Christmas tree help

[Sweetmotherfudger]

How do you keep a toddler away from a Christmas tree? We were thinking we wouldn't have one as baby will just rip it to shreds. Any ideas how to have a Christmas tree & a baby?

We have tried different things over the years. Putting the Christmas tree behind a room divider (opened up playpen) or on a table about 18 inches high (in fact I actually tie the tree stand onto the table). Now my youngest is 4 (3 last Christmas) the tree was on the floor, but I had tied it at the back to a hook in the wall.

I think I might just have not not have one this year. Sob!!!

Can you get a small one and put it out of reach? I used to fill mine with really cheap and dull baubles so it didn't matter if he pulled them off. He's 15 now so I have glass ones.

We put it up and put non breakable decorations in reach. We just said no and distracted them from touching. We have a real tree every year.

I always have big full on 7 foot real xmas trees every year. Have had toddlers and babies pootling around without a problem.

I don't know if it makes a difference but I always let them dress it. I let them put all the decorations on themselves wherever they want. Yes, when they were little it looked a sight, but I think in doing so it became 'their' tree and they were quite protective of it.

Obviously we had to explain that they couldn't touch it without asking us first, but I don't remember any problems and ds was a real 'into everything' baby. Though, I probably did just bung him in the playpen if I had to go for a wee/answer the door or something.