Keeping Toddlers out of Christmas Trees

It may be early, but here's one solution to the inevitable toddler (or puppy) getting into the Christmas tree and gifts. Put the tree and gifts in the playpen, or put up a gate across the area where the tree and gifts are or will be! This is easier, of course, with a smaller tree. It relieves you of the constant worry about whether Suzy, Johnny, or Fido are pulling on the tree, chewing on ornaments, chewing on gifts, or just shredding things because they are bright and pretty and interesting to look at, and it gives you a bit of a break from redirecting the toddlers away from the tree and pile of gifts.

Using the multi-sided play yards or open topped puppy yards can also work, especially if the tree is in a corner of a room. Your challenge then is anchoring the play yard down enough so it can't be pushed closer to the tree. I've used cement cinder blocks inside the play yard to keep it steady, with felt under so it doesn't scratch the floor.