Yesterday we went to the Christmas tree farm and cut down our tree.  It was loads of fun but I was dreading the moment after putting it up that Ethan would realize it was there and want to pull it over on his head.  Toddlers are intensely curious and I knew that it would be to much to ask that he not show any interest in the tree.  I got a stroke of brilliance on the way home and stopped at a craft store.  What did I get?

I got Ethan his own Christmas tree that he could not only decorate himself, he can also touch it whenever he wants.  It was a fake tree approximately 1 foot high with a burlap bag base.  I found packages of nonbreakable ornaments and presents that can be hung on the tree. I got all of this for under $10 (and can be used for years to come).  Now that he has his own tree, he has embraced the idea that the big tree is not to be touched but that he has a tree that he can touch. 

So far so good.  I hope this idea might work for you too.  It has totally removed all my "tree stress."