If you’ve ever found yourself saying “don’t touch that!” more times than “Merry Christmas,” you’re not alone. Having kids and having a beautifully decorated home can feel mutually exclusive during the holidays — but it doesn’t have to be. With a few smart swaps and some organization magic, you can create a space that’s festive, functional, and little-hands-approved.
Here are five ways to have a Christmas home that feels like a Hallmark movie — minus the shattered glass and holiday chaos.
1. Start With a Simple, Clutter-Free Foundation
Before the bins of ornaments come out, take a moment to declutter. Holiday décor can quickly overwhelm your space if you’re layering it over existing clutter.
What to do:
- Clear off shelves, countertops, and entryway tables before adding décor.
- Store away everyday décor items (think candles, books, or family photos) to make room for Christmas pieces.
- Designate a “holiday home” for your storage bins — perhaps under a bed, basement shelf, or closet corner — so you can rotate things easily post-holiday.
Try Amazon Basics Fabric Storage Cubes — they’re perfect for stashing away year-round décor or organizing kids’ seasonal crafts and toys while your Christmas display takes center stage. PLUS you can even get some red ones to be on theme! :)
Benefit: You’ll start with a clean slate that highlights your Christmas décor rather than drowning in it.
2. Choose Kid-Friendly Yet Stylish Decor
Kid-friendly doesn’t mean “plastic everything.” It’s about being intentional with materials, placement, and texture.
Ideas that work:
- Use shatterproof ornaments (they’re available in surprisingly elegant finishes).
- Opt for woven baskets, felt garlands, or wooden figurines instead of delicate ceramics.
- Display holiday-scented candles up high, and use battery-operated LED candles elsewhere.
The KI Store Shatterproof Christmas Ornaments Set gives a high-end glass look without the heartbreak of breakage.
Benefit: You can finally sip your cocoa in peace without scanning the room for toddler-sized disasters.
3. Strategically Decorate (High for Fragile, Low for Fun)
This one’s simple: what’s fragile goes high, and what’s meant for play goes low.
Try this:
- Hang the delicate ornaments near the top of the tree, away from little explorers.
- Save the bottom section for plush ornaments, bells, or felt characters your kids can touch and rearrange.
- Let the kids decorate their own room or space — maybe a small tree in their playroom or a corner where they can hang handmade ornaments or paper snowflakes.
A Mini Pre-Lit Christmas Tree gives your kids their own space to decorate — and keeps little fingers away from your heirloom ornaments.
Benefit: Everyone feels included, and your living room doesn’t turn into a “Do Not Touch” museum.
4. Involve the Kids (Without Losing Your Mind)
Kids love being part of the decorating process — and yes, that means things may get a little uneven. That’s okay. The goal is to create memories, not a showroom.
Ideas to try:
- Assign each child a “special helper” role (tree topper expert, ornament hanger, cookie plate setter).
- Let them decorate their own small areas, like a window ledge or mini tree.
- Make decorating a family event — play music, sip hot chocolate, and remind yourself perfection isn’t the goal.
Pro tip: Take photos of their décor masterpieces. Next year, they’ll love seeing how their creativity evolves — and you’ll have an adorable time capsule of Christmases past.
Keep fragile ornaments in Sterilite Ornament Storage Boxes so kids can help pack up after Christmas without chaos.
5. Keep It Neat with Smart Storage Solutions
Let’s be honest: Christmas clutter has a way of multiplying faster than snowflakes. Between gifts, wrapping paper, and new toys, your home can feel like Santa’s workshop exploded. If you haven't before check out our article from last year on the Top 5 Christmas Decor Storage Solutions.
What to do:
- Use clear plastic bins for labeled categories like “lights,” “mantel décor,” and “kids’ crafts.”
- Keep one bin open for “rotating décor” — things you swap out through the season.
- Store wrapping paper vertically in a tall wrapping paper organizer or behind a closet door.
The ZOBER Christmas Storage Set keeps ornaments, wreaths, and wrapping paper perfectly organized (and easy to find next year).
Benefit: You’ll actually look forward to decorating next Christmas — because everything will be neatly packed, labeled, and chaos-free.
A Home That’s Merry, Bright, and Lived In
A beautifully decorated Christmas home doesn’t have to mean sacrificing safety or sanity. When you blend thoughtful organization, durable décor, and a sprinkle of kid participation, you get a space that truly feels like your family’s Christmas.
So pour another mug of hot cocoa, step back, and admire your handiwork — fingerprints, glitter, and all. Because the best homes aren’t perfect; they’re loved.
Looking for more ideas? Subscribe to Simplicity Home Living for practical tips and inspiration for a clutter-free, family-friendly home all year long!
