The annual festive season brings with it a familiar, prickly debate that divides households across the United Kingdom: when is the correct time to erect your Christmas tree? This year, the discussion has become particularly charged, with social media alight over the perceived 'right' and 'wrong' ways to celebrate.
The Great Timing Debate: 'The Big Treekend' vs. Christmas Eve
At the heart of the controversy is the increasingly early phenomenon dubbed 'Christmas creep'. While the tradition of the Christmas tree was popularised in Britain by Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's German husband, Britons have since developed fiercely held opinions on its proper display. Traditionally, trees were put up on Christmas Eve (24 December) and taken down on Twelfth Night (6 January).
Today, the schedule has shifted dramatically. Research indicates that 33 per cent of people now decorate during the first weekend of December, known to some as 'The Big Treekend'. With the first full December weekend falling on the 6th and 7th this year, many opted for the first Sunday of Advent, which was 30 November. For some, this still feels excessively early, while others have been decorating since early November.
Etiquette expert William Hanson is unequivocal in his view, stating that a sophisticated tree should not appear before the last weekend before 25 December. He has labelled earlier decoration as "common as muck", advice that sparked thousands of heated comments when shared online.
Fake vs. Real and the 'Naff' Coordinated Look
The judgement extends far beyond timing. A significant face-off exists between artificial and real trees, with some commentators like Hanson deeming fake trees "downmarket". The style of decoration is another minefield. Tinsel and coloured lights are often frowned upon by self-appointed arbiters of taste, who advocate for white or off-white lights paired with a classic star or angel.
Perhaps counter-intuitively, a perfectly coordinated, colour-matched tree is frequently seen as lacking soul, evoking a "corporate Christmas" feel. The preferred aesthetic for many is a nostalgic, eclectic mix: handmade ornaments, baubles passed through generations, and quirky purchases from church fetes. This haphazard collection is seen as imbuing the tree with genuine heart and character.
Multiple Trees: The New Festive Status Symbol?
A more recent development in festive one-upmanship is the multi-tree household. Having a tree in every reception room, a small one in the hallway, or even a decorative twig on a landing is becoming a subtle marker of space and disposable income. With premium non-drop Nordmann Firs costing over £200, multiple trees represent a significant investment, signalling a home large enough to accommodate a "small woodland".
Ultimately, as authorities like Debrett's note, there is no single template for an ideal Christmas. Every family has its own customs, whether that involves a specific decoration date, a cherished fake tree, or a collection of mismatched ornaments rich with personal history. In the end, the only real rule is that there are no rules—making the humble Christmas tree a truly philosophically ambiguous centrepiece for the season.
