There’s something special about the holidays: the scent of pine in the air, the twinkling lights, and turning your house into a festive wonderland. But the best part is doing it together as a family. Decorating with kids isn’t mainly about the final look; it’s about creating memories, sparking creativity, and letting their personalities shine through each ornament and garland.
When families pick out a Christmas tree and bring it home, it becomes the start of a season full of connection and fun. Involving children can make decorating feel like a cherished tradition rather than a chore. Whether your space is big or cozy, or your style is classic or modern, there are countless ways to involve them in the magic.
Instead of doing all the decorating yourself, give your children their own decorating area. It could be their bedroom, a small play area, or a section of the big tree. This independence gives them a sense of ownership and responsibility for how things look.
You may be surprised by how much they enjoy choosing color schemes, placing ornaments, or deciding where to hang the stockings. Remember: perfection isn’t the goal; participation is. Those homemade ornaments and paper snowflakes will be worth more than any perfectly decorated room.
Family holiday traditions are what children remember, and decorating together can become one too. Start simple: play your family’s favorite Christmas music, bake cookies, and have everyone take turns adding decorations to the tree.
You can start a “first ornament” tradition each year, letting your children choose or create one new ornament that symbolizes something special from the past year. It could be a small homemade craft, a keepsake from a vacation, or a family photo. Over time, your tree becomes a history of memories.
No other activity keeps children engaged like giving them something to make. Basic crafts such as paper garlands, hand-painted decorations, or salt-dough stars add a unique, handmade touch.
If you’re worried about mess, set up a “craft zone” with a washable table cover and easy-to-clean supplies like water-based paints and non-toxic glue. This invites creativity and gives kids pride in seeing their handmade items displayed around the home. Crafting together also sparks conversations and laughter you’ll treasure long after the decorations come down.
When kids are involved, it’s important to keep the decor beautiful and safe. Use soft materials, shatterproof ornaments, and battery-operated candles instead of real flames. This allows children to participate without the risk of accidents or broken decorations.
If your children are young, have a “kid zone” tree—smaller and all theirs to decorate as they please. You can still keep your big family tree for the more fragile ornaments, but letting them work on their own keeps the fun high and the anxiety low.
Each ornament, wreath, or garland has a story. Take time to share the story behind some decorations—whether it’s a family heirloom, a symbol of a culture, or something as simple as the tradition of hanging stockings.
When children understand the meaning, they become more involved in the experience. It teaches them to appreciate family heritage and traditions. They might even come up with their own decorating themes for future years based on what they’ve learned.
Engaging children doesn’t end with hanging ornaments. Encourage them to help with the setup, such as fluffing branches, untangling lights, or placing the tree skirt, and to help with takedown after the holiday season. These small tasks foster teamwork and responsibility while keeping the process fun.
Pro tip: make cleanup a game by turning it into a treasure hunt. Have children hunting for red ornaments or counting snowflakes before packing them away. That way, after-holiday chores feel like an activity rather than an obligation.
Children love hands-on activities, so include interactive decorative features. Think advent calendars, felt trees with interchangeable ornaments, or a “decorate-your-own” cookie corner. These playful touches keep them engaged all winter and give them a daily reason to enjoy the season.
You can even create a “kindness calendar” with a small daily act of giving, such as making a card for a neighbor or donating a toy. It’s a wonderful way to keep the holiday spirit alive beyond the glitter and lights.
Don’t miss the chance to capture the joy! Take candid photos of your family as you decorate—the tousled hair, the giggles, the focused moments when a favorite ornament goes up. You can print these later for a holiday scrapbook or frame them for next year’s mantel.
These photos remind everyone of the season’s happiness and can become another family tradition to treasure.
Above all, remember that the most beautiful decorations come from happiness, not perfection. Kids grow and learn best in a space where they can explore, make mistakes, and laugh. Holidays are a time to unplug, connect, and enjoy together, not a time to worry about perfectly coordinated colors.
Let your kids’ creativity lead, even if the star is a little askew or the tinsel doesn’t match. That’s what makes your home feel cozy and lived-in for the holidays.
Getting kids involved in decorating isn’t just about filling your home with holiday cheer—it’s about building memories they’ll carry into adulthood. Whether they choose decorations, make handmade ornaments, or proudly place the lights, every step becomes a moment of bonding.
So this year, focus on the experience rather than the “perfect” look. Let your home reflect the love and laughter that make the season shine. For gift ideas, check out the article on the perfect gifts for the family this Christmas.
