When Should You Do It

European and American tradition dictates that the tree is actually only decorated on Chritmas Eve and then left for the 12 days of festivities that end on 6th January when the tree and decorations come down.

However during the 20th century many people dropped this idea, probably being influenced by retail stores who saw a correlation between decorations and customer spending. This has led people  to put their trees up earlier each year, but the USA has thanksgiving which acts as a natural barrier, so christmas cannot creep any earlier than than the end of November.

The average family now puts up their tree about 12-14 days before christmas.