When to put up a Christmas tree? Surveys reveal a whole new answer for 2020

When to put up a Christmas tree has become something of a hot topic in the past week or so. Everything about 2020 has been different to years previous. From lockdowns and stay at home orders, to not seeing loved ones and holidaying close to home, these lifestyle-altering differences are set to continue from now until Christmas and into the New Year. 

Yet when faced with adversity, us humans are strong of spirit and when the going gets tough, the tough get... decorating. Or at least that's what a number of surveys appear to be revealing this month. 

Marks & Spencer (opens in new tab) polled 1,000 shoppers and over a third (35 per cent) said that they plan to put their Christmas decorations up earlier than usual this year and they're not stopping there. An equally substantial 35 per cent said that they planned to decorate their home with much more than before for the holiday season.

Similarly, NetVoucherCodes.co.uk (opens in new tab) surveyed 4,566 people last week and a fifth (20 per cent) have already put their Christmas tree up and a further 33 per cent plan to have their festive decorations up before the end of the month.

• Find our pick of the best deals on Christmas wreaths (opens in new tab)

When to put up a Christmas tree?

Traditionally, people tend to decorate their houses for Christmas – and put up their Christmas trees – after the Thanksgiving holidays. Busier households often leave the task until the second or third week in December, grabbing the time when they can, in between the various other preparative tasks they need to tick off their list before the festivities begin.

Yet as we all know, 2020 has us all living decidedly different lives. We're all at home much more than previous years, whether working from home, or just staying indoors to avoid unnecessary contact. This affords us more time to plan ahead, including decorating earlier than before.

When should I put my outdoor lights up?

The simple answer is right now. Even if you're not sold on decorating your living room to look like Santa's workshop this week, you can still lift people's spirits by adding some lights to the front of your home. 

And who knows? Your neighbors may follow suit, quickly transforming your street into a veritable winter wonderland. 

Need to upgrade your outdoor lighting? Check out our pick of the best outdoor lights and decorations available now.

1. Best outdoor lights with color

2. Best modern outdoor tree

3. Best freestanding outdoor decoration

4. Best outdoor lighting bundle

5. Best outdoor pre-lit tree

When should I put my Christmas decorations up?

If you're taking the two-stage approach (decorating outdoors now and following later with indoor decorations) then aim to put your tree and all the rest up anytime from December 1st onwards. 

If you tend to just decorate indoors, then it's completely up to you when you start, so why not plan ahead and put some time aside to get in the festive mood?

Scroll down to see our choice of the best Christmas decorations available now.

1. Best bauble garland

2. Best artificial tree

• Discover these great deals on artificial Christmas trees (opens in new tab)

3. Best tree decorations to give hope

4. Best tree topper 

5. Best garland wreath

• Be inspired by these gorgeous Christmas living room ideas (opens in new tab)

So when should you really put your Christmas decorations up? The easy answer is as soon as possible. 

If the simple act of introducing twinkling lights and festive decorations to one's home makes us (and others) feel hopeful for the future, then we're all in.