Christmas

6 Magical Ways to Make Decorating the Christmas Tree Special for Kids

Decorating the Christmas tree is one of those timeless moments that fills a home with sparkle, laughter, and long-lasting memories. Both of my children are too young to remember this year’s Christmas, but my eldest is just starting to understand the magic for the first time.

It's the year to start festive, cosy traditions.

We’ll be putting our tree up this weekend, and we’ve been planning how to make it magical for him. We want to create enjoyment, start meaningful traditions, and help him learn what Christmas is all about for us as a family.

Here are some fun and heartfelt ways we’re planning to make decorating our tree truly magical for our eldest.

🎄 1. Plant the Christmas Tree the Night Before

I can’t take credit for this idea — a friend suggested it to us last year — but it’s such a good one that we’re making it our new tradition.

Because of allergies, dogs, and a young baby, we don’t have real Christmas trees. That means putting the tree up can feel a bit… well, boring — especially for a toddler who doesn’t have the longest attention span.

So this year, before bedtime, we’ll get the tree base out and place a single bauble in it. Then, when our son is asleep, we’ll build the tree overnight. In the morning, he’ll wake up to find the Christmas tree has magically appeared while he was sleeping.

It’s such a simple idea, but it brings a real sense of wonder and excitement.

🎶 2. Create a Christmassy Atmosphere

Our eldest loves music, but he doesn’t yet know any Christmas songs. We may need Ms Rachel’s encouragement at first (he hasn’t watched her in months, but if it helps spread Christmas cheer — needs must!).

We’re planning to get our Christmas jumpers on, play some festive songs, light a Christmassy candle, and get ready to decorate together. Creating a cosy, joyful atmosphere sets the perfect tone for making memories.

🎨 3. Decorate Together — with a Special Kids’ Zone!

Last year I did the tree by myself. It was a bit boring and not at all magical. This year, we are all hands on deck.

To make sure our son feels like he is contributing, we are going to give him a zone at the bottom of the tree, which is his to decorate (I may live to regret this).

He will be able to reach, and we will be giving him baubles that are easy to put on for his own section. What could go wrong?

🛍️ 4. Pick a Decoration from the Garden Centre

This has been one of our favourite family traditions. It’s our eldest’s third Christmas, and every year, we’ve gone to the garden centre to pick a special decoration.

This year will be the first time he gets to truly choose his own ornament, rather than us guessing which one he’s pointing at!

Once the tree is almost done, we’ll head out together so both boys can pick their ornaments — and we’ll add them as the final touch.

🐻 5. Add Secret Animal Ornaments for a Daily Game

We’re going to hide 25 different animal ornaments on the tree — one for each day leading up to Christmas.

Our son is animal-obsessed, so instead of putting them all up at once, we’ll add one new animal every day for him to find. It’ll keep the magic alive and turn the tree into a daily adventure.

Let’s just hope I remember to do it!

☕ 6. Unwind with Hot Chocolate and Lights

We’ve learned the hard way that lights must go on first — but this year, we’ll add them overnight while our son sleeps, ready for the big moment.

Once the decorating is done, we’ll snuggle up with Christmas blankets and hot chocolate, do a countdown, and let our son press the button to turn on the lights.

We’ll video the moment so we can look back on it in future years — and it’ll be the perfect cosy finish before nap time sneaks up on us.

✨ Final Thoughts

It’s not about a picture-perfect tree — it’s about creating moments your kids will remember as the heart of Christmas. The magic isn’t in the decorations; it’s in the laughter, love, and time spent together.