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Are You Doing Anything To Get Creative This Time Of The Year?
Autumn and winter are packed with different with holidays like Hanukkah, Diwali, Thanksgiving, and obviously Christmas. Don’t you think it would be wonderful to get creative this time of the year by opening your mind to new and different things?
When I was younger I used to love creating things myself.
Pottery, cards, necklaces, bracelets and so much more. Somewhere along the way (I guess in my late teens), I lost interest.
I decided that 2016 will be a game changer. I am going to get creative this time of the year because it is the best time to do so. There are so many cards and gifts that need to go out to friends and family – why not make them?
Surely a personalized handmade card or gift is more special than a store-bought one right?
Last Christmas, our 18-month-old toddler was only 6 months old, so he didn’t get a feel for the Christmas season and winter.
This year it’s different because he is walking and talking. Excited about new things and every day is an adventure.
He has noticed the sudden surge of lights and decorations on houses, in the streets, and at the stores. Big bright tall Christmas trees everywhere!
On my way home from work yesterday, I was thinking about my lengthy “To-Do” list for Christmas.
I brainstormed all the way home the different ways I can get creative this time of year.
Here are the top five ways I came up with.
1. Reconnect With Your Inner Child
A child is born creative. A toddler will quickly teach you that.
This is a stage of their life and development completely devoted to playing, exploring and imagination. My little one is so creative in everything he does. It is amazing to watch.
They don’t have that inner voice we adults have, telling us not to think a certain way because we might be judged for it.
So if you want to get creative this time of the year, reconnect with your inner child.
Tell that voice to zip it – go outside and play. Do things you loved to do as a child. HAVE FUN!
Do you remember growing up and running outside when it snowed? Praying the snow would stick so you could build a snowman? Or make snow angels? It has been years since I last played in the snow!
I don’t love the cold, but I am excited to play in the snow again. Especially with my toddler.
For those of you who live in places where it doesn’t snow – you’ll just have to imagine it. 🙂
Building a snowman is a great way to enjoy a fun activity with your children.
Particularly toddlers because it is a new and learning experience. Toddlers can learn about texture and temperature of the snow.
I assume most toddlers will end up licking the snow off their mittens. You can use this to teach them about snow melting when it comes into contact with heat.
Your kids will be so proud of their snowman – especially if mom is right there watching and helping.
Every child is an artist, the problem is staying an artist when you grow up – Pablo Picasso
2. Cook Or Bake Something New
Have you accumulated a backlog of recipes tagged with “Make Soon!” or “Try This” labels?
I have lots of them.
Ever since I was introduced to Pinterest I have saved so many recipes that I could try something new every single day in 2017!
I confess. Never once have I made a Gingerbread House. Or gingerbread cookies…..I believe I have only ever eaten gingerbread anything once or twice.
In my quest to become creative this time of the year, I am going to make an edible gingerbread house.
There are a ton of different recipes on how to make gingerbread houses online.
The best thing is that gingerbread houses are filled with delicious sweets and treats. Yum!
Good Housekeeping has great looking gingerbread houses to give you ideas on decorating.
Do you have a great gingerbread house recipe you use? If yes, please send it to me.
3. Go On A Sleigh Ride
Okay, so you may need to use a little imagination here. They say increasing one’s imagination creates possibilities.
Here in Vienna, we have horses and carriages in the city center called Fiakers.
FIAKERS? What in the world is that??? They are horse-drawn carriages and very much a part of Vienna.
A ride with the two-horse carriage is one of the highlights for many tourists visiting the city.
Though this is my home, I have not taken a ride on one of these yet, so what better time than now?
My little one will love this. So will I and so will you!
Rudolph may not be pulling the sleigh but we will be under cozy blankets and get to enjoy a coach ride around our beautiful city.
A sleigh ride is a great way to get creative this time of the year because you can make up your own stories and adventures as you take the ride.
It also serves as great family time or as part of a date night with your partner.
Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try – Dr. Seuss
4. DIY Projects
There are so many DIY projects out there to try, I am sure you will find one that sparks your creativity.
We all have many old and unused items lying around the house, the basement or in the garage just waiting to be thrown or given away.
I love wreaths. The problem is that I am not crafty and creative so I stick to my comfort zone and usually just buy one.
Tomorrow will be different. I am making my own Christmas wreath. Should be easy enough. HA!
I will update this post with a picture when it’s done. Even if it looks like utter crap. 🙂
Did you know that wreaths are usually made from evergreens and symbolize strength?
If you want to make your own pine cone wreath, here are the items you will need:
- Pine cones (um yeah…obviously)
- Hot Glue Gun
- Glue Sticks
- Pony Beads
- Christmas Ribbon
- White Spray Paint
- Wire Hanger
Here is a nice and easy guide I found with 48 wreath ideas. The best thing is that there are so many creative choices here.
You can make them out of paper, or felt, even yarn! Lots of variety to get the creative side of your brain working full force.
Give your entire home or even just your Christmas tree a heartfelt homemade touch with different DIY projects.
5. Give As Much As You Can
Last but most definitely not least is giving, giving, giving!
You can be creative about giving to someone who needs it. We donate lots of clothes throughout the year to many different charities. However, we have not donated toys…..yet.
Our little one has so many toys and to think that there are many young children who may miss out on the joy of Christmas due to their family situations is heartbreaking. Especially at this time of the year.
I love to give. I know that no matter how tough you think your life is, there’s always someone who has to face challenges that are harder and tougher than yours.
Your sole reward is the fact that you’ve made another person happy. We love helping children in need.
Gather family and friends together and ask them for help in donating toys, clothes, food, colouring books, reading books, puzzles.
Brainstorm ideas on what kinds of gifts you can put together and which cause to donate them to.
I don’t know much about soccer, but I did read a few days ago that Rio Ferdinand (former Manchester United player) has donated £500,000 worth of toys to children in need in Manchester, as well as 11,500 sleeping bags to the city’s homeless community. Good Work!

What are you doing to get creative this time of the year?
Share with me what items you have created, or what you would add to my list.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and suggestions in the comments section below.
Happy Holiday Season!
38 comments
These sound like great crafting idea, we love all types of crafts especially Christmas crafts and making that awesome gingerbread house.
I can’t agree more, Sheri! Have fun and play outside. I religiously take a stroll outdoors because it helps me think and process my thoughts and, at the same time, marvel at these little things that surround us. I use a variety of spices in my cooking, too, plus I started learning French two days ago.
I think that reconnecting with your inner child is so important this festive season as for me it can really help me become more creative. Plus it is fun too and we all need to unwind when we can x
Very timely and inspiring post! Every year I cook and made special dish for my family. While I prepare gifts for my nieces and wrapped it creatively. I do love your idea of bringing out more the child in me to be more creative. I think I missed that. Thanks for your thought Sheri.
Very timely and inspiring post. Every year I tend to cook and made special dish for my family. I prepare gift for my nieces and wrapped it creatively. But I truly like your idea of bringing my inner child for being more creative. I think I missed that. Thanks Sheri.
This is the most wonderful time of the year. I used to make Diwali and Christmas Cards when I was young. Now, I get creative in the kitchen! I would love to build a snowman and try some DIY crafts this season.
I would say I am more “handy” than “crafty.” When I first met my husband, he said he was pleasantly amused to meet a woman with her very own complete toolbox. Haha. That’s me. I’d rather fix things myself than to spend a fortune hiring someone to do it. I think we all have that inquisitiveness in us to create, to learn and to find joy in the little things. Wishing you the happiest Christmas!
Wow! this is really a beautiful idea this Christmas, it’s fun and very easy to do, beautiful creation indeed! Reminds me when i was a kid. Thanks for posting this wonderful tips!
So many great ideas. I’ve not made a gingerbread house in a while. I’m sure my children would love to help me make one.
Fiakers sound lovely! We dont have them in England but Id love to visit Viena just to ride one! I love your giving idea! Its so easy to give and so rewarding too. – star harford
Indeed Christmas is a season of love and engaging in creative stuff sounds fun. It’s a season of gifting too, I’m currently crafting some beaded neckpieces and knitting scarves for my family members. Wish I’d visit Vienna in a flash and make snowballs! Haha!
i want to explore my community and take pictures of the Christmas scenes and create a photo collage to share on my blog. Thanks for sharing.
I’m loving your post. I totally agree that a personalized handmade card or gift is more special. Anyway, we may not have snow here in our country but it sure is fun to unleash the inner kid in us. This Christmas I didn’t get to do a DIY project or cook. But playing became easy for me. I got to spend more time with my loved ones.
I am one of those too who doesn’t have enough time to get stuff done, especially this time of the year. I love DIY projects too, in fact have a few planned for the next few days.
xx, Kusum
I agree that Christmas season is the best time to do DIY projects and be creative. I’ve posted some tutorials and it makes me feel good that I can do something without spending a lot.
If there’s snow season here in the Philippines, I will go loca lol. I like to be a kid again and enjoy that sleigh ride!
Since we don’t celebrate Christmas not much creative work from my end but then during Diwali we get in doing lot of stuffs. Most of the giving part too takes place then. Good to know how your toddler is getting creative. 🙂
I love what you say about connecting with your inner child, it’s funny because actually Christmas time automatically always make me fall back into childhood and I really love this feeling! Good tips 🙂
Christmas surely takes on a different meaning as you grow older and it’s less about the gifts. Love that you are keeping the spirit alive!
Thank you Shane. Trying to enjoy the season, spread the love, and savour the great moments.
What a great post. Love the idea of connecting with your inner child! I am always down for breaking down my walls and acting like a child 🙂
I love creating and trying new things. It’s amazing to experience Christmas with TWO kids this year. Our son is so excited by all things holiday and our daughter is just happy to see the colors and lights. It’s an amazing time!
Christmas with kids makes it all the more special. I have a toddler and Christmas means so much more now. Happy holidays to you and yours.
I love the advice to reconnect with your inner child! It costs nothing, yet is a wonderful luxury gift to yourself and others.
I love that you said engage with something fun and childish. My fiancé and I actually decided do something cool and let off some steam at dave and Buster’s today. This is a great post about keeping a happy outlook during the holiday!
xoxo
Isaly Holland
The gingerbread houses were well put. They look cute and don’t want to be eaten 😉
time spent in the snow is always the best and then coming home to fresh baking and the cooking scents that go with that are so comforting! it’s the simple things in life!
We are doing the whole gingerbread house thing again this year! I haven’t built one since I was a kid in elementary school. I’m excited to bring out the kid in me!
I love experimenting with new baking around the holidays! I’m going to take inspiration from you and get out and enjoy some of my favourite childhood winter activities this year. Every winter I say I’m going to go skating and skiing but this year I’m finally going to do it!
This sounds great! I am so glad you made the decision to do so. I think you will have a lot of fun. Let loose and enjoy yourself. That’s what it’s all about. Have a wonderful time and Happy Holidays.
I love this post! It really sums up what the holidays are about, every tip here is a tip to be happier, enjoy the little things and appreciate everything you have!
Hi Carolina! So glad you caught that. I try to make everyday a good one, I believe happiness is a choice and we can all make it a daily habit to ensure that we are happy and grateful about many things we experience during the day. I love to motivate and inspire others to do the same. Wishing you all the best this holiday season and a wonderful 2017!
My mom and I just made gingerbread houses last night for the first time in years! So I guess we’re getting a little creative!
Nice Alicia! Did they turn out just the way you remembered them or better? You were definitely getting creative. Wishing you and you mom happy holidays.
Loved Tip #1 !! Embracing your inner child is one of the best things!!
I always thought I wasn’t creative when I was a kid but now I know different so it is fun to “release my inner kid” that never was released then. My favorite creative activity is scrapbooking. I just need to go for a walk outdoors and the creativity begins.
Oh Karen you are right! Going for a walk is definitely a good idea. This time of the year with so many changes in nature and the way things look, it could be really easy to find beauty and creativity. Scrap-booking is an excellent idea!
You live in Vienna?! How exciting! I like the idea of going outside to play with the kids. But it’s a good idea to stretch first. lest you break or pull something. Ha, ha, ha!
Hahahahaha! Yes I would definitely need to stretch first. I would not like to spend Christmas in pain from “playing” in the snow. *Knock on wood*! Yes I live in Vienna and absolutely love it here. 🙂