🖐️ Handprint Wreath

30 minutes 3-5 years old 6-8 years old
🖐️ Handprint Wreath

Supplies Needed

  • Green construction paper
  • Red pom poms
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • Pipe cleaner
  • Decorations (ribbons, glitter, stickers)

Instructions

  1. Have your child trace their handprint onto the green construction paper.
  2. Cut out ten handprints.
  3. Arrange the handprints in a circular shape to form a wreath.
  4. Glue the handprints together.
  5. Add red pom poms to the wreath as berries.
  6. Decorate the wreath with ribbons, glitter, or stickers.
  7. Attach a pipe cleaner to the back of the wreath to create a hanger.

Details

The History Behind It

In ancient Greece and Rome, wreaths were symbols of victory and honor. People used them to crown athletes who won competitions, and they were also part of religious ceremonies, weddings, and celebrations.

The idea of using evergreens for Christmas started in northern and eastern Europe in the 16th century. Germans were the first to bring evergreen trees indoors as Christmas decorations. When they trimmed the branches to shape their trees, they didn’t throw the extra greenery away. Instead, they reused it to make wreaths – what a great example of recycling and resuing!

Wreaths are shaped like circles, which have no beginning or end, making them a symbol of eternity and endless love. At first, they were used as ornaments for the Christmas tree, but over time, they became something we hang on our doors to welcome the holiday season. Now, wreaths remind us of hope, strength, and the joy of celebrating together!

Have a Chat

  • Ask your child how a wreath represents the holiday season and why people hang wreaths on their doors.
  • Talk about the meaning of decorations like berries or ribbons. For instance, “Why do you think we use red and green for Christmas?”
  • Discuss the seasons and how winter is different. For example, “What do you notice about the trees outside during winter?”
  • Explore gratitude by asking, “What’s something you’re thankful for this holiday season?”
  • Share memories of past holidays and ask, “What are you looking forward to most about this Christmas?”

Educational Value

  • Helps develop fine motor skills by tracing, cutting, and gluing handprints.
  • Fosters creativity as children personalize their wreaths with decorations and color choices.
  • Introduces math and geometry concepts through arranging handprints in a circular shape. You can discuss symmetry and patterns.

Variations

  • Use colored handprints instead of green to create a multi-colored wreath.
  • Decorate white handprints with patterns or drawings before cutting them out.
  • Add a personal touch by writing family members’ names or holiday wishes on each handprint.
  • Don’t have pom poms or pipe cleaners? Don’t worry! You can use red marker to draw the berries and a string for the hanger.