As the last mince pie is eaten and the final carol fades, a familiar British dilemma emerges: when is the right time to pack away the Christmas decorations? While some households embark on a post-Christmas cleanse on Boxing Day, others steadfastly keep their festive spirit alive well into the new year.
The Traditionalists vs. The Early Birds
For many, tradition dictates the schedule. Adherents to the Christian calendar often keep their decorations up until 6 January, known as Twelfth Night, marking the end of the festive season. This practice is sometimes tinged with superstition, as some folklore suggests leaving decorations up past this date can bring bad luck.
However, not everyone is swayed by tradition. Sydney-based architect Georgina Wilson prefers a clean slate for the new year, aiming to have all decorations down by 31 December. She finds it sets the tone for a "calm, uncluttered start," even if friends tease her for her efficiency.
Stacey Cabot from Brisbane and her family often take theirs down as early as 26 December, Boxing Day, using the cricket test match as a backdrop to the task. This sentiment is echoed online, where videos of early December pack-ups garner thousands of supportive comments from those eager to declutter.
Pushing the Festive Boundaries
At the other end of the spectrum, some individuals extend Christmas for as long as possible. Freelance TV producer Anthony Hawwa, known for a spectacular display featuring 7,000 bulbs, is a proud traditionalist who keeps his lights on until just after 7 January. He questions the logic of taking decorations down immediately after Christmas Day, given the flurry of social events in early January.
Yet even he is outlasted by some. Kerry Morrison, owner of an online party shop, keeps her tree up until mid-January to "drag Christmas out," while cleaning firm founder Jason Shipway reports clients in Perth who don't pack up until March, with some even leaving a bare tree up year-round.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Pack-Down
Whenever you choose to dismantle your display, organisation is key to saving frustration next December. Experts and seasoned decorators agree on several core principles for stress-free storage.
Be methodical and mindful. Jo Hayes of EtiquetteExpert.org recommends using the pack-up as a chance for reflection, not a rushed chore. Similarly, Kerry Morrison's family turns it into a reverse tradition, complete with music and Santa hats to combat the post-Christmas blues.
Invest in smart storage. Stacey Cabot employs military precision, using labelled plastic tubs, wrapping tinsel around coat hangers, and cushioning lights carefully. She also adds moisture absorbers to prevent mould. Both Georgina Wilson and electrician Daniel Vasilevski swear by labels and specific containers for different ornament types.
Prepare for next year. Vasilevski advises checking all light strands and replacing broken bulbs before storage to "save hours of guesswork" later. Wilson recommends wrapping fairy lights neatly around a spool or cardboard to avoid tangles. For complex displays like Anthony Hawwa's, creating layout documents is essential, as he admits re-learning his own setup every year.
Ultimately, whether you're a Boxing Day purger or a Twelfth Night traditionalist, the consensus is clear: a thoughtful, organised pack-down is the best gift you can give to your future self, ensuring the magic returns effortlessly next festive season.
