Debate erupts over the 'correct' way to decorate your Christmas tree

Parents weigh in on some of the biggest decorating debates - including getting the kids involved!

If you’re a fan of Christmas, you would know that decorating your tree is somewhat of an art form.

TikTok user @samjamesj took to the platform this week kickstarting a debate around what lights to use - multicoloured, or white?

But, it seems there’s plenty more debate to be had around just what you should be putting on your tree.

Is there really a ‘right’ way to do it? The Kidspot team weighs in.

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Do you have any strict Christmas tree decorating rules? Image: Supplied

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Colour coding

Colour coding and colour schemes seem to be the biggest point of debate when it comes to your Christmas tree.

Commenters on the video were mixed, with many preferring a theme with white lights.

“I can't stand the coloured led string lights so it's warm white for me,” one commenter said.

“I was raised in a multicolored house and I’ve always absolutely hated it. I love the warm white with the pretty decorations,” said another.

But, even more preferred a multi-coloured, ‘tacky’ tree, complete with multicoloured lights and whatever ornaments your heart desires.

“I love nothing more than a tacky chaos Christmas,” said one commenter.

“Multicoloured Christmas is the only way. give me the chaotic good,” said another.

“I finally convinced my Husband that multicolored lights with all the funky ornaments you've collected over your life is the best look,” a third agreed.

“He realised, like I've been saying, that there's something so incredibly cozy and nostalgic about a tree with tons of ornaments that don't match and rainbow lights. It looks how Christmas felt growing up and it's my favorite thing.”

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The response from the Kidspot team was similar, with some preferring a perfectly curated tree, and others going all out with their decorations.

“Hard no, don’t overthink it,” said Emily, in regards to a colour-coded tree.

“I have a theme each year,” Leah said.

“Sometimes it's all gold, sometimes it's silver or this year it's both silver and gold. Some years I've also done a travel tree with ornaments from around the world as well as a kids only tree. That was a time!”

“I don't think there's such a thing as a tacky tree - so you do you,” Nama said.

Should kids be involved?

Your little ones can be a big obstacle in creating a picture-perfect tree - and you either love it, or you hate it.

Some of our Kidspot mums said that they’re the best part of decorating your Christmas tree.

“'tis the joy of christmas! The kids' involvement is the best bit!” Emily said.

“Before I had a child, my trees were always immaculate - perfectly designed/colour-coded etc. As my son got older, I began proudly decorating with his creations from day care, to kindy, to primary school. The rest of my decorations are from our travels - some are decades old - so all in all the effect is a perfect mish-mash of our family history - and I love it,” said Nama.

But, Leah has a different perspective.

“I [let the kids help] in their toddler years and was always envious of other people's "perfect" trees,” she said.

“Now I have given them their own tree to decorate however they like and the main tree in our lounge room is my doing with their help.”

And she’s not alone, with plenty of TikTok commenters agreeing with the sentiment.

“I came from tacky Christmas with handmade mixed with random ornaments and multicolored lights and now my tree must be PERFECT,” one commenter said.

“kids have their own tree to be crazy with.”

“we had a living room tree of warm white lights and coordinated ornament sets.... basement had the "kids" tree with colourful lights and chaos ornaments 😅” said another.

“I came from a two tree household in the front was the themed Christmas tree with one or two colors and the fancy topper the other had our school made ornaments 😂” a third said.

@samjamesj

NO TOUCHING ZONE #christmas #lights #steadyon #husband #xmas #decoration

♬ original sound - Schweden Eotogi

Tinsel - yay or nay?

One of the biggest no-nos for the Kidspot team was tinsel, with all of our writers saying that it sheds, and can be a choking hazard, and so has no place on their trees.

But, I'm personally a fan. Any tree feels incomplete without it!

Originally published as Debate erupts over the 'correct' way to decorate your Christmas tree