Nothing will make a child feel prouder than having their artwork displayed on the tree and pride is an essential part of childhood. Wrapping presents is another activity that can occupy busy fingers but the end result is always less than pleasing. Alternatively, collect as many empty shoeboxes as possible and let the children wrap them. Pictures cut out of magazines can be stuck on or pictures can be drawn on the boxes with crayons. Place these 'presents' underneath the tree for a festive look then only add the real gifts on Christmas eve.
Early evening is probably the best time to start decorating.
By this time the children are warm and snug in their jammies and their hands are clean from bathing. Playing soft Christmas carols in the background adds a nice touch too. I always drape the lights around the tree first as it is much easier to do in the beginning than at the end. Divide the ornaments equally amongst the children, then let them come up one by one to hang it on the tree. A small stool makes getting near the top much easier.