Alternative Christmas tree from branches or books

Age: 6+ · Time: 60 min · For: Ages 6–9 Ages 10–12

Not every Christmas tree has to come from a shop. A tree of branches on the wall or a tower of books can be just as festive, and children love making a tree that is completely their own.

What children do, where you help

Children: collect branches, arrange them, choose and hang the decorations, and stack the books.
You: cut the branches and hang the tree on the wall.

Tips

Only collect fallen branches. Never break them off living trees.
Dry branches indoors for a few days before decorating.
Keep it light: paper and felt decorations are perfect for a wall tree.

You need

7 to 9 dry branches of about 6 to 28 inches long (from the woods or yard)
pruning shears or a small saw (for the grown-up only)
strong string or garden twine
a nail, hook or strong adhesive hook on the wall
homemade decorations, such as stars, ornaments or gift tags
a battery-powered LED string of lights
for the book tree, a pile of books in different sizes

Steps

Branch tree: collect fallen branches on a walk. A grown-up cuts them to different lengths, from about 28 inches for the bottom down to 6 inches for the top.
Lay the branches on the floor from longest to shortest to make a triangle, with a little space between each one.
Tie each branch to two long strings, one on each side, so they hang like a ladder. Knot them tightly.
Hang the top of the strings on a nail or hook on the wall.
Wrap the LED lights around the branches and hang your homemade decorations on them.
Book tree: make a big circle of the largest books on the floor, spines out. Make a slightly smaller circle on top, and keep going until you have a cone. Finish with a star on top and drape LED lights around it.

Questions

Is a book tree safe?

Keep it no taller than your child's shoulder and on a flat floor, so it cannot topple onto anyone. Use only battery LED lights, never candles.

Why an alternative tree?

It is perfect for small spaces, a child's bedroom, a home with a curious toddler or cat, or as a second tree that the children decorate entirely themselves.