Hi, my name is Calliope Jones.  I have three children, ages seven, four and two, as well as a baby on the way.  As they say (whomever 'they' are) "necessity is the mother of invention".

I don't know how everyone else feels, though I know some mothers agree with me when I say that the thought of a decorated tree with little ones sends out both a yummy feeling and a nice, quiet dread.

Every year since my oldest learned to crawl, ornaments have gotten broken, branches fall out (in the plastic or aluminum trees), kids get stabbed by pine needles... it's rough.

I also feel that it's ruining the point to put up a tree that the kids can't go near.  To me that says "Oh, yes, Vanessa, you can look at the festiveness, as long as you don't try to take part."  That just sends a horrid message to me.  In pondering this problem, I came up with what I believe to be a neat, and fun alternative.  I do warn that if you're a big traditionalist, this is probably not the idea for you. 

My solution to finding a balance between decor and practicality is to think outside the box and have the kids make Christmas.

My idea is to go to your local fabric store, or the fabric department at walmart, and buy lots of flannel of whatever color.  If your children can't agree on a design, get smaller amounts of different colors/designs, or if you only have one child, and they still want different types, let them pick.

Take your flannel home, and send the kiddies out to play.  While they are out, roll out your flannel and cut out a big Christmas tree, or one smaller one for each child.  Get some thumb tacks and hang your trees on the walls, wherever you deem appropriate.

When your children come in and have had their lunch, or their snacks, break out the construction paper, or card stock, or finger paints... crayons, markers, stickers, etc.  Any artsy crafty stuff you can think of.  Be creative, or, rather, let the kids have at it.

Some ideas are to take paints and let them draw on the flannel, make hand prints, etc.  If that seems too much, cut out a bunch of different sized circles and let them design their own ornaments.  You can later take them and get the papers laminated. 

Another idea is to use up as much left over flannel by cutting out ornaments and letting the kids design them.  Everything can be attached to the tree using the ever-popular and kid friendly Velcro.

If these creations get destroyed, they can make more... if the trees get pulled down, there is no fear of lacerations.  At the end of the season, remove your ornaments, roll the trees up, and stick everything in a tube or one small box.

So let your holiday seasons be about family, something your kids can participate in and play with throughout.  Someday those smudgy little hand-prints on those flat felt trees may be the thing you cherish most once the little ones are all grown up.  Those and the fun, happy memories.

Enjoy your holiday season, I hope you find this post a help and a joy.

-Calliope Jones