the street.