When to Put Up Christmas Lights: USA Traditions and Personal Practices

For many Americans, the holiday season is a period marked by the bright and colorful display of Christmas lights. The timing of when to put up these lights can vary widely, placing them in late November or even closer to Christmas. Here, we explore different perspectives on this holiday tradition.

General Commonality

While most people tend to put up their Christmas lights sometime in late November, often after Thanksgiving, personal traditions and local customs can lead to significant variations. Some start as early as the beginning of November, while others wait until the first weekend of December or even closer to Christmas. This variability reflects the diverse cultural and personal preferences of Americans.

When Does the Author Put Up Their Christmas Lights?

The author's personal practice is to buy their Christmas tree about a week or ten days before Christmas, allowing ample time to prepare the decorations. They have a specific timeline:
Decoration of the tree typically starts after Thanksgiving. Outdoor decorations are usually completed around the first of December. Personal indoor decorations are usually done in the first week of December.

Alternate Perspectives on Christmas Decorations

Regrettably, Some Skip the Tradition Altogether

Not everyone in the United States shares the same enthusiasm for Christmas lights and decorations. For some individuals, the advertisements and overwhelming display of Christmas decorations start too early, sometimes as early as October or even July in some cases. As one individual states, "Never. I don’t ‘do’ Xmas – period." They feel that the holiday has lost its 'sparkle' and now feels more like a commercialized event focused on spending money on trinkets.

Thematic Decorations and Early Starts

Alternatively, some individuals actually begin decorating earlier, as part of a unique tradition. For example, one individual mentions putting up outdoor Christmas decorations a week or two before Thanksgiving, but only plugging them in on Thanksgiving evening. They also start on their artificial trees around this same time, with the final decoration process being completed by Thanksgiving. Interestingly, they go so far as to decorate their houses with Christmas decorations in the spirit of Thanksgiving.

Cautions and Considerations

In some cases, personal safety and the presence of children or pets can affect the timing of decorations. For instance, one individual with a young puppy has postponed indoor decoration activities due to concerns about safety. This year, they have opted for outdoor decorations and hope to redecorate indoors the following year when the puppy has grown older and calmer.

Conclusion

The timing of when to put up Christmas lights is a deeply personal and varied practice in the United States. While most people tend to follow the tradition of setting up their lights after Thanksgiving, there are those who do it much sooner or later. Whether it is an ongoing tradition or a more personal choice, the display of Christmas lights is a cherished and symbolic part of the holiday season for many Americans.