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Holiday Decorating with Safety in Mind
by Colleen Langenfeld
Do you wonder how you're going to safely decorate for
the upcoming holidays with preschoolers in your home?
Here are some kid-friendly ideas to help you create a
festive home during this special season.
Put away the glass baubles and expensive Nativity sets.
There will be time to enjoy those again later,
when your precious little ones are older. For now, focus
on materials that are child-tough; wood and fabric are
good choices. There are some beautiful wooden Nativities
available. Or fill a wicker basket with holiday-colored
wooden balls.
Stuffed fabric shapes can also fit beautifully into a holiday decor
yet stand up to busy little hands.
Think stars, balls, candy canes, and bells. Add bits of ribbon
for interest, sewing on securely. An artificial tabletop
tree with only fabric balls can be a great distraction
(with supervision) from other more fragile decor.
You can still indulge in those lovely swags, wreaths and stained glass beauties.
Just think 'up' and put those more fragile items high above your
children's reach.
Dress up existing baskets with holiday liners and bows.
Create a holiday zoo.
Use stuffed animals, clothed in festive finery and holiday bows or hats.
A wooden train will complete the look. Check all items for small
pieces that might come off and cause choking.
Set up a lovely holiday 'tea party' on a coffee or end table.
Use an ornate plastic tea set that you won't mind picking up again and again!
A darling collection of holiday-dressed bears perched on colorful miniature
chairs makes a happy barrier to packages beneath the tree.
It's not foolproof, of course, but the bears may slow curious toddlers and
give you more time to reach those little hands before they can reach the packages!
Holiday decorating with little ones in the house doesn't have to mean forgoing a festive home OR saying 'No! Don't touch!' all the time. With some simple adjustments your home can be a joyful and lovely place to teach your small children the extraordinary meaning of this enduring season.
More You Might Like:
Holiday Season Safety
Controlling Chaos
12 Days of Holiday Organizing
Elegant Bows for Easy Holiday Decor
About the Author:
Colleen Langenfeld offers helpful ideas to busy working
moms. Use the resources at Painted Gold
to make your life as a mom feel easier, healthier,
and better!
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