There are many ways, and reasons, to get creative this Christmas.
Here we’ll share a few ideas to get creative this Christmas and enjoy the many benefits of art and creativity.
Creativity can enhance our lives in many ways, regardless of our age, background or ability. It improves wellbeing, increases confidence and creates connection, with ourselves and others.
But remember…creativity isn’t just for Christmas! You can enjoy creative pursuits all year round; at school, at home, at work and anywhere else.
The benefits of creativity
“Art has the role in education of helping children become like themselves instead of more like everyone else” – Sydney Gurewitz Clemens
In a world of rules, restrictions and limitations, art knows no bounds.
People of all ages feel confident when they do something creative, because there’s no right or wrong.
Art is subjective and personal – it allows us to express our unique creativity in a variety of ways.
Wellbeing and learning
When we become absorbed in a creative task like drawing, painting, sculpting, baking, dancing or listening to music, the real world fades away.
We’re able to focus solely on the task at hand, our nervous system relaxes and we feel calm and at ease. This is one of the many reasons that art improves wellbeing.
For children, art can also develop fine and gross motor skills, it improves literacy and Maths, and is a great tool for problem-solving. Encouraging children to count the painbrushes or read the names of pencil colours can support other areas of learning.
Art is just one form of creativity. But we can express ourselves through any medium or channel we like.
Let’s get creative this Christmas
Christmas is the perfect time of year to unlock your creativity.
In the UK, the days are short, the weather is cold and schools close for the festive break. So creativity is the perfect resource to tap into if you need a boost.
It’s also a great way to keep the kids entertained and off their digital devices!
There are many indoor and outdoor activities and competitions taking place this year.
We’ve handpicked a few to share with you – and hope you’ll enjoy a happy, healthy and creative Christmas.
Please note, we are not affiliated with any of the organisations or events mentioned below. Information has been taken from the organisations’ websites.
Calling all creative children!
Enter one of the festive competitions inspired by The Snowman™
This winter, Chestnut Tree House are asking children aged 4-16 to create their own snowman-themed picture or to write a short story inspired by Raymond Briggs’s original picture book, The Snowman. Each winner will receive a One4all Gift Card to the value of £50!
Send your entry by 31 December 2022. There’s two ways you can enter:
- Upload your picture or short story using the online form below
- Send your entry by post to: The Snowman competition, Chestnut Tree House, Dover Lane, Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9PX. (Don’t forget to include your name, age and a parent/guardian’s contact details when you send us your entry)
Their card range always features the talent of autistic designers and budding artists. They are inviting adults and children on the autism spectrum to submit their entries.
Whether you want to feature wintry outdoor scenes, Christmas trees or something else entirely, you’re encouraged to be as creative as you like.
The two winners (one adult over 18 and one child) will receive five packs of cards featuring their design. And the cards will be made available for purchase on the online shop during the Christmas 2023 season.
ABF are looking for a brand-new Christmas card design to feature in their 2023 card collection, alongside best-selling artists and classic designs. The winning artwork will be sold via the online shop and at a range of charity events between September and December 2023.
The winning design will also be included in their Christmas catalogue and across the charity’s social media channels and website, with thousands of the cards being printed and sold to supporters. 100% of the profits from the sale of the cards will go directly to ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, enabling their work supporting soldiers, veterans and their families for life.
The competition is open to all ages and the winning entry will be selected by the artist judges (Jane Abbott and Esther Johnson) and announced in December 2022.
Skidos – season of gifts
SKIDOS brings you 3 weeks of fun-filled activities & quizzes to enjoy with your kids!
This Christmas, stay at home & enjoy fun activities, with special rewards waiting for you every week!
There’s a weekly quiz and regular competitions to encourage creativity.
Every year St Alfege Church, in the heart of Greenwich, London, runs an “Advent Windows” event whereby the town centre is brought alive by 24 unique offerings in the lead up to Christmas.
Shops, homes, schools and pubs use their imagination and artistry to produce the living Advent Calendar. A newly decorated window will be revealed, or “opened”, on each day of Advent (1st to 24th December) in different parts of Greenwich. A variety of media will be used, including paper art, models, light installations and paintings.
Even if you don’t live in Greenwich, why not try your hand at decorating your own windows with a creative Christmas feature?
Merry Christmas from Promote Your School
We’d like to wish you a very Merry Christmas!
We’d also like to say a big thank you to all the schools we’ve worked with around the world. Our team is passionate about design and creativity and we love bringing each school’s unique vision to life.
Have a restful festive period and we look forward to a positive and prosperous year ahead.
Best wishes,
The Promote Your School team x
