People are just realising why we put up Christmas trees in our homes
IT takes every ounce of self-control to not put our Christmas tree up the second Halloween is over.
But while we're busy covering every branch in tinsel and fairy lights, it's never once occurred to us question where this tradition came from... until now.
Why do we have Christmas trees?
As the Metro reports, the Pagans were fascinated by pine trees and saw them as a symbol of life back in the 4th century.
And they were so intrigued by the trees that they'd even cut them down, bring them into their homes and decorate them.
"This is why we have Christmas trees," one Twitter user wrote. "Because of the Pagans." Mind = blown.
Back in Roman times, people would hang evergreen wreaths on their doors to celebrate the festival Saturnalia from 17 to 23 December every year.
That said, Christmas trees as we know them now took shape in 16th Century Germany - where religious reformer Martin Luther started the trend of decorating trees with candles.
For the next three hundred years, people in the UK saw Christmas trees as a symbol of Paganism - that is, until Queen Victoria's German husband Albert inspired the nation with his awe-inspiring tree at Buckingham Palace.
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What's more, the Royal Family are credited with popularising it in the US too after sending out cards in 1846 with an illustration of their children decorating the tree with baubles and an angel.
When should I put up my Christmas tree?
Most people will put up their decorations in December.
However, some cities are decking the halls already with London's Carnaby Street lights going up in the second week of November.
If you're opting for a real tree this year, experts recommend putting it up at the beginning of December.
The British Christmas Tree Growers Association says the trees can last up to four weeks if looked after properly.
Is it bad luck to put up your Christmas tree early?
According to tradition, the tree should go up at the beginning of Advent, which is four Sundays before Christmas.
Other traditions dictate erecting the xmas tree 12 days before Christmas.
Some say it's bad luck for the tree to go up before December.
In Roman Catholic tradition, the Christmas tree isn't put up until the afternoon of Christmas eve - with the Queen and her family polishing off their decorations on Christmas Eve.
When should you get rid of your Christmas tree?
Most people stick to the same date to take down your tree - January 6.
The reason for this is that the Twelfth Night - the twelfth day after Christmas dictates the end of the festive season.
It's widely believed to be bad luck to keep decorations up after this date.
In more festive news, this crafty Christmas guide shows exactly how many baubles and lights to hang on your tree to keep things classy.
And rainbow Christmas trees are the bold new festive trend set to brighten up your living room.
Plus you can now buy £16 Christmas tree beds for your cat on Amazon and they're adorable.