Ah, the beloved Christmas tree—the sparkling crown jewel of the holiday season.
We love relishing in its warm lights, cozied up next to the fireplace with a cup of cocoa in hand and a festive movie on our tv screen.
But the million-dollar question isn’t if our tree is faux or real, it’s… when should it go up?
Some folks whip out the tinsel the moment November 1st rolls around. Others hold off until Thanksgiving leftovers are safely in the fridge. Then there are those who wait until December hits. And finally, there are the daring few, who only put it up for that singular, one-week holiday sprint. (Perhaps that’s why y'all are called scrooges.)
The truth? There’s no right time to bring out the tree.
The Two Extremes
Some of you like to put the tree up as soon as the spooky season passes. The hunger for twinkly, white lights and the glitter of ornaments just tickles your fancy. You can’t resist the urge to swap out the pumpkins for peppermint—it’s practically a reflex at this point. It’s an overnight sensation. Your neighbors will wake up on November 1st to quaintly lit mini trees on your front porch and say, “Wait, weren’t pumpkins sitting there last night?”
The perks? The extra time to revel in the aesthetics, host holiday parties, and show off that Pinterest-perfect setup. The downside? You might burn out before the actual Christmas Day (and secretly be waiting to shove the tree back into storage the day after).
Others of you are last-minute, who thrive on the thrill of the holiday crunch time. (You’re usually known as the person who brings a store-bought dish to the family gathering.) Your tree makes an appearance either when December finally arrives or even the week preceding Christmas Day. There’s just no in between. Sure, the excitement is high and everything feels fast and festive—but your decorations often risk stress and chaos. You’ve been there—hosting a family gathering when old Aunt Linda points out the rogue pumpkin chilling next to your nativity scene. “Ope!”
You Waited Until Now to Put the Tree Up?
Let’s be honest. Your tree timing can stir up more drama than untangling last year’s lights from the storage bin. Some families insist on strict rules—“No tree until after Thanksgiving!”—and scoff when they’ve realized you put it up before then.
It’s like when 105.7 on the radio begins to play its holiday music on November 1st and you say, “But it’s not even Thanksgiving yet!”
But then, if you wait until December, some may say, “What? You’re just now putting it up?”
Hold On. So When Will I Not Receive Judgement?
Spoiler alert: probably never.
No matter when you put up your tree, someone’s going to have an opinion—and they’ll make sure you hear it. The early decorators will get branded as “too obsessed,” while the late bloomers are accused of being “scrooges.”
It’s honestly a lose-lose situation—unless you just stop caring (which might be your best option in today’s world).
The truth is, the right time depends on what makes you feel festive.
If you love basking in the holiday festivities for two whole months, own it! If you’d rather wait until the holiday panic ensues, that’s valid too.
It’s the feeling that counts. And we find that in what many coin as “the reason for the season.” That’s Jesus.
The lights, ornaments, and trees are only tangible representations of a bigger reality.
So whether your tree has been up since November 1st or is still sitting in the basement in a box waiting for December to roll around, the real appreciation isn’t found in how early you decorate. It’s in what you celebrate.
'Cause Jesus doesn’t care when your tree makes its debut.
(But, if you ask me… it’s the day after Thanksgiving.)
Sierra Ozolins is a West Michigan native, currently a student at Hope College. As an athlete, she is passionate about fitness—from running to weightlifting. With a interest for politics and lifestyle, she is intrigued how local culture, community, and everyday events shape the world around her—often with an iced coffee in hand and her dog by her side.
Copyright © 2025 Hollander Media. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without written authorization. By providing your email or phone number, you are consenting to receive emails, calls, and SMS/MMS messages from The Hollander and affiliates. Msg & data rates may apply.
.jpg)
