Make It look Like There Are More Presents Under the Tree…Even When There Aren’t
Every parent has fretted about the number of gifts under the tree at least once. If this has been a skimpy Christmas for you and yours this year, take heart that you’re not alone! It’s been a skimpy Christmas for everyone.
However, if you’re creative with your presentation, you can easily make it look like there are lots of presents under the tree – even if there isn’t. Trust me on this. I’ve been doing it for years. I’ve become something of an expert.
So, here’s what you do on Christmas Eve after the kids go to bed to make it look like there are more presents under the tree…
Wrap Everything!
And I do mean everything, even the small items you got for stocking stuffers. Chances are, you won’t even end up using them as stocking stuffers. Even if you do, though, you’ll still be able to make it look like there are more presents under the tree than what there really are.
Use Packaging
You know how you hate wrapping those really awkward packages? Well, if you have some extra boxes around your home, use those instead. Not only will this make wrapping much easier, but gifts will look larger and make it look like there are more presents under the tree.
Use Different Types of Wrapping Paper
If you can swing it, pick up a few different types of wrapping paper. By different types, I mean different colors and patterns. I generally have different wrapping papers for each person under the tree, plus a separate wrapping paper for group gifts. The different wrapping papers will help make it look like there are more presents under the tree by drawing the eye to each of the different packages quickly. If you use one color and pattern of wrapping paper, all of the gifts will blend into one another.
Don’t Stuff the Stockings
Don’t cram as many small presents into the stockings as you can. Instead, fill the stockings loosely with treats, like fruit and homemade confections. Placing the small gifts you originally bought for stocking stuffers under the tree will help make it look like there are more presents under the tree, because…well, because there are!
Leave the Back of the Tree Bare
Don’t place any of the gifts under the tree in the very back, as this will just hide them. To make it look like there are more presents under the tree, you want those pretty packages front and center!
Arrange Packages By Size
The largest packages should be placed on either side of the tree, preferably against the wall. Basically, you want to hide the fact that nothing is under the very back of the tree. You can then start placing smaller packages in front of those. Lean each package against each other, creating a small space between each package, which won’t be noticeable when you look at the whole scene later.
Don’t Stack!
You want the presents to spread out and away from the tree, not up. Seeing a layer of presents sprawling out in front of and to either side of a Christmas tree makes it look like there are more presents than if they were stacked on top of each other.
A Final Word
In reality, the number of presents under the tree isn’t important. Keep in mind that Christmas isn’t about presents. It’s about celebrating a joyous occasions with the ones you love. Your loved ones are more likely to remember happy festive holidays with unique traditions rather than what they got for Christmas each year.
So, from our family to yours, have a happy and safe holiday!
