Decorating the Christmas Tree: Making it a Positive Experience for Kids on the Spectrum

Tree Decorating as Family Activity

Decorating the Christmas tree is a beloved tradition, but it can be overwhelming for kids with autism—strong pine scent, prickly branches, fragile ornaments, and expectations to participate in a specific way.

Tree Decorating Challenges

• Pine scent (real trees) or chemical smell (artificial trees)
• Prickly needles causing tactile discomfort
• Fragile ornaments creating anxiety about breaking things
• Tangled lights frustrating to handle
• Unclear expectations about “correct” ornament placement
• Standing/reaching for extended period

Making Tree Decorating Autism-Friendly

• Use shatter-proof ornaments only. Reduces anxiety about breaking things.
• Let her choose which ornaments to hang. Control over participation.
• Don’t correct ornament placement. There’s no “wrong” way to decorate.
• Make participation optional. She can watch or do something else.
• Limit decoration time. Quick session, not hours-long event.
• Let her hang ornaments on lower branches. No reaching or standing on ladders.
• Skip the tree if it’s too overwhelming. Christmas happens without a tree.

Sensory-Friendly Tree Alternatives

Small tabletop tree instead of full-size
Artificial tree without scent
Felt tree she can decorate on the wall
Drawing or craft tree instead of real one
No tree—decorate with other items

Ezducate Social Stories

• “Decorating the Christmas Tree”
• “Helping with Christmas Decorations”
• “It’s Okay If I Don’t Want to Decorate”

Make Traditions Accessible with Ezducate

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EZRead offers reading tools for children with autism and learning differences.

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