When is the right time to put up Christmas decorations?

As soon as Halloween is over, the shops switch to tinsel and festive music. For some people that is the signal to bring the tree down from the loft. For others it is far too early.

The early decorators say life is short and the festive season is the most cheerful part of the year, so why not enjoy it for longer? Lights brighten up the darkest weeks of the year and make the house feel warm.

Traditionalists prefer to wait. In the US, many families decorate the weekend after Thanksgiving. In the UK, the first of December or the start of Advent is a popular rule. Some still follow the older custom of putting the tree up only a week or so before Christmas Day.

And then there is the question of real tree or artificial, which can start a whole new argument.

When do the decorations go up in your home? Vote below and see how you compare.