When is it too early to start getting Christmassy? (Picture: Getty)

Halloween is over, the nights are drawing in and that can only mean one thing – Christmas is heading our way.

Yes, we know that it’s still almost two months until the big day. But with shops sticking up their decorations, Christmas ads arriving on our tellies, extravagantly priced advent calendars being sold, and street decorations and lights being lit – you’d be forgiven for thinking the season of goodwill was here already.

It appears that some people – including celebrities – have also decided to start the celebrations early – and are already putting their trees up well in advance of Christmas Day.

But for those unsure about when the tree and the tinsel should be rescued from the loft, exactly when should you put up your Christmas tree and decorations?

Here’s what you need to know…

When should you put up your Christmas decorations and tree?

There are different ideas about when is the best time to put up the Christmas tree and decorations.

Traditionally the tree and decorations were not put up until Christmas Eve – and in the past having the tree up earlier or later than these dates was considered bad luck.

Some traditions state that you shouldn’t put the tree up before Christmas Eve (Picture: Getty Images)

These days however the date varies – with some people putting theirs up in November, and others opting for the first or second week of December.

However the British Tree Growers Association have previously suggested 11 December as a good compromise, as it’s in the middle of the season and is three weeks after advent (which starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas).

This year advent begins on Sunday 1 December.

The Association has also recommended buying your tree at the start of the month if you opt for a real pine, advising that trees can survive for more than four weeks if looked after properly.

How long should you leave your Christmas tree and decorations up for?

It’s considered bad luck to leave the tree up after Twelfth Night

According to tradition your tree and decorations should be taken down the day after Twelfth Night (5 January) – it’s considered bad luck to leave them up for longer than that.

Some traditions dictate that Christmas trees may be kept up until 2 February to mark Candlemas – the commemoration of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple – which is when the festive season effectively ends.

However, it’s definitely considered bad luck if your festive greenery isn’t removed by Candlemas Eve.

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