Shannon is hosting a Christmas edition Works-for-me Wednesday, and I’ve scratched my head for a week trying to think of something brilliant to write.
But, um, I’m really not into Christmas decorating. At all.
My kids are, however. So here’s my tip:
LET THEM DO IT!!
Every year, my kids beg me to decorate the tree, way before I’m prepared to.
Like, Halloween.
They have tons more energy anyway, so I let them decorate the tree. The first year we ended up with a bunch of stuff piled on three boughs, but as they’ve gotten older (and more savvy), the tree gets prettier. I’ll post a picture of this year’s tree for Pass the Torch Tuesday in a couple weeks.
This drives my mother crazy because she thinks the Christmas tree should be “just so”.
My opinion? If we want to have a lit Christmas tree before January, we should probably let the kids do it. Works for me!
For more titillating Christmas tips, check out Rocks in My Dryer.
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1:01 am
Oooh…I love decorating for Christmas. I just cannot stand when someone wants EVERY piece of tinsel in a specific spot. I love to look in magazines and on shows, at the perfect decorations and trees, but I like MINE to suit my own personality. The girls cannot wait to help this year. So far, they’ve been too little.
1:12 am
We’ve let the girls place the ornaments on the tree for the past couple of years. It always leans a little when they’re done. lol. But they love it, and so do I.
1:35 am
I’m learning. Usually, I put on the lights and garland and then everyone helps with the ornaments. Thanks for the tip.
2:30 am
Great idea. And you are right, the kids DO have more energy! Haha!
2:41 am
I don’t mind the decorating. It’s taking it all down and packing it away that gets me. I get some of the Holiday depression, and when the day after Christmas arrives and I see all the decor out – I just weep a little bit inside.
3:29 am
LOL. I think I would start nervous twitching if Munchkin or the nieces decided to decorate the tree!
I am with Pamela though. I will gladly let someone else take care of the taking down and putting away!
8:59 am
We love to let the children do the work! They love it, I love it, we’re all relaxed and I really enjoy watching them go at it. After a few years, they are actually probably better at it than I am!
9:21 am
I used to use this same principle in the classroom too! I was always too busy to decorate, and my students *loved* to do this kind of thing. Worked for me too.
9:59 am
This may be the best tip of the day!! My children do such a good job decorating…I finally turned the job over to them a year ago and they enjoy it!
Blessings!
Tracy
10:09 am
Oooo, yes, Lil’ Duck can’t wait to help this year, we still have to go buy a (fake) tree…..
10:13 am
Your kids will love you forever for this one! A mom who isn’t a tree control freak well that’s new to me and a GREAT idea!
1:20 pm
I would love to do that but my OCD would probably have to redo everything! LOL!
1:04 am
Whatever works in fabulous and I can’t wait to see your kids Masterpiece! Wonderful idea!
5:47 pm
[...] As I’ve mentioned before, decorating isn’t my forte. [...]
9:50 am
I’m with you! My kids did our tree this year and although it’s not up to my standards the kids are really proud of it.
3:50 pm
I handed over thr reigns to my 4 boys this year FINALLY. I can’t help but rearrange just a wee-tad.
11:23 am
In total agreement! We started with Halloween this year–the kids wanted to decorate, I didn’t feel like it. So I just got the boxes of decorations down and let them do what they wanted. Hey, it wasn’t Martha Stewart, but the house was decorated, the kids had a blast, and I hardly had to lift a finger. Works for me.
(P.S. We’ve repeated it with Christmas–except that I *have* helped them do some Christmas crafts that they’ve then added to the cluttered but beautiful decor).
9:29 pm
I’m actually kinda surprised that anyone WOULDN’T let their kids decorate the tree. Since when was Christmas about being perfect?
Props to you, Kelly, for lovingly standing up to your mother – your family is learning that love and togetherness is more important than image.
Merry Christmas!