A common festive-season habit could unintentionally undermine a child’s self-esteem, according to a leading child psychologist.
It may seem harmless—and many parents admit doing it—to move a crooked bauble or reposition a wonky angel after their children have gone to bed.
However, experts are cautioning parents against secretly “correcting” Christmas decorations that children have placed in unusual positions or put up unevenly, warning that it could affect how they view their own efforts.
Becky Spelman, a leading UK child psychologist, issued the warning after new research found that three in ten parents admit redecorating the Christmas tree once their children are asleep.
Dr Spelman said repeatedly altering children’s artwork or creative projects may leave them believing that what they produce is simply not good enough.
As millions of families prepare to decorate their Christmas trees, she is encouraging parents to accept a little festive disorder instead of striving for an Instagram-perfect display.
Dr Spelman, Clinical Director at The Private Therapy Clinic, said: “For children, decorating the Christmas tree is about imagination, self-expression and feeling that they have contributed to something special. Perfection does not really come into it.
“When a child proudly hangs a homemade decoration, they are sharing a small part of themselves. Seeing it remain on the tree shows them that their effort has been noticed and that they have a place in the family’s traditions.
The Christmas tree is the centrepiece of many families’ festive decorations, but experts say it could affect children if parents handle their creations incorrectly
“That kind of creative freedom can make children more confident about trying new things, even when the outcome is not perfect.”
Her comments followed a nationwide study of 2,000 parents, commissioned by Crayola, which found that three in ten secretly redecorate the tree after their children have gone to bed.
Nearly half said they had moved baubles their children had carefully hung, while 15 per cent admitted removing decorations altogether because they did not fit the overall look.
From glitter-covered toilet rolls to five baubles packed onto a single branch, children’s festive creativity is not always welcomed by their parents.
One in four parents said they followed a strict colour scheme, while 27 per cent wanted decorations to be evenly spaced and 18 per cent had banned tinsel.
Meanwhile, 35 per cent viewed several baubles on one branch as a decorating offence, and 21 per cent said they could not tolerate a crooked star or angel.
Social media may be adding to the pressure, with two thirds of parents admitting they feel expected to create a picture-perfect Christmas tree.
A quarter said they rearrange decorations before photographing the tree, while 21 per cent admitted hiding the messier side from view.
Dr Spelman added: “Wanting a tree that looks beautiful is completely understandable, and moving the occasional bauble does not make anyone a bad parent.
“But the wider pattern is what matters. If children repeatedly see their creations quietly altered or removed from sight, some may begin to feel that their efforts are not good enough.
“Giving them their own branch, or even a small tree to decorate however they choose, can offer a useful compromise.
“Parents may see five baubles hanging from one branch or a lopsided angel, but children see something they have made themselves.
“Those imperfect decorations often become the pieces a family values most because they preserve a memory of who that child was at a particular age.”
Still, not every parent takes a strict approach to Christmas tree decorating.
Nearly half proudly display homemade decorations made by their children, while 33 per cent believe their children’s creations are more meaningful than expensive shop-bought alternatives.
A further 41 per cent believe the Christmas tree should reflect a family’s story.
One in five parents have kept decorations made during their own childhood for more than 10 years, while 15 per cent have saved every single creation.
For 34 per cent, the focus is on encouraging creativity. Another 36 per cent treasure the memories, while 32 per cent value the quality time spent making decorations together.
Meanwhile, 31 per cent believe Christmas trees should be fun rather than fashionable, and 33 per cent think children should be free to decorate them however they want.
The findings came from a nationally representative online survey of 2,000 parents conducted for Crayola by Perspectus Global in October 2026.