Thank you Martha Stewart Living for sponsoring this post. As always, all opinions are my own.

Embracing the Magic: Our Whimsical Christmas Tree & Decorating Traditions

The holiday season holds a unique charm, brimming with warmth, joy, and the magical anticipation that only this time of year can bring. For our family, one of the most cherished rituals is transforming our home into a festive wonderland, with the Christmas tree taking center stage. This year, I’m thrilled to unveil our enchanting 2017 Whimsical Christmas Tree, a departure from our previous traditional themes and a vibrant celebration of color and imagination.

In past years, our tree has sported classic red, gold, and brown tones, with white making an appearance last season. While I adore those timeless palettes, this year called for something fresh and playful. A spark of inspiration ignited when I discovered the exquisite Christmas Morning collection by Martha Stewart Living, available exclusively at The Home Depot. Its delightful array of hues immediately resonated with my vision for a more colorful and whimsical display. We maintained the beloved red and white, but infused the tree with shimmering silver, a cheerful light green, and a captivating turquoise. This expanded palette has truly brought an unexpected harmony and a renewed sense of wonder to our holiday decor, blending cherished heirlooms with exciting new finds.

Decorating with Little Helpers: Embracing Imperfection and Creating Memories

This Christmas season is made even more special by the magical age my son is experiencing. His innocence shines through every moment, and his boundless enthusiasm means he simply *must* help with everything around the house. When it came to decorating the Christmas tree, I knew I wanted to involve him as much as possible, embracing the beautiful chaos that comes with tiny hands. I started by giving him seemingly small tasks, like placing ornaments, but he quickly showed me his own determined approach.

At first, I tried to hand him an ornament with the hook already attached, expecting him to simply hang it. However, he adamantly refused. In his mind, he needed to master the entire process himself. Before I could even demonstrate, he had already figured out how to skillfully attach the hook to the ornament and place it on a branch. While I’ll admit some ornaments aren’t exactly positioned where my inner perfectionist might prefer them, watching his proud face and independent spirit at work is far more valuable than any perfectly symmetrical arrangement. This year, I’m making a conscious effort to let my typically meticulous self relax and simply revel in these fleeting, precious moments of childhood joy.

The Star of the Show: A Family Tradition in the Making

For several years, a beautiful beaded deer had gracefully adorned the top of our Christmas tree. This year, however, my son had a different vision entirely – he absolutely insisted on a star. I saw this as a wonderful opportunity to involve him even more deeply in the tree-trimming ceremony. Perhaps I used his strong desire to place the star to my advantage, holding it over his head for a few days until we were truly ready for the grand finale.

The moment finally arrived. My husband, ever the adventurous one, hoisted our son onto his shoulders, and together they ascended the ladder to reach the very top. I must add a disclaimer here: I neither recommend nor condone this method! My heart nearly stopped as I watched them, but the sheer delight on my son’s face as he carefully placed the star was unforgettable. It’s these kinds of spontaneous, slightly precarious, but utterly joyful moments that truly define our family’s holiday experience.

Crafting a Whimsical Wonderland: Key Decor Elements

Creating a whimsical Christmas tree involves more than just a colorful palette; it’s about incorporating elements that evoke a sense of playful fantasy and charm. This year, we’ve introduced several delightful additions that perfectly capture this spirit:

The Rocking Horse Ornament: Among our new ornaments, this charming rocking horse instantly captured our hearts. It adds a touch of nostalgic innocence and storybook magic, inviting smiles and fond memories.
The Cozy House Ornament: Another favorite is the adorable little cozy house ornament. Its intricate details and warm, inviting feel make it a perfect representation of home and holiday comfort, nestled among the branches.

Beyond individual ornaments, layering with complementary greenery is essential for a full, lush, and whimsical look. The Martha Stewart Living MSL Pepper Berry Lane Greenery Stems were an absolute game-changer this year. What I particularly love about these stems is their thoughtful design; they’re not just a single color but contain a beautiful mix of filler pieces. This multi-tonal approach adds incredible depth, texture, and a natural, organic feel to the tree. I can already envision countless ways to incorporate these versatile stems into future tree creations, making them a wise and beautiful investment for years to come.

Sentimental Touches: Connecting with Loved Ones Through Decor

While whimsical decor brings joy and creativity, it’s the sentimental elements that truly imbue our Christmas tree with profound meaning. Every year, without fail, I add cardinal ornaments to our tree. These vibrant red birds hold a special place in my heart, symbolizing my beloved grandmother who is no longer with us. It’s a tradition that makes me feel her presence, watching over us and sharing in the holiday cheer. This small, consistent act of remembrance transforms our tree into a living tapestry of memories, connecting past and present.

Incorporating sentimental items doesn’t have to be limited to specific ornaments. Consider placing small mementos, handmade crafts from loved ones, or even photographs strategically throughout the branches. These personal touches turn a beautifully decorated tree into a powerful narrative of family, love, and tradition.

Toddler-Friendly Tree Decorating: Tips for Peace of Mind

A few years ago, I shared a post about making your Christmas tree toddler-friendly, and that philosophy remains a cornerstone of our holiday decorating. With an inquisitive little one in the house, safety and durability are key. Thanks to the Martha Stewart Living shatter-resistant ornaments, we can enjoy a beautifully decorated tree without constant worry. These durable ornaments, combined with a selection of softer, less fragile decorations, mean my tree is still very much toddler-proof. So far, my son has been incredibly good about admiring the tree from a slight distance, limiting his natural urge to touch and play with every bauble.

Making a tree toddler-friendly isn’t just about safety; it’s also about fostering a positive and relaxed holiday environment. Here are a few additional tips:

Choose Your Ornaments Wisely: Prioritize shatterproof ornaments, especially for the lower branches. Save delicate heirlooms for higher, out-of-reach spots.
Secure the Tree: Ensure your tree is stable and cannot easily be pulled over. Tree stands with wide bases or even wall anchors can provide extra security.
Creative Barriers: Sometimes a decorative gate or a cozy blanket fort around the base can create a gentle barrier that still allows for admiration.
Involve Them: As I’ve learned, letting them participate, even in small, controlled ways, can make them feel a sense of ownership and reduce the desire to “explore” unsupervised.

My son absolutely adores our tree. He loves to simply “sit and look at the tree,” requesting this cherished activity multiple times throughout the day. The moment he wakes up, his first mission is often to switch on the tree lights, and they typically remain illuminated until we head to bed. This simple, daily ritual underscores the profound impact a well-decorated tree can have on creating a magical atmosphere for children and adults alike.

Conclusion: The Enduring Magic of a Whimsical Christmas

Every year, I fall in love with our Christmas tree anew, and this year is no exception. I always think that it won’t be possible to create an even better tree the following year, yet somehow, I always manage to find new inspiration and new ways to infuse our holiday decor with joy and magic. This whimsical tree, with its vibrant colors, playful ornaments, and deeply personal touches, perfectly encapsulates the spirit of our family this holiday season.

Whether you gravitate towards classic elegance, rustic charm, or a burst of whimsical color, the true essence of Christmas tree decorating lies in creating something that reflects your family’s unique spirit and traditions. Embrace the process, cherish the moments, and let your tree be a beacon of holiday cheer for all to enjoy.

Shop this post:

Martha Stewart Living Christmas Morning Shatter-Resistant Ornament (100-Count)
Martha Stewart Living Christmas Morning Ornament Set (19-Count)
Martha Stewart Living 2.3 in. Christmas Morning Shatter-Resistant Ornament (101-Count)
Martha Stewart Living 12 in. MSL Pepper Berry Lane Greenery Stem