Bringing a tree into your living space is a wonderful Christmas tradition. Not only glorious to behold, pine, fir, and spruce fill your home with the fresh scent of forests. But for some, that pesky tree can create both space and pet problems. If you have limited space and are a pet lover, here are some tips to make the holidays a little less stressful.
Dogs and cats are very inquisitive creatures, and as such, your Christmas tree may be in jeopardy during the holiday season. Here are some clever ways to protect your tree from your over-curious pets.
- Set up your Christmas tree in the corner of a room, so it’s not so much in your pet’s direct line of sight.
- Use an accordion-style baby gate around the perimeter of your tree to prevent your pet from getting too close.
- Select a strong and unwavering base for holding the tree. Get one that is guaranteed to stay firmly in place if the tree is knocked over. This is as important for the safety of children as it is for pets.
- Consider not decorating the tree right away. This will provide your pet with an adjustment period before adding attractive bells and baubles.
- Consider not having certain decorations at all. Tinsel and ribbons are potentially choking hazards for dogs and cats who tend to chew and swallow things they find lying around.
- Avoid shiny ornaments that will only entice your cat further. And of course, stay away from edible decorations, such as cranberry or popcorn strings. These goodies are too enticing and pets will likely go after them.
- Some people choose to not even decorate the lower third of the tree at all. That way, there is nothing of interest at the cat’s eye level.
- Consider spraying your tree with scents such as citronella or apple cider vinegar to keep your fur babies away from your tree.
For those living in apartments or condos, space is the primary issue when it comes to putting up a Christmas tree. The beauty of the season can still be yours to have, we’ve got you covered!
- Downsize your tree, whether traditional evergreen or artificial, and opt for a 3-foot tabletop version instead. Better yet, a small tree means fewer decorations to store post-holiday!
- Get creative! Make your own Christmas tree. For example, create a Christmas tree using ornaments, frame it, and mount it on your wall. Not only does this take up no floor space at all, but it also makes for a fun and crafty project.
One more thing: this holiday season sort through the overflow of ornaments you’ve collected and downsize your collection to those you most treasure. Throw away any worn or broken ornaments, then pack up any ornaments that are in good condition but no longer add value to your life, and place them aside to be donated.
