December is already full of cheer — who doesn’t love engaging in simple yearly rituals like stringing lights on the front porch, picking out a Christmas tree, and unboxing favorite ornaments from their storage bins? But the month becomes even more joyous when you have little ones who are anxiously awaiting Santa’s arrival and are eager to partake in festive fun around the house. Seeing the holidays through the eyes of young ones is such a special experience! However, if you’re like me and love to decorate your home for the season (and have a specific vision you wish to achieve) you may not want little hands in the way at all times. Below, I’m sharing three simple ways to incorporate young ones into your beloved holiday traditions while ensuring that they stay busy as you work to achieve your holiday decorating goals.
1. Designate a “Kids’ Tree”
Perhaps you have a specific plan for tackling the tree that sits in front of your living room window — and that’s OK! Purchase a smaller Christmas tree (real or faux, depending on your family’s preferences) that’s just for the kids. Allow them to go to town outfitting this evergreen with handmade ornaments and colorful garlands galore. This tree can live in the family room, playroom, or even a bedroom, if your little ones share a space.
2. Create Your Own Holiday Wreaths
Why buy when you can DIY? I love creating our own wreaths from tree branches we gather from our own yard. Grab your boots and jacket and set out about the neighborhood to scout out and collect branches from your trees. Feel free to pick up olive branches, berry stems, and other beautiful accents that you can weave in, too. Then, hit the craft store and buy a few spools of wired ribbon, a wreath base, and floral wire, and enjoy a magical afternoon crafting with your kiddos. Handmade wreaths make a great gift for nearby grandparents, too!
3. Set Up a “Gratitude Tree”
Instead of purchasing an advent calendar this year, I want to bring back the concept of the “gratitude tree.” All you need to do is set up a small, artificial tree or place an arrangement of large winter branches in a vase. Make gift tags using cardstock or wrapping paper, and then have young ones take a moment each day to write something that they’re grateful for on one of these pieces of paper. Hang the tags from the tree or branches, and repeat! If you want to make this more of a challenge as the days go on, tell kids that they can’t repeat any of the sentiments hanging from the tree already. Practicing gratitude will increase everyone’s contentment throughout the season!
If you’ve implemented any of these traditions in your own home, how did they go? Do you have other suggestions of holiday traditions to try with the kids? #christmasdecoratingwithkids #christmaswithkids
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