Why You Shouldn’t Take Down Your Christmas Decorations Yet

The Catholic Christmas Season Is Longer—and Richer—Than You Think

Enjoy a cozy and festive Christmas Octave by leaving up your beautifully decorated Christmas tree, maybe even with some wrapped gifts still around it; and don't forget to appreciate your warm, glowing fireplace.

Christmas Is More Than Just One Day

Don’t put away all your Christmas decorations yet! Every year, almost like clockwork, December 26 arrives and suddenly the world feels ready to move on.

I’ve even felt that pressure myself. Many years ago, I remember standing in my living room just a few days after Christmas, box in hand, thinking it may be time to put things away. The tree lights were still glowing, the house still felt peaceful—and with five children, you know that is impressive! Yet I was telling myself, “Well, Christmas is over.” I paused, looked at the manger scene, and thought, Wait…Is it really? Of course not!

We put up all the decorations to celebrate Jesus’ birth on December 25. Yet so many people are in a rush to get those meaningful items shelved away again, as if the celebration has expired.

But do not! Did you know we are still in the Christmas season?!? In fact, we have until January 6, January 11, or even February 2. How’s that?

Understanding the Twelve Days of Christmas

While many people celebrate Christmas as a single day, the Church invites us into something much richer. The festive season, known as Christmastide or the Twelve Days of Christmas, traditionally lasts twelve days—from Christmas Day, December 25, to the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6.

Epiphany celebrates the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child, recognizing Jesus as King and Savior of all mankind. This year, Epiphany is celebrated on Sunday, January 4—a reminder that Christmas joy is meant to unfold, not disappear overnight.

The Baptism of the Lord and the Start of Ordinary Time

Still many Catholics hold on to the understanding that Christmas continues even longer—until the second Sunday after Christmas, when we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord. This feast marks the beginning of Ordinary Time. Jesus steps out of the hidden years of His life and into His public ministry.

It’s a powerful transition. And we all know that we are not called to be “ordinary,” during Ordinary Time. Ordinary Time refers to the ordinal—the counting of weeks—not something dull or unimportant. In fact, it is the longest season of the Church year, when we focus on living out Christ’s teachings in everyday life, deepening our faith, and growing spiritually.

This year, the First Sunday of Ordinary Time falls on January 11. So keep the tree lit a little longer. Let the nativity stay on display.

Why Some Catholics Keep Decorations Until February 2

But if you are like me, you may even leave the decorations out until the Presentation of the Lord on February 2. This feast—also known as Candlemas—is the final celebration connected to the Nativity cycle in the traditional Catholic calendar.

It is a long-standing Catholic tradition in some households, and I’m all in.

With a little research, I also discovered that the Vatican has been known to leave its Christmas tree and nativity scene up in St. Peter’s Square until February 2. Let’s go, Catholics!

Lingering in the Joy of Christmas

So allow yourself to linger in the joy, wonder, and meaning of Christmas—because the Church reminds us that the celebration of Christ’s coming into the world is far too important to rush past.

In fact, if you have felt too rushed up until Christmas, take time now to enjoy your family even more. Cookie baking, game nights, prayer time—simple traditions that honor Jesus’ birth and bring peace into your home.

While Christ is truly with us every day, this season also reminds us that we are preparing for His coming again at the end of time. What better reason to slow down, stay present, and celebrate fully?

Call to Action

Before you pack away the lights and ornaments, pause. Choose one small way this week to celebrate Christmas just a little longer—pray together as a family, light the tree in the evening, and keep the Nativity front and center. If this reflection encouraged you, share it with a friend who may be rushing the season. And feel free to play your favorite Christmas songs a llittle longer!