Christmas decorations with a Toddler

3 years ago, Kat was a kitten and my god she destroyed our tree so bad that she had actually snapped the branches off the artificial tree.

We woke up to this every morning and me being the optimistic that I am kept fixing it to find it the same the next morning. I eventually gave up and dreaded the next year )she had no interest the next year).

So now that Logan can move I am dreading to see what he will be like this year with the tree. I love my tree and most of my ornaments are sentimental so I'm a tad nervous.

So I thought of a few options with a bit of research which I will share below, starting with the one I decided on.

Felt Christmas Tree

I thought instead of constantly saying "No", "Dont Touch" or "Get away from my f@*!ing Tree!" (That's a joke for the little snowflakes out there).

I ordered Logan his very own tree, a felt Christmas tree with lights and decorations that I can stick on the wall, so that I can say "No Bud, why don't you play with your tree and leave Mammy's tree alone"

I believe once he has his own there will be less tantrums and with the hairdressers closed it might delay the grey's from making an appearance.

I got ours (which I haven't opened yet) with Amazon, I know its not supporting the small Irish businesses but I needed to order something else and it popped up. They also have them on livingsocial for approximately €10

Put anything fragile away or up high

This kind of make's sense to me but also doesn't, these ornaments were bought to be seen and remember the memories that come with it.

I'm not a big believer in remove it from the situation and more of a believer of he needs to learn and listen.

If you move everything away or up high your are still going to keep moving him away from the tree and I feel he would be more curious of it.

Christmas Tree Fence/Baby Gate

This is a more expensive alternative but it can be used all year round.

I find with this your just delaying the inevitable, like are you going to leave up a fence every year. When do you trust them to touch it? Also if you have a climber like me then it could be dangerous.

This specific one is with babysafety.ie for €114.99

https://www.babysafety.ie/wooden-multi-panel-multi-use-safety-barrier-96-5-to-256-5cm/

I do like the idea of it though to protect the presents. That's another worry is he's a kid hes going to think all the presents are his to open. Especially since we do an advent book calendar which he unwraps a book each night so to be fair how will he know what hes allowed unwrap and not, I think it will take a bit of time for him to realize it.

Use half a Tree

Another alternative and this idea is also great for pets, purchase half a tree. You can purchase these in Argos. This completely eliminate's the chance of them even reaching the ornaments and also gives you an opportunity to have some sort of tree.

This tree is available in Argos for €54.11.

Say "No" or " Be Gentle"

Saying "No" or "Be Gentle" each time they touch the tree consistently. Explain to your toddler and show them that if they pull it, the tree can topple and could hurt them.

Also the Santa's watching works most of the time......