Toddler and Kid-Friendly Christmas Tree

The kids are getting so excited about Christmas. Because my family is Dutch, we celebrate Dutch Christmas every year on the 5th. Tomorrow Dutch Santa comes and fills the children’s shoes with goodies. We got our little tree up just in time. Also, yes, almost all our ornaments are felt toys. Less stress with the littles.

For the last few years we have decorated our christmas tree with all felted and plastic ornaments to avoid the “Toddler + Christmas Tree Crisis”. Now, when our kids pull the ornaments off, its ok! We can let them play with them or ask them to put it back. We don’t have to worry the kids dropping them, getting cut or choking on the metal tops. Luckily for us, my daughter has always steered clear of  the lights. When she was little, she usually would point and say “HOT” about anything that glows (even though the lights that we have are cool-to-touch LED Christmas lights).

My in-laws are to thank for a lot of the ornaments that I have. My sister-in-law worked a non-profit for 5 years. One year, she brought the felted garland home for us. My mother-in-law got the felt balls at Target. The rest, I have started collecting. I love all the bright colors.

3 Toddler Friendly Christmas Tree Ideas.

1. Felted garland. (see @hellomaypole on instagram)
2. Try using stuffed animals. Target usually has a great felt selection.
3.  Edible ornaments. (Popcorn, gingerbread, candy canes) Try this  “Cookie Guy” recipe.

Here are some more options.

• Wool Felt Ball Garland
• Felt Ornaments
• Felted Colored Lights

Here are some links for ideas to make your own DIY felt ornaments:

• Better Homes and Gardens
• 50 Felted Ornaments
• Make Felted Ball Garland Video Tutorial

[Photo source]

How have you dealt with toddlers + Christmas trees? Please share in the comments.