Despite the age-old saying that it’s bad luck to keep Christmas decorations up beyond January 6, in 2021 some people are bending the rules.

While many Wandsworth residents have opted to get rid of their wilting trees this week, it appears some decorations are here to stay.

It turns out individuals and neighbours are keeping their twinkling lights on, to bring a touch of brightness to the dark months of this winter’s lockdown.

The move mirrors a national trend, with people sharing photos on social media under the tags #LockdownLights and #LightUpJanuary

Tooting Bec resident, Ben Thornton, said he was debating whether to join in the movement when he received a lovely card though his door.

Wandsworth Times: A letter sent to Ben Thornton thanking him for his light display A letter sent to Ben Thornton thanking him for his light display

The praise in the note convinced him to leave his up lights a little longer.

Keeping decorations up has got the seal of approval from Churches and charities.

English Heritage published an article on Tuesday (Jan 5) encouraging the public to do as their medieval ancestors, and leave up their festive adornments until Candlemas on 2 February.

In an article for Catholic news magazine the Tablet, Dr Michael Carter, English Heritage’s Senior Properties Historian, said:

'In the Middle Ages, houses would be decorated with greenery for the Christmas season on Christmas Eve day. The feast of Christmas started at around 4pm on Christmas Eve afternoon and continued until the Epiphany on 6 January.

“But contrary to popular belief, the Christmas season actually continues right through to Candlemas on 2 February so there's no real reason why you should take your decorations down earlier.

“I’m of the opinion that, after the year we’ve all had, we certainly deserve to keep the Christmas cheer going a little longer.”

Are you leaving your lights on this year? Let us know or send us your pictures to francesca.adkins@newsquest.co.uk