#1 get in the holiday spirit

 

I'm not gonna lie, being an adult has kind of put a damper on the the holidays for me. Dealing with family, obligations, pressure to shop, give gifts, and make memories has sort of taken a toll on my "holiday spirit" over the years. The best way I am able to enjoy this time of year is by tapping into my creativity. While I know that the family drama, obligations and pressure will likely be there (starting in November and ending on January 1st) I know that I by infusing creativity into my schedule, my gift giving, my decorating, my entertaining and my memory making will help me keep me inspired and enjoying the holidays!

 

Before we jump into creating I want to kick things off with with a small challenge to start to find creative ways to get into the holiday spirit. I've included a few of my own ways below. You may be thinking this is common sense stuff but I think it is important to be aware and conscious of how to enter into the holiday season with creativity and excitement!

 

 

 

The best way to get in the holiday spirit is to set out to find some inspiration!

 

Inspiration comes in all shapes and sizes and can be found in many different places. From magazines to blogs to Pinterest to the sites, sounds and smells of all things holiday- inspiration to get in the spirit can be found in all kinds of places! 

 

I find that my holiday inspiration comes from sharing and giving to others in the form of art and creativity. I get the most satisfaction and "holiday spirit" when I begin to plan homemade gifts, creative projects and recipes to give away or to share with others. I typically go down my list of loved ones and make notes about their interests, I spend time thinking about the things they like and the the things that bring them joy and then I get to work thinking and planning creative projects and artwork that I can eventually make and give away. For some reason having the goal of using my creativity to make unique gifts gives me the inspiration I need to get in the holiday spirit.

 

PUT IT INTO ACTION:

 

Try to figure out a few things that "inspire" you to get in the holiday spirit! Put on holiday music, pull out your favorite recipes, light some cinnamon spice candles and get inspired!

 

 

 

Pull out those photos, albums, scrapbooks, journals and kick back and just browse! I love pulling out a box of old photo albums at my parents house and looking though all the pictures of our family through the years. Looking at photos of my brother and I playing in fall leaves, gathered around the kitchen table eating pie, opening gifts, celebrating and goofing off for the camera instantly brings me back to that feeling of nostalgia that I can't seem to get anywhere else. There is something powerful about taking the time to honor our history. Often it is as easy as revisiting the happy times that can bring simplicity back into this crazy time of year!

 

PUT IT INTO ACTION:

 

Take a little time to browse your favorite family photos (holiday or just everyday) If you feel so inclined, share a couple of your favorites in our Flickr photo pool!

 

 

 

I know this sounds boring and the opposite of getting creative but I have found over of time and experience that I am able to be the most creative and productive when I am organized with my time and ideas. Since this time of year can get really crazy with projects, events and budgets, I depend on having a plan of when it comes to the holidays. I like to divide all of my ideas, my projects, my "must do items" and my fun items into different lists and then assign those things to a weekly calendar so I can stay on top of everything I want and need to get done. 

 

This is Lucy and I last year getting orgainzed for the holidays! 

 

 

PUT IT INTO ACTION:

 

You may roll your eyes or think I am nuts....But start getting organized now! Take a little time to make a basic plan for your holiday. Take some time to answer some simple questions and then make a plan of when you can make time for these things. 

 

EXAMPLE: How much shopping do you want to do? How much crafting or making handmade gifts do you have the time to do? How many events will you host (if any)? What types of baking would you like to complete? Thinking of these things WAY ahead of time will make it possible to stay creative and crafty throughout the entire season!

 

 

 

 

 

Grab that sketchbook and get to sketching or doodling! While you may not be in the mood or mindset to start your holiday cooking or shopping its never too early to get creative on paper. I love to sketch and doodle with the seasons- somehow it makes me feel more connected to the time of year and the things that I experience during the changing seasons.

 

 

 

PUT IT INTO ACTION:

 

1. Grab your sketchbook, journal or even a scrap piece of paper.

 

2. Give yourself a theme- EXAMPLES- fall leaves, fall colors, fall baking, Thanksgiving, food, seasonal colors, nature, winter, winter fashion, snowflakes, holiday greenery, holiday decorations

 

3. Dedicate 1 or 2 pages to your theme and sketch or doodle images, pattern, designs, text or even layers of color that represent your theme. 

 

4. Keep these doodle and sketches on hand to use as Thanksgiving and Christmas get closer (make tags, cards, and even wrapping paper with your sketches!)

 

 

Comments

[Darcy Pace]

Oh, Alisa Burke, this makes me so happy. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I can't wait to get started. Happy Holidays to you and your sweet family.

[geraldine Campbell]

Thank you Alisa. Happy Christmas to you and your family.

[Judy]

Oh, just what I needed, exactly now. Thank you!

[Kelly Luna]

I've been in a really down mood the last few days, and just reading this first post and getting excited about doodling and organizing is really pulling me out of that funk. Thank you. Sincerely, thank you so much for this.

[Linda Holmes]

What a lovely gift for all of us! Thank-you and Merry wishes for the holiday season.

[Christina]

Thank you for this. I totally needed to push the frantic aside and just sit down with my art journal for a few minutes. I'll be able to work on my "must do" projects with a lot more focus now!

[Lauren@PaperHelen]

Oh, thank you! This is going to be such a great treat. Merry Christmas to you and your family!!

[Kay]

Thank you so much for your generosity. Happy holidays.

[Chantal Delage]

Thanks so much Alisa

[Ana de Isabel]

Thanks a lot Alisa. That's very nice. I wish you Merry Christmas.

[Erin]

Thank you os much Alisa. This is so very, very generous of you to give us this gift!

[Tama]

Alisa your beauty shines through~~~not only in your creativity but your generosity.
Thank you so much for your gift. I wish you and your lovely family a very beautiful and magical holiday. ;))

[Nicki]

A million thanks for this, Alisa! I was feeling like I was "behind" on preparations (especially decorating), but then I decided not to beat myself up about it! And to open my email box and find this lovely series from you...what a gift! Gonna get my notebook out and start doodling!

[Christie]

I really appreciate your thoughtfulness! Thank you.

[Becky Hall]

Thank you Alisa!

[Marie]

Thank you very much, Alisa, for this gift! I have started with the first class and it is so useful and great to get inspired and be reminded of some key things. I am looking forward to continuing with the classes:) A nice Advent for you and your family.

[Evi]

Thank you so much for this lovely present of yours! Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience! All the best to you and your family. Enjoy the holiday season! xxx from Greece

[Karla Smith]

Thank you so very much Alisa. I love your classes and your blog. This has brightened my holiday and has motivated me to get busy. Love it! Blessings to you and your family.

[mags]

Thank you so much for the Christmas gift Alisa. I needed something to get me going again.