14+ Tips For Putting Up The Christmas Tree

There can a big debate and controversy when you ask someone when they are putting up their Christmas tree.  Is it before Thanksgiving, waiting until the first of December or some time in between.  I put together a few things to consider when you decide on putting up Christmas tree.  It might help you make the best decision for your household.  I will try not to be biased about this. But I’m an after Thanksgiving gal.

Putting up Christmas tree before Thanksgiving

If you put the tree up before, your house will look festive and inviting.  You will be able to tell the holiday season is upon us.  Everyone can oooh and ahhh over the beautiful tree you have.

We celebrate one holiday at a time here, so it goes up after Thanksgiving.  It also keeps things normal for just a few more days while we get over seeing family for Thanksgiving.

Putting up Christmas tree with pets

• If you have pets, they are going to be very curious about this new found thing you have put up in your house.  They will want to smell it. They will want to possible taste it.  The animals will be knocking into it or wagging something into it knocking things down.
• Try to put the tree in a place they will leave it alone.  Spray bitter spay on the tree (before you put the lights on) so that it will taste horrible to them.
• Put unbreakable bulbs lower should they bump into it. Consider even putting the tree up without anything on it for a few days for them to get used to it and then hopefully leave it alone.
• Our dog knocks bulbs off.  Our cats like to chew the branches. This is how we are getting through the holiday.
• Tinsel is not so decorative when it comes out of your animal.

Putting up Christmas tree with children

• If you have young children, you may want to put your tree up the day before Christmas and take it down the day after Christmas. (we’ve done this).  It’s easier than them touching it and breaking it.
• If you do have it up for some time before Christmas, just like with the animals, put up the tree with no ornaments and let it sit.  They will be curious and want to touch.  Let them.  Have them help out in the process.
• Have non-breakable ornaments or place those heirlooms at the top where they cannot reach them.  Expect something will break. Remember it’s just a thing.
• Or just don’t put up a tree, but that would be sad for the kids.  So pick a time that your stress level won’t go through the roof.
• You can also put up a small tree where they won’t get to it just for that year (or three more years).

Putting up a Christmas tree right before Christmas

We have put the Christmas tree up a day or two before Christmas when the kids were at the get their hands into everything stage.  It worked for us.

There is a lot of work in getting things out and then putting them right back away.  You want your kids to have the Christmas look, but you want your sanity. I understand.  We did this one year and now we put the Christmas tree up after Thanksgiving and work through all the above and survive 27 or so days with the tree up.

Putting up a Christmas tree decorations

• Some years you may not feel in the mood to do anything.  Put out some decorations.  We have far too many bulbs for the tree.  Consider putting your favorites on it and calling it good.  It will put you in the holiday spirit and the tree is up.
• If you have help, have the family help you put everything in it’s place for the holidays.
• Make a list of things you still need for next year.  Look for deals after Christmas to get them at a discount (especially Christmas lights).
• Let the kids decorate the tree and don’t worry about it being perfect.  Let it be their thing to do, and less stress for you.

Putting up a Christmas tree – when to take it down

To take it down right after Christmas, gives you your house back and some sanity.  Our living room is squished with the tree (maybe we need a slim tree). Or we have too much furniture.

Waiting until New Years may be your tradition.  We have too many hands and pets who would drive me crazy doing this.  I understand from my friends this is their family tradition and that is fine too. Whatever works for your family.

Real or fake is a whole other debate.

What are your tips for putting up your Christmas tree?

super easy homemade Christmas card display