Three in ten dad and mom secretly redecorate the Christmas tree when the kids have gone to mattress

From wonky angels and glitter-covered toilet rolls to five baubles crammed onto one branch, it seems children’s festive creativity isn’t always appreciated.

Three in ten parents secretly redecorate the Christmas tree, when the children have gone to bed, according to a new study of parents. Forget the magic of Christmas – for some parents, it’s all about the perfect Instagram tree.

As many as 30% of mums and dads admit secretly redecorating the Christmas tree once their little darlings are tucked up in bed. Yet leading child psychologist Becky Spelman warns that changing a child’s art can make them feel inadequate.

And almost HALF (45%) confess to moving baubles their children have lovingly hung, while 15% have removed decorations altogether because they ruined the look.

From wonky angels and glitter-covered toilet rolls to five baubles crammed onto one branch, it seems children’s festive creativity isn’t always appreciated.

A nationwide poll of 2,000 parents, commissioned by Crayola, reveals Britain is divided between those who want a PERFECT tree, and those who happily embrace Christmas chaos.

A quarter (25%) insist on a strict colour scheme, 27% demand evenly spaced decorations and 18% have BANNED tinsel.

Meanwhile, 35% consider baubles clustered on one branch a decorating crime, while 21% can’t bear a wonky star or angel.

And Instagram isn’t helping.

Two thirds (67%) admit social media has piled on the pressure to create a picture-perfect tree, with 25% rearranging decorations before taking photos and 21% hiding the messy side.

Dr Becky Spelman, Clinical Director at The Private Therapy Clinic, said:

“For children, decorating the Christmas tree is about imagination, self-expression and feeling they’ve contributed to something special. Perfection doesn’t really come into it.”

“When a child proudly hangs a homemade decoration, they’re sharing a little piece of themselves. Seeing it stay on the tree shows them their effort has been noticed and that they have a place in the family’s traditions. That kind of creative freedom can help them feel more willing to have a go at things, even when the result isn’t perfect.”

“Wanting a tree that looks lovely is completely understandable, and moving the odd bauble doesn’t make anyone a bad parent. But it’s the bigger pattern that matters, and if children regularly see their creations quietly fixed or moved out of sight, some may start to feel their efforts aren’t good enough. Giving them their own branch, or a small tree to decorate however they like, can be a good middle ground.”

“Parents might see five baubles hanging from the same branch or a lopsided angel, but children see something they’ve made themselves. Those imperfect decorations often become the ones a family treasures most, because they hold a memory of who that child was at that age.”

But thankfully, not everyone is channelling their inner Christmas dictator.

Almost HALF (48%) proudly display their children’s homemade decorations, however questionable the craftsmanship.

A third (33%) reckon little hands make more special decorations than expensive shop-bought ones, while 41% believe a tree should tell a family’s story.

And 21% have kept childhood creations for over TEN YEARS, with 15% hanging on to every single one.

Indeed, 34% value the creativity, 36% treasure the memories and 32% love the quality time spent making decorations together.

And 31% agree trees should be fun, not fashionable, while 33% believe kids should decorate however they like.

Crayola, a leader in colourful creative expression, is also offering families the chance to win a place at its exclusive

through a social competition, with details to be revealed on its Instagram channel.