My tree goes up the week before Christmas and comes down the day after Christmas. I bought a huge pre lit tree that has three sections. I can have it put together in about 5 min. We use to get a real tree but it was getting to be a problem with where to discard it and I felt bad about the pretty tree being tossed away. DH decorates the outside anyway he likes and he likes lights and yard ornaments. They stay out until after New Year's Day. I hang everyone's stocking on my quilt rack rod over the chest that has my favorite Nativity set out. I hang fresh pine wreaths on the outside doors and I'm done decorating.