Holiday traditions can be wonderful times for building strong family bonds that will last a lifetime. One of the most cherished holiday season activities is the trimming of the tree. For children, the time is magical and a tradition they look forward to each Christmas season. Depending on how old your children are, tree trimming requires a little bit of discipline.
Step 1
Put up the tree. If you use an artificial tree, this can be part of the fun in and of itself. Allow your children to help you stretch out the boughs on the branches.
Step 2
Add the lights. Children can sometimes cause more harm than good when it comes to adding lights. If you have some new lights or tangled strings, you might want to keep them busy unpacking and untangling the strings while you put them on the tree.
Step 3
Hang the ornaments. Ornaments can be fun but you should try to have a separate box where you put the most fragile ornaments and bulbs. This way you can monitor which ones your kids are able to put on the tree.
Step 4
Make some ornaments and hang them. Have each of your children make his or her own ornament and date it. This adds to the fun of hanging the ornaments throughout the years.
Step 5
Tell stories while you are putting on ornaments. Many ornaments have memories and special meaning. Talking with the children about what kind of history a certain ornament has is a way to keep the them engaged in the activity.
Step 6
Make some decorative string. Using some thread and a sewing needle (if the child is old enough) you can make some popcorn or marshmallow strings for your tree. If you have younger children (under 5) you can do construction paper loops and glue them together with stick glue.
Step 7
Allow one child to put the topper on the tree. This is a special honor and something children really look forward to doing.
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