National Take Down the Christmas Tree Day

National Take Down the Christmas Tree Day is observed on January 6. This observance marks the final day of the holiday season and serves as a prompt for households to remove their trees and seasonal ornaments. It historically aligns with the Twelfth Night and the Feast of the Epiphany, which concludes the traditional twelve-day celebration following Christmas.

History of National Take Down the Christmas Tree Day

The modern designation of this day was established by Jace Shoemaker-Galloway to provide a specific date for families to conclude their holiday festivities. While the official “National Day” is a relatively recent creation, the practice of removing greenery on January 6 dates back centuries. In early Christian traditions, the twelve days between December 25 and January 6 were considered a singular festive period, and leaving decorations up past the final day was often viewed as a breach of tradition.

Historically, the use of evergreen trees in homes began in 16th-century Germany before spreading to the United States in the 19th century. In medieval times, some cultures kept decorations up until February 2, but the January 6 deadline became the standard during the Victorian era. Superstitions in parts of Europe suggested that tree spirits lived in the greenery and needed to be released by the end of the season to ensure a productive spring and summer.

Why is National Take Down the Christmas Tree Day important?

The primary importance of this day is rooted in household safety and environmental responsibility. According to the National Fire Protection Association, real Christmas trees become increasingly flammable as they dry out over several weeks. By January 6, most trees harvested in late November or early December have lost a significant amount of moisture, creating a serious fire hazard if they remain near heat sources or faulty electrical lights.

Beyond safety, the day facilitates a organized transition into the new year. Removing the tree helps residents reclaim their living space and provides a clear psychological boundary between the holiday season and the return to regular work and school schedules. Many municipalities coordinate their tree recycling and mulching programs to coincide with this date, ensuring that organic waste is processed efficiently rather than ending up in landfills.

• Removing dry evergreens significantly reduces the risk of residential fires.
• It ensures that real trees are disposed of during peak community recycling windows.
• The day helps families organize and inspect ornaments before long-term storage.
• Clearing festive decor allows for a deep cleaning of the home’s main living areas.
• It follows a long-standing cultural tradition that marks the end of winter festivities.

How to Observe National Take Down the Christmas Tree Day

Observing this day requires a systematic approach to dismantling the tree to prevent damage to ornaments and minimize mess. Start by removing fragile decorations and wrapping them in acid-free paper or bubble wrap to prevent fading or breakage. Once the tree is bare, it is helpful to place a large sheet or tree bag underneath it before moving it toward the exit. This helps capture the dry needles that inevitably fall during the removal process.

For those with real trees, the most effective way to observe the day is to participate in local “treecycling” programs. Many cities set up designated drop-off points where trees are ground into mulch for public parks and gardens. If a tree is an artificial model, this is an ideal time to check for frayed wires or broken limbs before packing it into a sturdy, moisture-proof storage container. Cleaning the floor immediately after the tree is gone prevents pets or children from encountering sharp needles or leftover hooks.

• Remove ornaments and lights carefully to avoid tangles and breakage.
• Use a tree bag or old bedsheet to contain needles when moving the tree outside.
• Locate a local recycling center that accepts organic holiday trees for mulching.
• Check artificial tree branches and light strings for any signs of wear or damage.
• Vacuum the area thoroughly to remove hidden pine needles and ornament hooks.

National Take Down the Christmas Tree Day Dates Table