Grace Thompson
There is no strict rule for when Catholics should take down their Christmas decorations, but there are several dates that Catholics consider appropriate. Some Catholics take down their decorations after the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6, while others wait until the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas, on February 2. The latter is the last day that the Vatican keeps its Christmas tree and crèche in St. Peter's Square in Rome.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recommended date to take down Christmas decorations | End of the Church's liturgical season of Christmas |
| Latest date to take down Christmas decorations | 2nd February |
| Latest date to take down the Nativity scene | 2nd February |
| Date of the feast of the Epiphany | 6th January |
| Date of the feast of the Baptism of the Lord | 7th January 2024 |
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What You'll Learn
There is no strict rule for Catholics
One tradition is to keep the decorations up until the end of the Church's liturgical season of Christmas. The liturgical season of Christmas ends with the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord, which falls on the first Sunday after January 6. In 2025, the last Christmas weekday is January 11, which is the Friday after the first Sunday after January 6. Thus, Catholics who follow this tradition may choose to keep their Christmas decorations up until at least January 11, 2025.
Another tradition is to keep the decorations up until Candlemas, also known as the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, which falls on February 2. On this day, Catholics bring candles to the church to be blessed, and it marks the end of the Christmas season. Some Catholics may choose to keep their decorations up until this date to extend the Christmas celebrations.
In terms of putting up Christmas decorations, there is also no strict rule for Catholics. Some Catholics may choose to put up their Christmas tree and decorations during Advent, leaving the tree undecorated until closer to Christmas. Others may wait until Gaudete Sunday, the third week of Advent, or even later, with some starting to decorate just a week before Christmas Eve. Ultimately, the decision of when to put up and take down Christmas decorations is a personal one for Catholics, based on their own traditions, customs, and spiritual needs.
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Some leave them up until Candlemas
While there are no strict rules on when Catholics should take down their Christmas decorations, some choose to leave them up until Candlemas, which falls on 2 February. This is considered the last day of the Christmas celebrations and is marked by a number of traditions.
Candlemas is a Christian feast that has been celebrated since the 4th century AD. It is also known as the Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple and the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary. Traditionally, Christians bring their candles to their local church to be blessed and then used for the rest of the year. These blessed candles are a symbol of Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the Light of the World.
In some countries, such as Belgium, France, and Switzerland, it is customary to eat pancakes or crêpes on Candlemas. This tradition is said to have originated with Pope Gelasius I, who distributed pancakes to pilgrims arriving in Rome. In other places, such as Scotland, Candlemas is marked by schoolchildren drinking punch, eating biscuits, and making small monetary gifts to the headmaster.
In terms of Christmas decorations, some Catholics choose to leave up their Nativity scenes until Candlemas. This is based on the tradition that manger scenes should not be put away until this feast, which marks the end of the Christmas cycle. Leaving decorations up until Candlemas extends the Christmas season and allows Catholics to continue celebrating the joy of the season.
Ultimately, the decision of when to take down Christmas decorations is a personal one, and Catholics may choose to follow family traditions or adapt to practical considerations. However, leaving decorations up until Candlemas provides a meaningful way to conclude the Christmas season and participate in ancient Christian traditions.
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The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord is on February 2nd
The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas Day, falls on February 2nd, 2025. This feast has been celebrated by Christians since the 5th century and holds great significance in the Church's liturgy.
The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord commemorates two important events in the life of Jesus Christ: the presentation of Jesus in the Temple, and his encounter with Simeon and Anna. According to the Gospel of Luke, 40 days after the birth of Jesus, Mary and Joseph took him to the Temple in Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, following Jewish law and ritual purification practices. This presentation also served as a ritual redemption for Jesus, as he was offered to God in the Temple.
The encounter between Simeon, Anna, and Jesus is significant as it represents the meeting of the Old and New Testaments. Simeon, an ageing prophet, and Mary, a young mother, give thanks for the light of Christ that shines in the darkness. This light is seen as a revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of Israel. The lit candles used during the feast symbolise Simeon's prophecy that Jesus is this light.
The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord is also a day to honour those in humble service, reflecting on the humility of Mary, the virginity of Our Lady, and the poverty of the holy spouses. It is considered a joint memorial of both Son and Mother, recognising their obedience to God's law.
In terms of Christmas decorations, there is no strict rule for Catholics on when to take them down. However, some Catholics choose to keep their decorations up until the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2nd, following the medieval tradition of a longer Christmastide. This day also coincides with Groundhog Day, a secular tradition celebrated by both children and adults.
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The Christmas season ends with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord
The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord is a significant day in the Christian calendar, marking the end of the Christmas season and the beginning of Ordinary Time. This feast day commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by John the Baptist.
The date of this feast is not fixed; it is usually celebrated on the Sunday after Epiphany. However, if Epiphany falls on January 7th or 8th, the feast is celebrated on the following Monday. In 2025, Epiphany will fall on January 6th, meaning the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord will be celebrated on Sunday, January 12th. This date marks the end of the Christmas season for Catholics, and so it is considered appropriate to take down Christmas decorations after this date.
The Christmas season is a time of celebration and reflection for Catholics. During this period, Catholics may adore the Child of Bethlehem, lying in a manger, and venerate Mary as the Mother of God on New Year's Day. They may also reflect on the manifestation of Jesus to the Magi and celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany.
While some Catholics may choose to take down their Christmas decorations on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, others may keep them up until Candlemas or the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2nd. Ultimately, the decision of when to take down Christmas decorations is up to the individual or family, and there is no strict right or wrong answer.
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The Christmas tree is neither sacramental nor part of liturgy
While there are no strict rules regarding when Catholics should put up and take down their Christmas trees, the liturgical calendar offers some guidance. Unlike an Advent wreath, a Christmas tree is neither sacramental nor part of the liturgy. Therefore, there is no right or wrong answer regarding when a Catholic should put up or take down their Christmas tree.
Some Catholics may choose to set up their Christmas tree right after Thanksgiving, while others may wait until Christmas Eve to respect the season of Advent as a time of quiet and preparation for the coming of Christ. Similarly, there are no strict rules regarding when to take down the tree, but some Catholics may choose to keep their decorations up until the feast of the Lord's baptism on January 8 or even until February 2, which is the last day the Vatican keeps up its Christmas tree and crèche in St. Peter's Square in Rome.
One option for setting up the Christmas tree is to wait until Gaudete Sunday, the "pink" Sunday of the third week of Advent. This is when the church's prayers specifically tell us to rejoice in the closeness of Jesus' upcoming birthday. Another liturgically fitting day to set up the tree could be December 17, one week before Christmas Eve, when the church starts praying the "O antiphons" before the Gospel at daily Mass and before the "Magnificat" prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours.
When deciding when to take down their Christmas tree, Catholics can use a similar sense of liturgically informed prudential decision-making. Some may choose to take down their tree a day or two after Christmas, while others may keep it up until the feast of the Epiphany on January 6 or even until Candlemas on February 2, following the medieval tradition of a longer Christmastide. Ultimately, the decision of when to put up and take down Christmas decorations depends on each family's particular holiday traditions and spiritual needs.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no strict rule on when Catholics should take down their Christmas decorations. Some people take them down after the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6, while others wait until Candlemas on February 2.
The Feast of the Epiphany, or Three Kings' Day, marks the end of the 12 days of Christmas.
February 2 is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas. On this day, Catholics bring candles to church to be blessed and it is considered the last day of the Christmas season.
Yes, the decision on when to take down Christmas decorations may depend on family traditions and spiritual needs. Some Catholics may also take down their Christmas tree earlier for safety reasons, such as if it starts shedding a lot of pine needles.
