Holiday decorating

For the last several years I have kept many of our more treasured Christmas decorations safely tucked away in boxes in the basement, instead, opting to decorate in a more "kid-friendly" manner. I wanted the kids to enjoy our decorations, and the bulbs hanging from the trees, and the porcelain Nativity sets, and all the other little "pretties." But I also didn't want to always be yelling at the kids to not touch anything and to keep their distance from "things." I also didn't want the kids to cut themselves on any breakable item, nor chip or break any of the more special pieces we had collected. So, several years ago we found it easier to just decorate with a very "kid-friendly" decor. "Kid-friendly" means red and green construction paper chains hanging from doorways, and lots of homemade glittered stars, snowmen, snowflakes, and tree ornaments, and several items cheaply purchased from the Dollar Store. I have found that the Dollar Store is actually a very good (and fun) place to shop for Christmas decorations. I have bought several little Nativity sets especially for kids. They can play with them, rearrange them, cradle them in their hands and I don't have to worry about any of the more expensive pieces getting broken.

In years past, some of the younger kids have planted their green army men in the branches of the tree, as well as little plastic reptiles and little dollies. We have decorated with popcorn strings in the branches and ropes of wooded cranberries. Yes, our tree has been tipped over, the cat has run up its branches a time or two, and Colter, as a toddler, has tried climbing the tree trunk. One season, the kids found that the very best hiding place, during a rousing game of hide-n-seek, was behind the tree, all scrunched up against the wall. We have had rubber balls bounced off the branches countless times and clothing from a changing toddler absentmindedly flung onto the branches.

For a few years, as a precautionary measure, Wayne wrapped translucent fishing wire around the top of the tree and then nailed the wire to the corner of the wall, thus securing the tree and preventing it from being tipped over. The first time Wayne decided to do that, I was appalled and more than a little embarrassed. I didn't want people to think that our kids were destructive and unruly little beasts. But I have since talked to many parents who have also had their tree tipped over and decorations broken from too many loving and curious toddlers. It's amazing how many families have had to resort to wrapping a wire around their tree and then nailing it to the wall. So, no, my kids are not abnormally wild...they are very normal and curious...and crazy about all the lights and glittery objects. More than anything I just don't want my kids growing up and remembering how they were yelled at and not allowed to touch anything. I don't want a home where the kids can't touch and where they are expected to only look. I want them to have fond memories.

This year, now that the kidlets are getting older, we have hung some of our porcelain angels and glass bulbs from the tree branches. And yes, there have been a few broken items these past few weeks. In fact, I have a teacup in the hutch that is home to a broken angel wing, a wise-man's head, a shepherd's broken staff, a santa's broken nose, and a few other small items. Oh, and we've had a few broken bulbs from the tree. Overall, a good year, so far. The kids are growing up...and I think that I will miss some of of our kid-friendly decorating.