When Do Most South Dakotans Begin to Pack Away Their Holiday Cheer?

Christmas time is officially here, cue the jingle bells, the cookie trays, and the annual battle with tangled lights. For many, it truly is the most wonderful time of the year. And if you’re someone who REALLY loves the season, there’s a solid chance your home looks less like a residence and more like a tourist attraction in the North Pole.

Think Clark W. Griswold… but maybe on a slightly smaller electrical bill. You might not have 25,000 imported Italian twinkle lights illuminating your roofline, but chances are you’ve gone all-in: a fully decorated Christmas tree, lights outside, holiday music humming at all hours, wreaths on the doors, garland on the banister, a plastic Santa waving to passersby, a couple of reindeer, a nativity scene, candy canes lining the walkway, and possibly one of those giant inflatable snowmen that never fully deflates. At this point, your neighbors aren’t sure whether to applaud your dedication or ask if Buddy the Elf is living with you.

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Of course, all that Christmas magic doesn’t set itself up. People can spend hours, sometimes days, transforming their homes into winter wonderlands.

Which leads to the inevitable post-holiday question: when exactly is the right time to take it all down?

Here in South Dakota, many residents start winding things down around Epiphany on January 6. Others prefer to keep the cozy glow going well into mid-January, or even February. And yes, there’s always that person who leaves the Christmas tree up until June, which is far less festive and more of a fire hazard with a piney scent.

As for me? Santa goes back on the shelf in my house right after New Year’s Day.

Whenever you decide to officially de-Christmas your home, Sioux Falls has you covered. The city will accept Christmas tree drop-offs at three designated sites from December 26 through January 4. Just remember to remove all decorations, stands, wires, and plastic bags before dropping them off. Wreaths won’t be accepted, and commercial vendors or large loads will need to head directly to the Sioux Falls Sanitary Landfill.

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So soak up the season while you can, admire the lights while they’re still shining, and when the inevitable moment does arrive, when you need to pack it all away. Don’t be surprised if you have to invite your old buddy Jack Daniels over to help. Because somehow, all that Christmas magic that fit so perfectly in December, never seems to fit back in those tiny little boxes come January!