How can you decorate a Christmas tree that’s safe and fun for kids with autism who love touching everything? With a little planning and ABA-inspired tips, you can create a sensory-friendly holiday tree that’s festive and stress-free!
Pick a Strong, Kid-Proof Tree
Go for a sturdy artificial tree that can handle curious hands. Smaller trees or ones with tough branches are great for limiting reachable ornaments and staying upright.
Try a Tabletop or Wall-Mounted Tree
For younger kids or those who love to tug, a tabletop or wall-mounted tree is a safe, festive option that’s easier to supervise.
ABA Tip: Praise or reward gentle touches to encourage good habits around the tree.
Use Shatterproof, Tactile Ornaments
Choose ornaments that won’t break—fabric, felt, or wood work well. Add a mix of textures like soft or squishy ones to satisfy sensory needs.
ABA Tip: Create a “touch zone” on the lower branches where your child can explore freely.
Go for Safe, Low-Heat Lights
Opt for battery-operated, dimmable LED lights. These stay cool and can be adjusted to match your child’s sensory preferences. Slow-blinking or static lights are less overwhelming.
ABA Tip: Reinforce calm behavior by praising gentle interaction with the lights.
Set Up a Sensory Play Spot
Create a separate sensory-friendly area with plush items and LED decorations for safe, hands-on fun.
ABA Tip: Use this opportunity to practice labeling colors or textures during play.
Add Visual Cues for Boundaries
Use ribbons or stickers to mark where it’s okay to touch the tree. Visual reminders help kids understand the rules more easily.
ABA Tip: Introduce and reinforce the rules early with clear visuals and consistent reminders.
Celebrate Good Behavior
Positive reinforcement goes a long way. Praise or reward your child when they show gentle, safe behavior around the tree.
ABA Tip: Reward specific goals like “gentle hands” or “look, don’t touch” immediately to build good habits.
Make It Magical and Manageable
With a bit of planning and ABA-inspired strategies, you can create a festive, sensory-friendly holiday tree that’s safe and fun for everyone!
