- Tree goes up
- 8 December (Feast of the Immaculate Conception)
- Tree comes down
- 6 January, known locally as “Nollaig na mBan” (Women’s Christmas / Little Christmas)
- Local superstition
- Leaving decorations up after 6 January was traditionally considered bad luck; holly used in decorating was ritually disposed of (often burned) after this date.
Why that date
Historically for Irish Catholics, the festive season formally began on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a public holiday and traditional shopping-trip day, and trees went up accordingly.
What actually happens
Nollaig na mBan (“Women’s Little Christmas”) is a distinctive Irish custom where women traditionally rested and socialised on 6 January while men took over housework — a genuinely local nuance tied to the take-down date.
Taking it down again
6 January, known locally as “Nollaig na mBan” (Women’s Christmas / Little Christmas). Leaving decorations up after 6 January was traditionally considered bad luck; holly used in decorating was ritually disposed of (often burned) after this date.
If you would rather not have this argument again next year, the calendar reminder on the home page will put both dates straight into your phone.
Sources
When the answer is finally yes
The bit you actually need
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