The Touching Reason Queen Elizabeth Keeps Her Holiday Decorations Up Until February

Some people choose to take their decorations down right after Christmas, while others wait until the New Year (cue “Lover” by Taylor Swift). But when it comes to Queen Elizabeth, she is very particular about taking her Christmas decor down until February 6—to honor her father King George VI on the day that he passed.

Sandringham Estate remains completely decked out in holiday decor until the date Queen Elizabeth’s father died in 1952. Just as meaningful than the date itself, King George VI passed away inside the walls of Sandringham Estate, so it’s only fit for the commemoration to be there. The Queen stays over on this day each year in private before returning to Buckingham Palace, paying respects to her father before returning to everyday duties (and everyday decorations). 

Each year, the Queen and her husband Prince Philip make their way to the Sandringham Estate right before Christmas, according to Travel + Leisure. The estate has always played a special role in the royal family, and continues to do so through other members of the family joining Queen Elizabeth for the holidays. This usually includes Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their three children, plus Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla. 

When it comes to holiday decorations, many follow the Christian traditions of the Epiphany, which is to take them down 12 days after Christmas. It is said to bring luck if you do it after, and if you do it before January 6, tradition says that spirits hiding in the trees will be disturb and affect the harvest. Definitely an old way of thinking, but if you’re a superstitious person, you know not to mess with the spirits. 

However, this doesn’t seem to phase Queen Elizabeth, and for good reason. After all, there’s emphasis on spending time with loved ones around the holidays, and that’s exactly what she intends to do.