Thinking of not having a tree this year unless anyone can convince me otherwise.

[LaDiDaDi]

DD is 18 months at the moment and completely into everuthing. She loves trying to touch things that she know's she's not allowed to touch eg the fire (though it's never on when she's around), the wires at the back of the TV etc etc.

Our downstairs is a good size but is entirely open plan with no area that a tree could go and could be fenced off from dd.

Because of the above I'm thinking of not puuting a xmas tree up. I can't face the constant "No dd, please don't touch the tree." and tbh I don't think it's really fair on her as it will be so tempting for her to touch it and she just won't understand why she can't. We have no other children so they won't be disappointed and dp isn't bothered BUT ... I love having a beautifully decorated tree, it makes me feel all Christmassy and nice.

Any views?

One year we lived in a mobile home with two small children. Obviously this wasn't the time for a massive tree in the corner! Instead we had a tiny one on a shelf and, best of all, bought a normal Christmas tree, put it in a pot outside and bought outside lights. It was really lovely to open the curtains and look at it.

at no tree!! but you just have to have one!! maybe hang one from the ceiling just out off dd's reach

I would miss it. We always had one, even when DS was in his adventure and discovery phase.

We did not put much on the bottom few branches and I used lots of nonbreakable decorations (or cheap IKEA baubles, they do nto break so easily)

You HAVE to have a tree. There are no excuses!

You could get a tall tree and cut off the bottom branches?

i am having the same thoughts only i have ds1 who is 4 in january and ds2 is 18 months and into every thing. I am having a tree, i have only a small room so carnt put it behind the sofa or anything. will just have to hope he likes looking at it and dont touch. i am thinking about turning the lights off evey tim he touches to see if he will think "better leave it alone or its not as bright" (think i am hoping for to much though)

We have lived in a tiny house for the last five years and so have not had a tree. However DD is 2 now and I really want to try and have one this year.

Our house still looks very festive though even without one! People don't actually notice we haven't got a tree unless we point it out.

Why not put it on a box, high up? Where are you going to put your presents if you don't have a tree?

We're not having a tree, just lots of fairy lights to cheer up the place. Much safer with ds around.

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How nice cod. Charming and full of festive spirit .

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ds is 16 months, we are not putting up a tree for the same reason as yourselves. Will miss it though!

This is the second thread I've read on MN today, wondering whether or not to have a tree in case the children mess about with it.

I think this is an excellent trend. I plan to carry it further by not having china plates, mirrors or windows in the house in case my daughter smashes them. Also I shall get rid of all my doors in case she traps her fingers in them. I have already sealed off the bathrooms.

Ah, no, go for it - I have heard that some people put them in a play-pen . Actually, my cats do more damage than the boys did as toddlers. They seemed to be in awe of the tree and its lights. Give it a go, if it is unbearable, you can always take it down. It isn't Christmas without a tree and it has to be a real one - or it doesn't smell right . You can curse me when you are picking it up AGAIN, or hoovering up those blasted needles in April. Happy Christmas! P.S. I am buying mine this week.

dd1 was just turned one last year it was lovely to have x mas tree up. i cant see why you would avoid it

Well I thnk it is fine not to have a tree!

Or have one, but make sure you don't hang anyhting brakable on any lower branches, and that it can't fall over. It doesn't really mater if she grabs a few unbreakable baubles, does it?

She will be entranced...

Quite frankly, our dog does more damage to the tree than the kids ever have! have unbreakable, cheap and cheerful stuff, forget any idea of it looking like it fell out of an interiors magazine and chill! An occasional redistribution of the rearranged stuff is usually sufficient

put it up high so she can't reach it. This is what we did dd's first christmas when she was almost 1 and would have had it over given half the chance. There was no way I wouldn't have had one though. Last year she was almost 2 and we had a huge one but would often come in to find the bottom baubles on the floor . Not sure what will happen this year but will have a (real) tree as ever.

very similar situation to us. our dd is 20 mths and into everything. very dubious about having a tree too... as our living area is also open plan. but i can't not have a tree. so it's going behind the sofa where she can't get to it (i hope)

gosh that would be expensive tree lol

my boys are 10 and 11 and we nearly didnt have a tree last year cause i cant be bothered but when i nipped out on christmas eve dh and boys put one up.
chritmas cards i hate when i recieve them i read them then put them in the recycling box (i do send cards) i am the same with birthday cards (my birthday is on 15th dec)
just dont like mess

When ds was small we had a small tree on a table, out of his reach. No problem - room looks festive, tree doesn't get ruined.