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As the festive season approaches, Christmas decorations are appearing earlier each year, sparking debate over the balance between tradition and commercial enthusiasm. Across homes in the UK, many have already put up their Christmas trees, prompting some to question if this practice is starting too soon. BBC Breakfast viewers voiced their opinions on the subject when the show unveiled its Christmas tree on December 1st, with reactions ranging from surprise to delight.
For some, like Rebecca from the West Midlands, decorating started as early as August, while Jill admitted to putting hers up recently simply because the rainy weather gave her a chance to brighten up her day. There isn’t a universally “correct” time to start celebrating; the timing often follows personal preference or cultural customs. Traditionally, many Christians set up their Christmas tree on the first Sunday of Advent, which marks the beginning of the festive period and fell on November 30th this year. Yet for others, the festive spirit begins right after Halloween, while in Norway, the custom is to wait until December 23rd to decorate.
When it comes to decorating the tree itself, tastes vary widely. Some prefer a fully adorned tree covered with ornaments, while others favor a more minimalist approach. Kate Harrison, who studies color psychology, advises considering the mood you want to create. She emphasizes the importance of decorating in layers, starting with lights, followed by ribbons or garlands, then large baubles, and finally smaller decorations to achieve a balanced look. Regarding color choices, bright tones can foster a joyful environment, whereas soft greens, whites, and champagne shades bring calmness. Red and gold evoke nostalgia, and jewel tones add a magical feel. She recommends selecting two main colors and an accent to provide contrast and depth, combining matte and shiny baubles with warm lights for atmosphere.
The debate over real versus artificial trees also continues. The Carbon Trust suggests that artificial tree options can be more environmentally friendly if used for several years, ranging from seven to twenty depending on the material. Radio presenter Nick Grimshaw recently switched to a fake tree after struggling with his real one dying halfway through December. He even shared a humorous anecdote about friends admiring how realistic it looked. Decorating styles differ depending on the type of tree; real trees typically pair well with lighter, organic decorations like glass, wood, paper, or dried fruit, with heavier ornaments placed near the trunk for support. Artificial trees, with their sturdier branches, accommodate heavier decorations like metallic baubles and structured ribbons.
Caring for a real tree requires attention to maintain freshness throughout Christmas. Annie Dellbridge, garden manager at Fullers Mill Garden, advises watering the tree thoroughly before bringing it indoors and recutting the base of cut trees to improve water uptake. She stresses the importance of using a stand with a water reservoir and watering the tree daily to reduce needle drop. Keeping the tree away from heat sources such as radiators or fires also helps prolong its life. Gardeners suggest buying potted trees to alleviate concerns over how long a cut tree has been on sale, although these can be more expensive. Potted trees can be planted after Christmas to be enjoyed in subsequent years. When the season ends, responsible disposal or recycling, often organized by local councils, is recommended to complete the festive cycle
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