It's tradition for my family to decorate the tree together just after Thanksgiving. I normally bring out a bin of ornaments we've used over the years as well as a few sentimental ones we've picked up since being married and having kids. But this year is a little different — we have a super inquisitive crawling baby — so we're using a few new tips for a safe family Christmas tree.
1. Try a Different Christmas Tree
We opted for an artificial tree this year to save from the fallen pine mess and possible hazard. I'm a huge fan of real trees and miss the smell, but this 9-foot pre-lit tree of ours has made baby's first Christmas so much safer by making it easier to keep the area clean. There are even Upside Down Christmas Trees, that could work. Have you seen these? SO cool. This trendy tree style dates back to medieval Europe and is perfect for homes with curious tots and pets. Wayfair offers a bunch, too, check out all the different styles!
2. Keep the Tree Simple
Since we have a pre-lit tree there wasn't really much we needed to add to it when decorating so we kept our usual breakable ornaments in the Christmas decoration bin and just added a few new ones. Look for shatter-resistant ornaments or skip ornaments altogether the first year. If you do add them, be sure to leave the area within baby's reach free of ornaments. Pictures of babies holding ornaments are cute (see below), but it's a real danger if one drops near baby, or they find one and start chomping on it. Another way to keep it simple? Don't worry about covering the tree with ornaments! Ours is near a wall this year so I was able to put a minimal amount around the front and sides then leave the back bare.
3. Include Your Little One
Be sure to include your little one in the decorating process so that they understand the ornaments go on the tree and talk to them a little bit about why they go there. Depending on their age it might not all sink in, but they're listening. S helped me decorate and I held the baby while putting up ornaments this year.
$100 Gift Card Giveaway: Tell me which of these (see hyperlinked text) Wayfair upside down Christmas trees is your favorite in the comments below for your chance to win a $100 wayfair.com gift card!
Giveaway Rules: No purchase necessary, open to U.S. residents age 18 years or older. Giveaway open Nov. 28-Dec. 4 at 11:59 p.m. PST. Winner chosen at random from relevant comments then notified via the email left when placing comment. The winner will have 24 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. Prize fulfilled by Wayfair.com.
I really like the 9' Silver Upside Down Christmas Tree with 1000 Warm White LED Lights and Stand
Nice one!
I think I like the silver one with soft white lights. A prelit tree is a must! Byt this year we're skipping the tree cuz of our crazy, curious crawler (and four cats!!) Love that photo of baby by the tree though, SO cute!
Try it! We have ours up despite the curious crawler.
THIS:
5.5' Silver Upside Down Christmas Tree with 250 LED Clear Dura-Lit Lights with Stand
Would be absolutely amazing to have downstairs in the finished basement of our first house we bought last year. I want a tree down there so bad. I am head over heels in love with this upside down tree! Sooooo neat!
Great idea! Aren't they cool?
My favorite is the American Upside Down 6' Green Artificial Christmas Tree with 600 LED. Neat idea!
Totally
I like the 7.5' unit green spruce tree because it has a more full, natural shape, and you can choose exactly how you want to decorate it with lights! I've never seen these before, they're pretty cool. Thanks for sharing!
Aren't they fun? Thanks for reading!
Love the 7.5 foot tree and this article was lovely thanks for sharing
Thanks, Karen!
Pre-lit Palm Tree 7.5 ft!
Oooh!
I like the 4′ Grand Teton Artificial Christmas Teardrop Swag with LED Warm Clear Lights! Perfect for my small apartment.
Nice!
It's always so fun to share family time with decorating! I like the corner one - saves a lot of space. 🙂
It really does!
These are crazy! Love the Pre-Lit Palm Tree 7.5' Green Upside Down Floor Artificial Christmas Tree with 600 Clear & White Lights with Stand 🙂
Pretty cool, right? 🙂
I really like the look of the silver tree they have. I have always wanted a white tree, but always settle for green.
It's so pretty!
I'm going with the non-traditional champagne/gold upside down tree! I'm thinking Black & silver glitter ornaments and garland 🙂
https://www.wayfair.com/holiday-decor/pdp/vickerman-upside-down-6-champagne-artificial-christmas-tree-vco5874.html
Awesome, sounds cool!
The 6’ white one by vickerman looks interesting. I am not sure yet about a green upside down tree.
Love the pictures in the post
Thank you! Yes, aren't these cool?
I like the Grand Teton tree
Oooh nice one!
The 7.5 ft crystal white!! No need for lights or tinsel!!
Oooh perfect!
Colorful Upside Down 5.5' Green Artificial Christmas Tree
So fun!
The flocked tree because I think they look lovely but wouldn’t want that sprayed all over a real tree : https://www.wayfair.com/holiday-decor/pdp/vickerman-75-flocked-upside-down-artificial-christmas-tree-with-clear-light-vco8822.html
Oooh true! This would be a great way to have one!
I like the 7.5' upside down artificial Christmas tree with clear lights by The Holiday Aisle.
And I love the pics of you and the kids! 🙂
Nice choice! Thank you, it's getting harder to have S in photos because she's a mini teenager, but I'm happy when I can get them haha.
Love it! Such cute photos too!
What a cutie with that Santa hat, Love your pre-lit tree and the shatterproof ornaments I agree is the way to go.
Totally, thanks!
Literally, the upside tree is awesome. I wish I would have known before putting ours up. We have a crazy cat, a pit bull, another dog and a baby... It's currently surrounded and blocked by chairs, dog food container, and dining table.
PS. MY favorite is the one in the corner
Oh wow, yes you definitely need an upside down tree!