How to Make a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree

Most people, regardless of age, know and love the cartoon, "A Charlie Brown Christmas". Maybe because we all identify with Charlie Brown and all of his problems. One of his biggest problems was choosing a Christmas tree that was a little short on boughs and good looks. But even if you don't remember the whole story, you do remember the poor little Christmas tree. We've been making little Charlie Brown trees for years. First as a Girl Scout project-we made 150 for a local nursing home so all of the residents could have their own "live" tree. Then, when I needed small gifts for coworkers, I made each a tree for their desk. This project is so easy that even small children can help.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A small two or three pronged tip of a branch from any type of Christmas tree
• Glue
• Wood circle, large wooden button or small piece of clay
• Scrap of baby blue flannel (optional)
• Small metallic stars
• Scraps of tinsel

1. 
    

   Your first step is to find a small two or three pronged tip of a branch from any type of pine tree. You want your "tree" to be about 4 or 5 inches tall. Check your yard or visit your local Christmas Tree lot. Most lots trim some of the lower branches off the Christmas trees that they sell and throw those scraps away. When I did the project with the Girl Scouts, the man was kind enough to load the back of a pick up truck with the scraps from his tree lot.

2. In order to make the tip of a branch look like a Christmas tree, you will need to remove the needles from the stem so it looks like a tree trunk.

3. 
    

   Next, you will need a stand for your tree. If you have the tools and the skills, saw a small disc of wood from a small branch and drill a small hole in the center. Another approach is to use a flat wooden or plastic button with a hole near the center. This works best if the button is glued to a heavy piece of cardboard. A ball of self-hardening clay can also be used to form a stand. You can use white glue or hot glue to hold the tree in the stand.

4. Now the fun part: decorating! Scraps of thin ribbon or tinsel can be used as garland and sequins as ornaments. What would a Christmas tree be without a star? Those little metallic stars given out by school teachers are perfect as a topper on your Charlie Brown Christmas Tree!

5. If you remember the original story, Charlie Brown' s friend, Linus, donated his favorite baby blue blanket to serve as a tree skirt. Cut small squares of baby blue flannel and wrap around the tree stand. You may wish to glue this in place.

Tips & Warnings

• This little tree can make a great gift for co-workers who want a little Christmas on their desk. Attach it to a small box of candy or a top a holdiay themed Kleenex box (it's flu season, you know!) and spread a little cheer!
• If small children are helping, please be sure to keep the tools and hot glue gun out of their reach.