There are loads of ways to embrace creativity at Christmas!
Most children love expressing their creativity at Christmas. From crafting and colouring, to dancing and listening to Christmas tunes, there are loads of ways to be creative.
But, why should children get all the fun?
According to private healthcare company, Bupa, “it turns out that children are not the only ones who need a creative outlet to explore their imagination. A report from the National Alliance for Arts, Health and Wellbeing (APPG) suggests that having a creative hobby can actually benefit our mental and emotional health.”
If you’re a tired teacher, weary parent or exhausted employee, your first instinct over Christmas may be to do as little as possible. And, of course rest is always beneficial and necessary, especially after a busy and stressful year.
But, by engaging in creative pursuits, you can actually rest your mind, boost your mood and improve your mental health.
How creativity can improve wellbeing
According to an article by Forbes, getting totally absorbed in a creative task “reduces anxiety, boosts your mood, and even slows your heart rate. Repetitive creative motions like knitting, drawing, or writing help activate flow, and are all tasks that create a result.
And when you succeed at creating a result, no matter what it is, your brain is flooded with dopamine, that feel-good chemical that actually helps motivate you. Whether or not you’re aware of your increased happiness, the hit of dopamine you get after being in flow will drive and influence you toward similar behavior.”
So, whatever it means to you, we’d encourage you to embrace your creativity at Christmas!
How to get creative at Christmas
There are loads of ways to get creative at Christmas. Simple actions like drawing, knitting, colouring, writing and listening to music are all a great place to start.
Or, you could take a look at creative Christmas events in your local area.
- Wander along a Christmas light trail
- Attend an outdoor Christmas event
- Find a local craft fair or art show
- Visit a Christmas market
- Watch a Christmas choir or vocal concert
- Take in a local Christmas carol service
Creativity at home
Don’t fancy heading out? There are plenty of ways to get creative at home. We’re blessed to live in a digital age, with a plethora of online events that you can live stream or watch back in the comfort of your own home.
Even watching a film is a way to engage in creativity!
You could cook a lovely meal, do some baking with the kids or order a paint by numbers kit to while away those cold, dark Sunday afternoons.
Caring at Christmas
Sustainability is at the forefront of everyone’s mind at the moment. So, why not combine creativity with sustainability and hand make your Christmas gifts this year?
You could forage for cones and leaves in your local park to enhance your gift wrapping. Or, encourage the kids to make Christmas cards to send to family, friends and neighbours.
Many young people don’t have the opportunity to engage in creativity at Christmas, or at any time of the year. So charities like Artswork are supporting by donating creative packs to disadvantaged young people.
You could make a donation to a charity like Artswork to help bring creativity to a young person’s life.
Share your creativity
Would you like to share your creativity with others? You may even inspire them to follow suit!
Tag us on Twitter with your #creativechristmas posts!
Here are a few #creativechristmas posts we’ve enjoyed lately:
About Promote Your School
We’re a creative education design company, with over twenty years’ experience in education. We design bespoke Wall Art for schools, colleges and universities around the world.
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