As Filipinos, Christmas is in our DNA. We put up our decorations as soon as the -ber months roll in. However, while putting up the Christmas tree, the ornaments, the belen, and parol seems just like another ordinary task, it poses a challenge for families who have young kids. The thought of your toddler pulling down in a minute all you’ve worked hard for in hours or days is indeed anxiety inducing! I should know: last Christmas, my almost two-year old daughter would take the different ornaments from our Christmas tree and play with them as if they’re her toys.

It seems like it’s just a phase, however. Now that my daughter is almost three, she better understands what the decorations are for and just touches, instead of remove, the ornaments. Of course, she’s still fascinated by them, but some constant reminding helps. So parents, there is hope!

If you’re still doing the finishing touches of your home’s holiday decorations and wondering how you’ll finish or how your decorations will stay put throughout the holidays with curious little ones around, here are a few tips from fellow moms!

While this may seem counterintuitive, this suggestion might just be the one you need to hear. Through their participation, your kids will learn to take responsibility in both putting up and keeping the decorations.

A bit of storytelling will be appreciated by toddlers who are a bit older. This works for us when my daughter sees the animals from the belen. We try to explain the importance of the nativity story to her so that she doesn’t play with the delicate figurines. Adding a little humor to your story won’t hurt as well.

On the other hand, some moms just keep the Christmas decorations out of their kid’s reach for practical and safety reasons.

Keep the tiny ornaments which are choking hazards for kids, and opt to use the bigger but lighter ones instead.

Moms and Dads, if putting up a Christmas tree is just going to be too stressful for you to secure everyday, you may consider not putting it up this year at all. You can still feel the joy that Christmas brings by decorating with lights, wreaths, or throw pillow covers with holiday designs. You can also keep it simple by just hanging a lantern or parol outside of your house.

Kids will only be little for a short time. Soon enough, they’ll also appreciate the decorations we put up without treating them like toys. Allow them to enjoy this season by making sure their holidays are