For me, the festive break is the most wonderful break of them all.
Emails quieten, requests reduce, and those always-on thoughts fade a little.
But work never completely stops. This time is an opportunity to reflect on what we’ve achieved and where we’ve reached. And also, to explore thoughts for the future. But work, play, and creativity all merge in my mind.
‘Tis the season for many things, regardless of whether Christmas is your thing.
The festive break holds an appealing power to refuel your creativity. As we prepare to say farewell to another year, it’s the perfect time to explore why this season can enhance creativity and why rest is the unsung hero for all imaginative minds.
I might not be a Wise Man carrying gifts on a donkey, but I can offer you my thoughts on why this break can be magical…
The gift of rest 
Rest is not just about snoozing in front of a cheesy festive film; it’s a vital ingredient for our creativity too. Like a computer that needs shutting down to install updates, our brains require downtime to process information, make connections, and conjure new ideas. The festive break offers this crucial hiatus, allowing our minds to refuel and recharge our creative energy.
Without adequate rest, creativity can become clogged up with a brain that’s bogged down in the day-to-day, it can be challenging to focus, and it diminishes the ability to think abstractly. Taking breaks, getting enough sleep, and allowing time to rest is essential for nurturing and enhancing creativity.
The gift of time
Creativity blossoms with time and space. With the hustle and bustle of work and other aspects of life momentarily on pause, we finally have the luxury to delve into hobbies, read that book that’s been gathering dust, or take longer walks. These activities fertilise the imagination, sparking fresh perspectives and new ideas.
But it’s not just about the new. What about exploring that idea that’s been lurking in the back of your mind for a while? Are you ready to make it happen or park it for another time?
The gift of experiences
Whether trying out a new recipe (let me know if you’d like a comms cookbook), experimenting with crafts, or exploring different cultural festivities, the holiday season offers many opportunities to immerse ourselves in novel experiences. These moments of novelty stimulate our brains, nudging us out of our comfort zones and towards fresh ideas and possibilities.
Sometimes, even doing the things you don’t enjoy can lead to unexpected places and outcomes.
The gift of play
Amidst the cheerful chaos of the holidays, games often take centre stage in many households. From classic board games to interactive video games, these playful activities are more than just entertainment—they catalyse creativity.
Consider games like Pictionary, where sketching clues fosters visual thinking and communication skills. Or delve into imaginative games using storytelling dice, where weaving narratives ignites the creative spark. Even strategy-based games like chess or problem-solving adventures can stimulate the brain’s lateral thinking, encouraging fresh approaches to challenges.
If you’ve been following our creativity calendar, you may have already enjoyed some quick drawing and writing games to get you started.
For your creative powers to be at their strongest, rest isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. The festive break isn’t just about Snowballs (the drink) and baubles; it’s a sanctuary for nurturing the imaginative spirit within. So, this season, unwrap the gift of creativity and enjoy the rest.
After all, ’tis the season to be creative and have a very Happy Restmas!
By Alan Oram for Alive!
