When to Take Down the Christmas Tree? The True Tradition (That No One Respects)

Spoiler: You're probably taking this apart too soon.

The Rite of January 7th: Tradition or Haste?

Has it happened to you too? On January 7th, you wake up with an overwhelming desire to "tidy up," put away the Christmas decorations, and finally move on. The tree, which until the day before seemed beautiful, now suddenly seems out of place. The relatives have gone home, the holidays are over, and that pine tree (real or fake) in the living room seems to ask you, "What am I still doing here?"

If this sounds like you, you're not alone. The vast majority of Italians take down their Christmas trees and decorations between January 7th and 8th, right after Epiphany. But what if we told you that, according to tradition, you're missing a month's worth of timing?

Candlemas: The "Correct" Date That No One Remembers

According to the liturgical calendar, the correct date to dismantle the nativity scene and Christmas decorations is February 2 , the day of the Feast of Candlemas (or Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, also known as the Feast of Light).

This celebration recalls the passage from Scripture (Luke 2:22-39) in which the Child is taken to the Temple in Jerusalem to be presented to the Lord, thus fulfilling the rite of purification performed by the Virgin Mary after his birth, according to the law of the time. This event symbolically concludes the cycle of Jesus' childhood, and, following tradition, it is from this moment that we can finally put the nativity scene back in its box.

Tree or Nativity Scene: Is There a Difference?

The liturgy specifically mentions the nativity scene, which in Italy remains the quintessential Christmas decoration . The Christmas tree, on the other hand, is a relatively recent tradition of Northern European origin. However, many extend the Candlemas rule to the tree and all festive decorations.

Anyone who wishes to respect this tradition therefore has two options:

1. Dismantle the more "festive" decorations at the end of the holidays , leaving the nativity scene in its place until February 2nd

2. Wait until February 2nd to take everything down at once - Christmas tree, nativity scene, garlands and even that Santa Claus who, since December 26th, seems to be wondering what he's still doing at our window

Warning: Do not confuse with the Fire of Saint Anthony!

In Naples and throughout Southern Italy there is another tradition linked to the end of the Christmas period: the bonfire of Sant'Antonio Abate .

On the night between January 16th and 17th , in honor of Saint Anthony the Abbot (patron saint of animals and fire), large bonfires are lit in neighborhoods, especially in Naples and Cilento. These "cippi" or "focare" are prepared by the neighborhood's youth and represent a moment of strong community identity.

What does this have to do with the Christmas tree?

Traditionally, dried Christmas trees were (and still are) used as fuel for the bonfire , thus marking the symbolic end of the Christmas season and the beginning of the new agricultural year. This has created some confusion: many Neapolitans associate January 17th with the date to "get rid" of the tree, but this is linked to the bonfire, not to the liturgical tradition of Candlemas.

Sacred, Communal... and Controversial

The firecracker has multiple meanings:

• Sacred : Saint Anthony the Abbot protects against "shingles" (herpes zoster) and is linked to the symbolism of purifying fire.

• Community : It represents aggregation, memory (remembering lost friends) and local identity, with a "challenge" between neighborhoods for the highest flame

• Controversial : In recent years, some firecrackers have degenerated into acts of vandalism, creating a debate between tradition and illegality

There is also a documentary called "Fuocarazzo" that tells the story of how these bonfires are prepared in the Spanish Quarters of Naples.

At the Odeon Neapolis: Where History Teaches You Not to Rush

At the Odeon Neapolis , in the heart of Naples' historic center, we are surrounded by stones that tell two thousand years of history. Our space is part of the ancient Neapolis theater, a place where time has a different, deeper meaning.

Here we learned that good things never happen in a hurry . If tradition teaches us that the nativity scene can remain until February 2nd, why rush to dismantle everything on January 7th?

No rush to dismantle the tree!

In an increasingly hectic schedule, respecting these traditional rhythms becomes a small act of resistance against the rush to "turn the page" as quickly as possible. Leaving the decorations up for a few extra days (or weeks) can have a symbolic value: a way to prolong the warmth of a moment dedicated to gathering, relaxation, and light in the depths of winter.

The Final Decision: Tradition or Practicality?

As often happens at home, the decision is ultimately a personal and intimate one . Some feel the need to clear out the living room on January 7th to feel like the new year has truly begun, while others prefer to let the nativity scene live on for a few more weeks, like a silent echo of the holidays.

The good news? This time, tradition is on your side if you decide to take it easy.

Recapping the dates:

• January 6 (Epiphany): When most people dismantle everything

• January 7-8 : The days of the "great domestic eviction"

• January 17 (Saint Anthony the Abbot): The Neapolitan bonfire (not the "correct" liturgical date)

• February 2 (Candlemas): The true traditional date according to the liturgy

Every magic has its season!

At the Odeon Neapolis, among the ancient stones of the Roman theater and the vaults that have witnessed centuries of history, we chose to bid farewell to our tree with a calm heart, remembering that every magic has its season.

Whether you decide to follow the Candlemas tradition, burn the tree at the bonfire of Saint Anthony, or simply dismantle everything when you have time, the important thing is that you do it consciously , knowing that behind every gesture there is a story to tell.

After all, in Naples, tradition is never an obligation: it's an invitation to stop, reflect, and choose which story we want to continue telling.

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