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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:

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!