Trim the Tree Dramatic Play for Preschoolers

My preschoolers are excited each December when I bring out our miniature Christmas tree and ornaments. This exciting activity sparks imaginative play and nurtures the development of those tiny finger muscles, enhancing fine motor skills. Just take a peek at our snapshots capturing the magic of hanging small ornaments onto the tree—see how those little hands maneuver, working those small hand muscles while perfecting eye-hand coordination. Read below about setting up your own trim the tree dramatic play for preschoolers.

Trim the Tree Dramatic Play for Preschoolers

Here’s what you’ll need to join the festive fun

A petite tree from your local craft store
Adorable non-breakable ornaments (ours are from The Dollar Tree)
Strings of beads (we repurposed necklaces that worked like a charm!)
Jingly bells
A handy tray for easy access
string of beads – ours were necklaces that were taken apart
bells
tray

Oh, and the girls added a charming touch with curling ribbon from the Holiday Wrap Cutting Bin—what a fantastic idea!

Decorating a miniature tree is a fantastic way for children to embrace the holiday spirit hands-on. They love using the tree during imaginative play or even swinging by for a quick tree decorating session during free play time.

Let’s be real here—it’s not always picture-perfect. Sometimes, the tree tips over, and the decorations get all tangled up. But you know what? That’s a part of the beauty of real life!

Trimming the tree never fails to be a hit, especially around Christmas. I keep the tray out all month, switching up the ornaments, so there’s ample time for everyone to explore and get their chance at being a tree decorator.