Christmas …. It’s a bit of a marmite word!
Lots to love about it and lots that is hard… As the holiday season comes around we can become swamped with to-do lists, and expectations. For many of us, it brings a fair share of stress and anxiety. From planning family gatherings to preparing for celebrations, the pressure to make everything “perfect” can feel overwhelming. In times like these, finding balance through creativity can be a powerful, calming outlet—and that’s where art comes in.
Read on to find out how making and giving art can help you to “Find your quiet” this Christmas and ways to make it easier for you and your loved ones.
Making Art
Carving out time for your own art might feel like a luxury, but it’s an investment in your own well-being. Here are a few ways to incorporate art into your holiday routine:
Small Sketches or Doodles: When you have a few spare minutes, try sketching a small festive object, like a snowflake, ornament, or winter landscape. Simple doodling is an easy way to start if time is short. Find a small blank notebook or even divide a sheet of paper into squares so you are not overwhelmed with a larger blank piece of paper.
Get Together for a painting or drawing session: Family and friends could join for a creative night where everyone paints their own piece. Not only does it relieve tension, but it also gives you a bonding experience without the holiday pressure. If you have family members who find these social occasions more difficult, having an art project allows them to feel part of the occasion but without the pressure that comes with it. You can even include the dog !
Try New Mediums: Sometimes, shaking up your regular art practice with a new medium—like coloured pencils, watercolours, felt tips or even digital sketching apps—can refresh your creative mind and help you let go of any perfectionist tendencies.
Enjoy the process: This is for you, put on some music and set a timer if you don’t want to spend too long. Drawing is a great brain break, allow yourself time to unwind…
Taking time each day to create something small can be like pressing a refresh button on your mind. It doesn’t take long, but it brings a sense of calm, a boost of focus, and a little spark of joy. Plus, with each passing day, you’ll build a series of festive mini-masterpieces, reminders of how easy it is to bring a little peace and creativity into your daily life.
Let your holiday art be your daily “brain break” that renews your energy and fills you with a sense of accomplishment and calm. Give yourself permission to slow down and savour the simple joy of making something.
Giving Art
In terms of gift giving, art can be a special gift for that special person and is not something you will find on the high street. Ordering is simple and from the comfort of your own home.
Commissions and original art works are unique and show how much you care and understand that person. My first original art work was of my horse Bertie, a pencil drawing done by someone talented on the yard where I kept him. It’s wonderful and its special. If choosing art sounds too daunting then a gift certificate is an excellent compromise, allowing the recipient to choose their own work.
An alternative to originals are prints, these are a lower cost option but also have a unique element to them. You won’t be able to find these on the high street and yet are still special and often part of a limited edition.
There are also the small gifts that speak volumes… The note books, the key rings, the coasters or greetings cards! These not only show someone you have thought about buying something different, but they also show that you are someone who supports a small business. If everyone bought from small businesses in the run up to Christmas you are not just showing your support for the person you are buying for but also buying from. It is incredibly hard work being an artist and yet for the price of a coffee you will make a huge difference.
Let creativity and thoughtful gifts bring you moments of calm this Christmas
By taking small, intentional pauses to create or by giving something personal and unique, you can find and share quiet amid the seasonal hustle.
Need some ideas of what to create? Join in with the "12 Days of Christmas" art challenge.
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