If you’ve ever braved the holiday season with young kids in the house, you already know: Christmas trees and tiny hands aren’t exactly a match made in heaven. Between curious toddlers tugging on ornaments, climbing branches, and pulling on cords, it can feel like your festive centerpiece is one big hazard waiting to happen.
But thanks to a genius hack from Nashville dad-of-four @jordanflom, parents everywhere are learning how to keep their Christmas trees intact—and their little ones safe.
Jordan’s viral Instagram Reel, which has racked up over 24 million views, showcases his clever hack to protect his Christmas tree from his three crawling triplets—Brisbane, Wilder, and Locklan. In the video, he assembles an artificial tree layer by layer inside a pack-and-play. The result? A beautifully decorated tree, safely out of reach from his adorable trio of chaos-makers so they don’t get their hands on anything dangerous.
As Jordan’s caption says it all: “How to protect Christmas Tree from Triplets! 🎄” With his fourth child, older sister Emerson, cheering them on, this hack is a holiday game-changer for families with toddlers.
Parents are loving Jordan’s hack
By placing the tree inside the playpen, Jordan has created a simple yet effective barrier to keep little hands from tugging on branches, pulling down ornaments, or—every parent’s worst nightmare—toppling the tree entirely.
Parents everywhere are marveling at the simplicity and brilliance of this approach, with one commenter joking, “😂 Damn, after 6 kids and almost 11 trees later, wish I would have thought of this! 😎 💯💥👊🏽” One commenter summed it up perfectly: “Now this is the real reason playpens were invented 👏.” Another parent, clearly relieved, shared, “Why didn’t I think of this 😂 My triplets are 16 months, and I’ve been stressing about my tree!” Meanwhile, pet owners are chiming in too, with one asking, “Can you come up with something to save my tree from my cat next??”
While some skeptics joked that determined toddlers might find a way—and let’s not underestimate toddler ingenuity—most parents agree this hack is an excellent first line of defense. Sure, it might not save the star on top from a determined climber, but it buys precious time (and fewer broken ornaments) during an otherwise chaotic season.
Related: This toddler’s magical reaction to Target’s Christmas decor is the holiday joy we all need right now
Expert-approved tips for a safer holiday season
If the playpen idea isn’t for you—or you’re dealing with extra-determined kiddos—there are plenty of other expert-backed ways to protect your family and your tree this season:
- Anchor the Tree: Secure your tree to the wall or ceiling with clear fishing line to prevent it from tipping over.
- Keep Cords Hidden: Use cord organizers or tape to keep light cords tucked away and out of reach. Exposed cords can be a major tripping or chewing hazard for curious toddlers.
- Use Child-Friendly Decorations: Opt for shatterproof ornaments and avoid small decorations that could pose choking hazards. Place delicate ornaments higher up, out of your child’s reach.
- Set Up a Barrier: A baby gate or decorative fence around your tree can add an extra layer of protection. This keeps little ones from getting too close while still letting you enjoy your holiday centerpiece.
- Choose LED Lights: LED lights don’t get as hot as traditional lights, reducing the risk of burns if your toddler does get too close.
- Try a Tabletop Tree: For families with extra-curious climbers, a smaller, tabletop tree placed on a sturdy surface might be the safest option.
Related: Mom’s Chick-fil-A Christmas tree is totally unhinged in the *best* way
Making the holidays magical and safe
The holiday season is about creating joyful memories—but with little ones around, it also means taking a few extra precautions. Whether you’re trying Jordan’s viral hack or anchoring your tree to the wall, small steps can go a long way in keeping both your kids and your tree safe.
Got your own tried-and-true tree-saving tips? Share them below and help another parent survive the season! 🎄
