Should Grandchildren Help Decorate the Christmas Tree? Families Are Divided.
Posted by Emily H.
A tradition for some, a source of stress for others. We asked people why this simple question sparks such a big debate.
Every December, families across the country gather to hang ornaments, untangle lights, and debate how much freedom the youngest helpers should have.
Some grandparents invite grandkids to place ornaments wherever they like, while others quietly redecorate the Christmas tree after bedtime. The question of how, and whether, grandchildren should help decorate sparks more opinions than you might expect.
One solution gaining attention is a 'mess-free' Christmas Tree for kids, which we’ll look at later in this piece.
Why Some Grandparents Say “Yes”
Many grandparents describe decorating the tree with their grandchildren as one of the most cherished parts of the season. For them, it’s less about symmetry and more about creating memories.
“It’s not about a perfect tree. It’s about letting them feel included.” — Linda, grandmother of four
“Every year I let them pick their favorite ornaments, even if they all end up in the same spot.” — George, Ohio
Why Others Prefer to Say “No”
On the other hand, some grandparents admit they struggle with the idea. Fragile ornaments, safety concerns, and the desire for a “picture-perfect” tree can lead them to limit how much the kids are involved.
“I always end up fixing the tree after bedtime. I just can’t leave it crooked.” — Carol, Texas
“We’ve had too many broken ornaments. Definitely not worth the stress.” — Karen, Florida
Is There a Better Way?
After hearing both sides, it’s clear the debate isn’t going away. But recently, a different idea has started to gain traction among grandparents who want to include the little ones without worrying about broken ornaments or a lopsided tree.
Instead of taking sides, some families are giving children a tree of their own – one designed specifically for them.
“My grandkids get their own tree now. It saves my big one, and they love having something that’s just theirs.” — Patricia, grandmother of three
How These Trees Work in Practice
Beyond the tradition and debate, much of the appeal comes down to practicality. These children’s trees are lightweight, safe, and easy to set up, making them a natural fit for grandparents’ homes, apartments, or children’s rooms where space is limited.
Size: Most stand around 3–4 feet tall.
Attachment: Hangs flat on a wall or door using the ribbon on top; no tools needed.
Storage: Folds flat after the holidays; a quick iron removes creases.
Safety: Soft felt ornaments attach with Velcro; no hooks, no glass, nothing sharp.
Use Case: Works especially well in smaller spaces where a full-size tree might not fit.
The Tree Families Are Choosing in 2025
For some families, the child-friendly Christmas tree has become more than just a compromise in the decorating debate. It’s also a practical solution for homes and spaces where a full-size tree isn’t possible.