DIY Tree Skirt with Kids’ Handprints

My husband and I didn’t have a tree skirt for our Christmas tree for the first several years we were married. It wasn’t until our firstborn child was 2 years of age and our middle child was about 6 months of age that I decided what I wanted in a tree skirt.

I decided to make a simple tree skirt out of felt on which we could chronicle our kids’ handprints each year. I can’t take credit for the idea—I was inspired by a friend who places her kids’ handprints on a special tablecloth each Thanksgiving. This struck me as a fantastic way to document my kids’ growth and to reminisce.

To make the skirt, I purchased some white glitter felt and cut out a circle that is 40 inches in diameter. This is a relatively small circle because we have a shorter tree (6 ft.). Here are the general recommendations for tree skirt size: 42-48 in. for 4-6 ft. trees, 48-56 in. for 7 ft. trees, and 56+ in. for 9 ft. trees (you may need to adjust these numbers if your tree is exceptionally narrow or broad). I cut a slit to the center of the skirt and cut a small circle there to accommodate the trunk of the Christmas tree. I then sewed a pom pom trim around the edge.

Each year I place my three kids’ handprints on the tree skirt. I use puff paint to place an initial next to each handprint and to document which year each set of prints was placed there. The first time we made handprints, my kids got paint all over the tree skirt instead of just under their hands (little kids tend to grab hold of whatever you press their hands on instead of leaving their hands flat). Thus, I began making their handprints on cardboard, cutting these out, and using the cutouts to stamp their handprints onto the skirt. My oldest two are now capable of making their handprints directly onto the skirt, and my youngest will be ready for this soon.

I love how this tree skirt helps me see how my kids have grown and provides a walk down memory lane. Though it is simple, it is one of my favorite Christmas decorations. My only regret is that I didn’t have this idea when my eldest was born so we don’t have prints from her first two Christmases. I’m so glad we have it now, though, and I’m so grateful for the three blessings represented by the handprints.

Which of your Christmas decorations conjure up the most memories? Which decorations are your favorites?

Shared at the following:

Over the Moon.