National Take Down the Christmas Tree Day

National Take Down the Christmas Tree Day is a bittersweet holiday. Today, people say goodbye to their Christmas tree and pack away their ornaments. Is this a fun activity? Maybe not—but don’t leave your tree up until next year!

History

January 6 is traditionally considered the last day of Christmas. As sad as it may be, it’s time to return your home to its usual look. National Take Down the Christmas Tree Day was created by American writer Jace Shoemaker-Galloway in recent years, but it quickly became part of American culture. The tradition is observed in many homes, and people from other countries may celebrate it as well.

Not everyone marks the exact date—some enjoy the smell of pine a little longer and take down the tree later. The key is not to wait too long; before you know it, summer will arrive! In the past, people in Central Europe decorated trees with fruits like apples, plums, and pears, hoping the plant would bloom for the holiday. When that didn’t happen, they started decorating evergreens, which stayed green and beautiful all winter.

Interesting Facts

Did you know:

• Young pine needles contain more vitamin C than lemons;
• Spruce trees clean the air of dust and are ideal for allergy sufferers;
• A Christmas tree can live up to 400 years, and some even reach 500 years;
• In 2010, the world’s most expensive Christmas tree was installed in Abu Dhabi, costing $11 million;
• The blue spruce is the state tree of both Colorado and Utah;
• Christmas trees can grow up to 100 meters tall;
• One spruce cone contains about 100 seeds;
• Even during the hottest summer days, spruce forests remain cool.

How to Take Part

Get ready to clean up on National Take Down the Christmas Tree Day! Call friends and family for help, because it’s time to say goodbye to your festive tree. Carefully remove ornaments and store them until next year. Be sure to recycle or dispose of your tree in an appropriate location.

When is National Take Down the Christmas Tree Day in 2026?

National Take Down the Christmas Tree Day is observed on January 6 each year.

Observations