When To Put Up A Real Christmas Tree

There are many different opinions on the best time to put up a real Christmas tree. Traditionally, Christmas trees were put up on the 22nd or 23rd of December, or even as late as Christmas Eve. However, in recent years, people have been putting up their Christmas trees earlier and earlier, with some sources suggesting that the last weekend of November is becoming an increasingly popular time.

If you're buying a real tree, it's important to consider how long it will last. On average, a real Christmas tree will last for around five weeks, so if you put your tree up at the end of November, it should easily survive until Christmas Day. However, the British Christmas Tree Growers Association advises that real trees should not be purchased before the 1st of December, as they should survive for at least four weeks.

Ultimately, the decision of when to put up your Christmas tree is a personal preference, and there is no right or wrong answer.

The best time to buy a real Christmas tree

Traditionally, Christmas trees were put up on the 22nd or 23rd of December, or even on Christmas Eve. However, in recent years, the last weekend of November has become an increasingly popular time to put up Christmas trees, marking the beginning of the Advent festivities.

If you're looking for a real Christmas tree, it is generally recommended to purchase one no earlier than the 1st of December. The British Christmas Tree Growers Association advises that trees should not be purchased earlier than this date, as they should survive for at least four weeks. With proper care, real Christmas trees can last for around five weeks.

One source suggests that mid-November is the ideal time to buy a real Christmas tree, as Christmas tree farms typically open during this time and start cutting trees for lot sales. By buying a tree in mid-November, you may have a wider selection of higher-quality trees to choose from.

Another factor to consider is the availability of Christmas trees in your area. Every year is different, and natural disruptions such as insects, disease, fire, drought, or ice can cause regional Christmas tree shortages. Therefore, it is essential to plan and purchase your tree early to pick from the best selection.

Ultimately, the best time to buy a real Christmas tree depends on your personal preferences and circumstances. If you want to ensure your tree lasts through the holiday season, buying it closer to December is a safer bet. However, if you want a wider selection of high-quality trees, mid-November may be the best time to shop.

How to care for a real Christmas tree

Let your tree relax

Samuel Lyle, owner of Christmas tree company Pines and Needles, explains that "Christmas trees are pretty hardy so they will happily sit in a bucket of water outside your door for two or three days before you bring it in". He recommends letting your tree relax outside before you bring it in, once you've snipped away the netting.

Water your Christmas tree

Your tree needs a lot of water – around two to three pints a day. Place your tree in plain water, not soil or sand, which would block the pores in the bark. A specially designed Christmas tree stand is best. It's important to keep the water topped up, as once the water level drops below the tree's trunk, sap will re-seal the bark within a few hours, preventing the tree from drinking any further water.

Prepare the trunk

Just before you install your tree, saw off the bottom inch (around 3cm) of the trunk. This creates a fresh cut and opens up the pores in the bark, which can otherwise block up with sap within a few hours of being cut. The tree can then drink water through these pores via capillary action.

Keep it away from any heat sources

Position your Christmas tree away from radiators and fireplaces. Heat will dry out your tree faster, so the further away from heat sources, the better.

Be mindful of timing

Try not to expose your tree to sudden changes in temperature. Samuel Lyle says, "trees, like most people, are creatures of habit and prefer steady conditions". He adds, "it's important to remember that trees are natural, living things. Once they are cut, they begin to die. They'll last for around five weeks. Make sure to time the arrival of your tree with this in mind so you can get the most out of it."

Christmas tree decorations

While there is no right or wrong time to put up Christmas decorations, there are several traditions and beliefs surrounding the best time to start decorating.

In the Victorian era, Christmas trees were typically put up much later in December, often on Christmas Eve afternoon. Some people still follow this tradition, and in recent years, the last weekend of November has become an increasingly popular date to put up a tree. However, the British Christmas Tree Growers Association advises against purchasing a real tree before 1 December, as it may not survive for the whole festive period.

Some people like to start decorating as soon as Halloween ends on 31 October, embracing the 1st of November as the start of the festive season. Others may opt to put up their decorations 12 days before Christmas, turning their homes into a festive wonderland from 13 December.

There are several benefits to putting up Christmas decorations early. Firstly, it can extend the excitement of the festive season and evoke feelings of happiness and childhood magic. Secondly, it can improve your mood and create a neurological shift that boosts dopamine levels, making you feel good. Thirdly, from a practical standpoint, buying a tree earlier in November will give you a wider selection of higher-quality trees to choose from.

When it comes to decorating your Christmas tree, the options are endless. You can choose from a variety of ornaments, including traditional options like Santa, snowmen, nativity scenes, and gingerbread houses, or more modern choices like pets, food, and special occasion ornaments. Don't forget to add some ribbon, flocking, and lights to complete the look. You can also hang ornaments around the house, on hooks, stands, or wreaths, or display them in a bowl as a centrepiece.

To add texture and sparkle to your tree, consider using picks and sprays, or opt for ribbons and garlands. Choose a beautiful tree topper that suits your decorating theme, such as a classic angel or star, or something more modern like a floral bouquet or lighted snowflake. Finish the look with a luxurious tree skirt or a unique tree collar to hide the base of the tree and create a cohesive aesthetic.

Christmas tree history

The tradition of the Christmas tree dates back to 16th-century Germany, where Christians brought decorated trees into their homes. The custom is believed to have originated with Protestant Christians in Central Europe, particularly Germany, Livonia (now Estonia and Latvia), and other Baltic states. The trees were adorned with "roses made of coloured paper, apples, wafers, tinsel, and sweetmeats".

The Christmas tree tradition is often associated with Martin Luther, the leader of the Protestant Reformation movement in the 1500s. Legend has it that he was inspired by the stars in the night sky and wanted to recreate the scene in his home using candlelight. The Moravian Christians, who followed Luther, began to illuminate Christmas trees with candles, which were eventually replaced by electric lights after electrification.

The Christmas tree tradition was introduced to England in the early 19th century by Queen Charlotte, who hosted a party with a Christmas tree in 1800. However, it was Queen Victoria and her German husband, Prince Albert, who popularised the custom in the mid-19th century. An 1848 illustration of the royal family gathered around a Christmas tree further encouraged its adoption in middle and upper-class homes.

The Christmas tree tradition then spread to North America, brought by Hessian soldiers stationed in Quebec in 1781 and German immigrants in the 17th and 18th centuries. By the 19th century, Christmas trees were all the rage in the United States, and the tradition was embraced by various social classes.

Today, Christmas trees are a global phenomenon, with people putting up real or artificial trees in their homes and public spaces to celebrate the festive season. While the timing varies, many people now opt to put up their Christmas trees earlier, marking the beginning of the festive season and extending the holiday cheer.

Christmas tree alternatives

While there is no right or wrong answer to when you should put up your Christmas tree, traditionally, Christmas trees were put up much later in December, often on the afternoon of Christmas Eve. In recent years, the last weekend of November has become an increasingly popular date to put up the tree.

If you're buying a real Christmas tree, the British Christmas Tree Growers Association advises that trees should not be purchased earlier than the 1st of December, as the tree should survive for at least four weeks.

Now, if you're looking for some Christmas tree alternatives, there are plenty of creative options to choose from:

• Cactus Christmas Tree: Deck out a cactus with all the festive trimmings. The best part is that it can be part of your decor long after the holidays are over!
• Artful Christmas Tree: Forget the tree and showcase your ornaments on cup hooks attached to a painted piece of plywood.
• Cardboard Christmas Trees: Cut cardboard boxes into tree shapes and connect them through a center slit. Then, adorn them with lights and poke holes at the ends of each "branch" to add ornaments.
• Kraft Paper Christmas Tree: String lights on the inside of kraft paper and punch holes in the paper to let the lights twinkle through.
• Hanging Ring Christmas Tree: Use rings of various sizes, such as embroidery hoops or wreaths, and tie them together with ribbon or string to create a tree shape. Ornaments can be tied to the rings or hung from punched holes.
• 3D Gingerbread Christmas Trees: Opt for a tiny forest of gingerbread trees decorated with pretty sprinkles and candies.
• Pinecone and Dried Fruit Christmas Tree: Create a rustic Christmas tree using a cone-shaped styrofoam form, a few pinecones, dried fruit, and a little hot glue.
• Gift Box Christmas Tree: Stack beautifully wrapped gifts or big empty boxes in the shape of a tree.
• Book Christmas Tree: Arrange a few books and a strand of garland or lights to form a charming Christmas tree for your reading nook.
• Wooden Dowel Christmas Tree: Cut a wooden dowel into graduated sizes to create a triangle "tree" shape. Glue fresh evergreen branches or rosemary to the dowels and attach them to the wall.
• Branch Christmas Tree: String various-sized branches together with rope and hang ornaments from the branches. Top it off with a rustic-inspired star.
• Washi Tape Christmas Tree: Create a tree design on a blank wall using patterned washi tape and attach strings of ornaments.
• Mini Christmas Tree Village: Dust a handful of small faux conifers with white paint to create a snowy mantelpiece display.
• Foraged Branch Christmas Tree: Take a walk and gather some uniquely shaped foliage branches. Coat them in paint and hang your favourite ornaments from the branches.
• Feather Christmas Tree: Go vintage with a feather tree instead of a bigger evergreen. Adorn it with antique ornaments for a retro look.
• Icicle Christmas Tree: Assemble acrylic dowel rods in the shape of a tree and adorn it with icicle ornaments and silver baubles for a wintery aesthetic.
• Wall-Mounted Christmas Tree: Outline a Christmas tree on your wall with hooks and lay pieces of lush garland on top. Decorate it as you would a normal tree.
• PVC Pipe Christmas Tree: Attach PVC pipes in different sizes to a piece of wood in the shape of a Christmas tree. Fill each pipe with ornaments, toys, bows, and more.

Frequently asked questions