Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Epiphany and what to do with the Christmas tree
Today is the official last day of the twelve days of Christmas. It’s the Epiphany, the time when Christians around the world remember the three Wise Men. January 6, according to Merriam-Webster, is observed as a church festival in commemoration of the coming of the Magi as the first manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles or in the Eastern Church in commemoration of the baptism of Christ.
Other sources to check out:
There are various celebrations around the world including Mexico where they bake a baby Jesus inside a cake and whoever gets that piece is the godparent of Jesus for the year. Check out mexicocooks.
In Spain on Epiphany morning you might go to the local bakers and buy a special cake/pastry called a ‘Roscón’ (meaning a ring shaped roll). They are normally filled with cream or chocolate and are decorated with a paper crown. There is normally a figure of a king (if you find that you can wear the crown) and a dried bean (if you find that you’re meant to pay for the cake!).
In Ireland it’s called “Womens Christmas” and the men do all the housekeeping and cooking. I like this one!
For many, this day means packing away the Christmas decorations, lovingly putting those precious bulbs away while dragging the real tree to the curb.
However, there are some other options. Consider leaving the tree in it’s stand and in your yard for the rest of winter. It could fill a void in the yard while providing shelter for birds. Check out this link on recycling your tree from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
You could also lay it down on it’s side for mammals to snuggle under. Ours might be filled with stray cats!
Another thought is to lop off the branches and use them as mulch, especially if you have newly planted perennials. Consider creating a new compost pile with a layer of thin branches as the base. The Spruce says this allows a bit of airflow at the bottom of the pile, a good idea.
You could also cut up the thinner branches and pile them on mulched paths. OOO, think about the smell as your feet crunch on those evergreen boughs!?! Check out norcrosswildlife.org for info!
Of course, most municipalities who have garbage service will pick up your Christmas tree but you must make sure that all the decorations are out!
Now it’s time to get your man vacuuming and cooking and cleaning…
Good luck with that! ?