To want a Christmas tree this year?

[Yesmynameis]

MNetters, you get the final say on this ongoing 'discussion' between DH and me.

DD will be 14mo this Christmas. So whilst it isn't technically her first Christmas, she was so tiny last year that this will be the first time that she is old enough to enjoy it with us. We are expecting a house full, as the family Christmas dinner is around our house, also for the first time and I'm really excited!

DH is saying that we should leave the Christmas tree in the loft this year :( . DD is toddling and he says she will not be able to resist pulling off the decorations and generally causing havoc, and that the temptation will not be fair on her.

I am finding it hard to even consider not having a Christmas tree this year, as I know DD would love it! Surely it just won't be a proper Christmas without a tree?!

I have offered that we could put the Christmas tree in the conservatory rather than the main lounge, so that we can close the glass doors on it to prevent too much carnage from occuring when we're not looking. But he says, "well, if we're not having it in the lounge then there's no point in having it up this year anyway". I can't win!

Please have your say, am I being U and is he being sensible, or is he just being a massive Scrooge?

Your DH is out-of-order.

Put one up! My ds is 21 months and was only 9 months last year, the novelty wears off fairly quickly! Tell your dh to stop moaning, plug sockets and stray pennies pose a bigger threat!

Stranded you copy cat.

Your dh is talking rubbish. I've always had Christmas trees with my toddlers and there's been no problem. The only occupant who has caused a problem has been the cat going after the baubles.

I remember one year when ds1 was about 3 and he fell asleep in the car. We carried him into the lounge and layed him onto the sofa. We put the tree up with light and decorations etc. whilst he slept and then switched them on just in time because he woke up. The look on his face was priceless as he stared at the pretty colours in total awe and wonder. He just lay there silent and still gazing at the tree. It was lovely.

You totally have to get a tree. A real one makes it even more special as well.

YANBU. I'm sure the tree will be fine - we've always had one and 2 of our 3 boys are November & October birthdays so similar ages to your daughter at that time. She'll learn not to touch and will live it . Your DH is definitely bah humbug!

Well noone is a bigger Christmas fan than me and I love real Christmas trees (when I was a kid my Mum wouldn't have one because "they make too much mess" ) but in this instance I am inclined to agree with your DH. In fact the only year in our married life when we didn't have a real tree was they year that our DD was the same age as yours. Her first Christmas she wasn't mobile so it wasn't an issue, but when she was a toddler we just knew she would pull it over or would get pine needles stuck in her hands or eyes or something, so we got a little artificial one that we could stand on something out of reach. Every year after that we managed.

Meant to say she'll love it (iPhone and wine not a good combination for typing!)

Oh hang on i have just noticed you said it is in the loft so you were talking about an artificial one anyway? In which case YANBU because even if it does get pulled over it won't cause as much damage as a real one could.

YANBU, our tree has been in the conservatory since my DS came on the scene, YOU NEED A TREE! Your DD will love the lights so sell it to him as the perfect distraction technique.....

Also you have to teach children, just don't put lights and delicate stuff in reach, and if you're really worried, secure it somehow with string so it can't be pulled over? Hope you win!

We got a smaller tree and put it on the table. Simple solution as I couldn't be arsed to keep putting decorations back. :)

Hmphhh.

Neither of mine went anywhere near the tree. We just told them to stay away and no hands. Children are capable of learning to do what they're told, contrary to popular opinion by people who totally underestimate them

Neither of mine went near the woodburner either and we never had a fireguard. You just teach them to stay away or something terrible will happen.

Asda, although a vile place, was full of cheap sparkly unbreakable baubles.
No excuse what so ever not to have a toddler friendly tree!

Get the tree out. How much havoc can one toddler cause? Seriously though, keep an eye on her and you'll be fine.

I remember DD aged 18 months happily 'helping' to dress the tree. It's fun! Put the tree up and enjoy

As others have said get the tree out! I didn't have any problems with my 2. Had to tell them no a few times when they tried grabbing the baubles but they did learn not to touch the tree :)

YANBU.

I have always had a tree up. The only change I made has been not to be put my glass orniments on.

When they are older I will use them again.

On the ohter hand your dh is being a twit. Get him to explain to all your guests why you have no christmas tree, and wait for them to tell him he's an idiot.

Just put a playpen in front of it? Your Dh is being silly. Enjoy your Xmas!

You need a tree!!

Have a tree & decorate the lower branches with plastic baubles from Poundland. That way they won't break if DD pulls at them and, if they do break, you won't care .

Definitely put the tree up. I've always put the tree up no matter what the ages of the DC. Mine has even survived 4 cats and a dog.