Got Kids?
Holiday Decor 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!
- Want even more? Here are some additional online
resources for great ideas on holiday decorating with
small children.
http://www.paintedgold.com/SaferHoliday
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.
Colleen Langenfeld offers helpful ideas to busy working
moms. Use the resources at
http://www.paintedgold.com
to make your life as a mom feel easier, healthier,
and better!