Three in ten parents secretly redecorate the Christmas tree after the children have gone to bed, according to a new study. The research, commissioned by Crayola, polled 2,000 parents across Britain.
As many as 30% of mums and dads admit to secretly redecorating the tree once their children are asleep. Almost half (45%) confess to moving baubles their children have hung, while 15% have removed decorations altogether because they spoiled the look.
Psychologist warns against changing children's art
Leading child psychologist Becky Spelman warns that changing a child's art can make them feel inadequate. Dr Spelman, Clinical Director at The Private Therapy Clinic, said: "For children, decorating the Christmas tree is about imagination, self-expression and feeling they've contributed to something special. Perfection doesn't really come into it."
She added: "When a child proudly hangs a homemade decoration, they're sharing a little piece of themselves. Seeing it stay on the tree shows them their effort has been noticed and that they have a place in the family's traditions. That kind of creative freedom can help them feel more willing to have a go at things, even when the result isn't perfect."
Pressure for a perfect tree
The poll reveals Britain is divided between those who want a perfect tree and those who embrace Christmas chaos. A quarter (25%) insist on a strict colour scheme, 27% demand evenly spaced decorations, and 18% have banned tinsel. Meanwhile, 35% consider baubles clustered on one branch a decorating crime, while 21% can't bear a wonky star or angel.
Social media adds to the pressure, with two thirds (67%) admitting it has piled on the pressure to create a picture-perfect tree. Of those, 25% rearrange decorations before taking photos, and 21% hide the messy side.
Many parents treasure children's creations
Despite the perfectionism, almost half (48%) proudly display their children's homemade decorations. A third (33%) believe little hands make more special decorations than expensive shop-bought ones, while 41% believe a tree should tell a family's story.
Some 21% have kept childhood creations for over ten years, with 15% hanging on to every single one. Indeed, 34% value the creativity, 36% treasure the memories, and 32% love the quality time spent making decorations together. And 31% agree trees should be fun, not fashionable, while 33% believe kids should decorate however they like.
Dr Spelman noted: "Parents might see five baubles hanging from the same branch or a lopsided angel, but children see something they've made themselves. Those imperfect decorations often become the ones a family treasures most, because they hold a memory of who that child was at that age."
Crayola is offering families the chance to win a place at its exclusive 'Crayola's Colourful Christmas Workshop' through a social competition, with details to be revealed on its Instagram channel.
