With the festive season officially almost upon us, families across the globe are undoubtedly already wondering how to keep the kids entertained and calm during December. One great idea for those with a competitive inclination is to organise a Christmas tree decorating contest. Whether it’s strictly a family and friends’ event or a neighbourhood challenge, decorating your tree with a bit of friendly competition can add a huge amount of excitement to your Christmas preparations. Before pulling the trigger on it, however, it stands to reason you’d want to give yourself the best chance in the contest.
With that in mind, here we’ve put together some helpful hints to not only give you an advantage, but help you organise the event itself.
Choose a Theme to Create Cohesion
Deciding on a theme is one of the best ways to give your Christmas tree a polished and professional look. A cohesive theme can guide your decoration choices and bring together all the elements of your tree, making it visually appealing. Colour is, of course, the most obvious place to start. You can keep it traditional but choosing classic colours like red and gold or try a monochromatic palette for a more modern and sophisticated look. You also want to decide on maximalism vs minimalism. Either go all out and throw everything at it or keep it simple and elegant with natural textures, wooden ornaments, and soft, neutral tones for a simple yet elegant Scandinavian vibe.
Create Homemade Ornaments for a Personal Touch
A great way to make your tree stand out is by adding a personal touch through homemade ornaments. Making your own decorations is also a great way to get the kids involved in something creative. Use upcycled materials like old fabrics, recycled paper, or even pinecones to craft homemade decorations. You can also incorporate personal elements, such as photo ornaments, to highlight special family memories or milestones. These personal touches make your tree more than just a beautiful display – they make it a reflection of your family’s traditions.
Get the Lights Right!
Choosing the right Christmas tree lights can make all the difference in creating a warm and festive glow, adding to the magic of your tree and potentially winning you the competition! Whether you prefer classic white lights or colourful LED strings, how you use your lights can make all the difference. Make sure to space your lights evenly throughout the tree to create balance and symmetry. Start from the top and work your way down, weaving the lights in and out of the branches to create depth. Always consider the brightness of your lights too. Warmer, softer tones will create a cosy atmosphere, while multicoloured lights add a playful, festive feel. For a modern twist, you could even explore smart lights that can change colours or flash in different patterns.
Organise a Judging System for the Competition
Finally, think about the competition itself. To keep it fair and fun, it’s essential to set up a judging system. This will not only help everyone stay focused but also ensure that the event remains light-hearted and enjoyable for all participants. Consider establishing clear criteria for judging so that every aspect of the tree is considered. You can create categories such as creativity, use of theme, originality, and overall appearance. Each tree can be scored on these aspects, ensuring that both the aesthetic and effort are recognised. If you want to add an element of surprise, meanwhile, invite a neighbour, family friends, or distant relatives to act as impartial judges. This will keep things fair and ensure that everyone feels included in the spirit of competition.