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.