Some folks swear by the old-school rule: the first Sunday of Advent, or December 1st, whichever comes first. It’s a neat, tidy marker, like putting up the tree only after Thanksgiving dinner is cleared away. My neighbor, Carol, is a die-hard December 1st person. She says it “keeps the magic from wearing thin.”
But then there’s my friend Tom. Tom puts his tree up on December 15th, claiming it “preserves the pine scent for exactly the right amount of time.” He’s a scientist about it, measuring freshness like a holiday chemist. To each their own, right?
If you love tradition, waiting until December feels balanced. You get the full festive month without ending up with a fire hazard by New Year’s. Plus, you avoid that awkward moment where your tree is shedding needles before you’ve even baked the first batch of cookies.
