Alternative to Christmas Tree

[windymama]

I know, it's sort of early (but not really since stores have been in full swing for a month) for Christmas but I want to get things done soon.

We live in a small apt and I'm not entirely sure I want to do a Christmas tree.  Last year we didn't do a tree, no time or room and the kids were too young to care. This year DS has been asking about one.  We normally get a real tree but since we're likely spending Christmas with extended family I don't want it to sit dropping needles while we're away.  I also don't have the storage for a large artificial tree.

Any ideas as to what to do instead would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[ollyoxenfree]

I recall a similar thread last year, but I couldn't find it with a quick search. Maybe if you dig a little....

Here are a few links, and I bet if you searched on Pinterest there will be a lot more...

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/green-ideas/4-modern-alternative-christmas-trees-069875

http://www.styleathome.com/shopping/great-stuff/10-christmas-tree-alternatives-and-other-small-space-decorating-ideas/a/33030

We get a real tree every year, but we also have an old wooden ladder in the living room as part of our decor. Over the holidays, I decorate it with Christmas ornaments and zinc letters scattered on the rungs, spelling "NOEL". If we didn't get a tree, then it would make a good substitute. 

We've used a potted evergreen, but it's not a solution that works for us because I am terrible with houseplants. I'd rather kill a tree quickly and recycle it, rather than watch one die slowly in agony for months. 

[skreader]

In college & afterwards I used a potted plant, usually my scheffellera.

When we got married, the first year we decorated our ficus. After the kids came, we used a potted cypress we keep in our roof-top garden most of the year. Now the kids are old enough to help us haul it down  in Advent & bring it back up after 12th Night.

[4evermom]

Since it's your ds that's asking, I think I'd do a tabletop artificial tree.  I'm guessing a young child won't see the charm of tree substitutes...  Some of the trees are quite small and the branches bend so you can flatten it a bit for storage.  I think 2 foot ones (which includes the base) run about $20 at the craft stores so you might be able to get them for 40% off since Joanns and Michaels tend to put out coupons frequently (sign up online if you don't get them).  Might even be able to get one at a thrift store or from freecycle.  And you could redonate it after Christmas if you don't want to store it.

[zuleicamoon]

Do you have wall space?  I saw an article years ago where the author had painted a tree on the wall.  If you can't or don't want to paint, you could craft one up with fabric, ribbon, wrapping paper or whatever...even decorate it with real lights and using those removeable hooks you could hang ornaments. 

[mumkimum]

I saw a fun idea recently for a 'felt' wall tree (cut out of green craft felt) for play that kids could put felt ornaments on and off.  That might be a fun option.