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 15 to 70 cm long (from the woods or garden)
secateurs 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 70 cm for the bottom down to 15 cm 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.