Have You Heard Of This Random Iowa Tradition?

There is a tradition amongst some in the Midwest that involves keeping your Christmas tree for 365 days. This tradition is loosely based on Twelfth Night, but is still it's own thing. A number of Iowans keep this tradition alive.

While it's a bit of fire hazard and the beginnings of this tradition are a bit hazy, people like my grandfather have celebrated this event their entire life. There are also legends with it. For instance if a Robin builds a nest in your tree you will have good luck, or if it keeps some green you'll find love.

Last month my grandfather sent me this picture.

He said,

I did not get a new tree for 2020 since we stayed home, but I had kept the 2019 tree. I think it's time to throw it out though. No Robbins.

He is a big animal lover, so I knew how upset he was. I jokingly told him to keep it up since it's a tradition, and apparently that's all he needed to hear. He put it back up on his back porch. I was sent this picture this weekend.

He said,

Robbins :)

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While this tradition isn't the most popular one out there, I've noticed a fair number of Iowans who celebrated in one way or another. Sometimes people celebrate because they are lazy, and don't want to throw out the tree, others are based on genuine tradition.

Do you have a friend or family member who celebrates this random tradition, or is this your first time hearing about it?