Is 1 December the best time to put your Christmas tree and decorations up? Not everyone here could agree on the right time to make the effort – especially those with pets!
I’d agree with anyone who says November is too early for Christmas decorations, but as soon as the clock ticks over to 1 December it’s a different story!
I’m all for maximising the life-span of Christmas decorations. After all, trees and lights often don’t come cheap, so it’s nice to feel like you’re getting your money’s worth as well as getting into the festive spirit!
With the 25th little over three weeks away, having the tree and other decorations up for as long as possible helps build a sense of anticipation and atmosphere that’s unique to the season.
Going home for Christmas
Things are a little different for me this year. I (finally) moved over the summer, so I’m going to need to pick up some decorations for the flat. Incidentally, if anyone has any recommendations for a flat-sized, fake tree do let me know!
And that’s another debate in itself; do you prefer a real Christmas tree (and the maintenance that comes with it)? Or is a plastic one more of a hassle-free way to go?
But back to when to put your decorations up – I asked around the office and opinions were mixed.
One person told me they hadn’t put decorations up for a decade! While others head back to their family homes, so see little reason to spend time putting decorations up, only to be away for the majority of the time.
But I did manage to find one person who agreed with me! Lucy said:
I normally prefer to wait to put my christmas decorations up, but this year I am counting down the days! I’ll be putting my decorations up over the weekend. That way I’ll get just over three weeks to enjoy the decorations, lights, christmas jumpers and mince pies.
Curious cats
Another common theme from the responses I received was troublesome pets – especially cats! It’s no great surprise they’re attracted to decorations, particuarly traditional Xmas baubles.
It seems that cats wreaking Christmas-tree havok is so widespread that Argos is even selling a ‘half tree’! Thanks to Oscar for pointing this one out:
@GeorgeRobMartin cat proof? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/bz3CTvKzHF
— Oscar Webb (@owebb) November 30, 2018
Alex has also had a few issues with her dogs:
I normally put mine up the week before Christmas because I have to venture into the loft to get my Christmas tree out and I absolutely dread that. Otherwise, I would do it as early as possible. We can’t have anything hanging off the tree too low otherwise one of our dogs will try to eat it!
So, will you be putting your Christmas tree and other decorations up this weekend? Have you had any issues with troublesome pets over the festive season?
Let us know if you prefer to keep your decorations up for as long as possible, or if you just prefer to get it all out of the way.