Maybe it is the creative spirit in me, but I firmly believe the holiday season is a wonderful time to embrace creativity as part of your self-care practice. From decorating your home to crafting heartfelt gifts, creativity can become a joyful outlet for expressing yourself and connecting with the season. These small acts of making—like baking cookies, creating handmade cards, or designing your own ornaments—allow you to focus on the process rather than the outcome, offering a mindful escape from the chaos of the holidays. Letting your imagination take the lead can be therapeutic and grounding, helping you find moments of calm amidst the festive whirlwind.
I often get asked why I started Apothecary 19 or how I can make so many different things. For me, and many other folks, there's something about keeping my hands busy that shuts off the overactive part of my brain. The effort-driven reward cycle in the brain is powerful. Using your hands to create something gives your brain a little dopamine rush, and those chemicals improve your mood and your well-being.
Incorporating creativity into your self-care doesn’t need to be grand or time-consuming. I might sound like a broken record here, but I mean it. Creativity isn't just fine art and oil paintings. It might mean doodling, experimenting with a new recipe, or trying a holiday-inspired DIY project. I especially love making bird feeder ornaments with my kid to put out during the cold winters here in Minnesota. These moments of playful exploration can reignite your sense of wonder and remind you of the simple joys of making something by hand. Creating for fun, without judgment, not only nurtures your mental well-being but also cultivates a deeper connection to the holiday spirit, turning ordinary moments into something truly special.
When you let yourself lean into creativity, you also invite playfulness and lighthearted energy into your days. There is no pressure, just a chance to enjoy the process and let go of any holiday stress. Whether you are sprinkling glitter on a card, playing with colors in a festive painting, or whipping up an impromptu dessert, creativity is a gentle reminder that self-care can be fun. It is about giving yourself the freedom to experiment and find joy in the unexpected while celebrating the season in your own way.
JOURNAL PROMPTS
- What creative activities bring you the most joy during the holiday season, and how can you incorporate them into your self-care routine this year?
- Reflect on a time when you allowed yourself to create freely, without worrying about the outcome. How did that experience make you feel, and how can you bring that same energy into your holiday traditions?
TODAY'S GIFT
Is Create Oil. This oil, like the Observe oil, is a product I've used myself for the last couple of years and will be adding to the shop permanently sometime in 2025.
One of my favorite cards in the tarot is The Empress. There's something about the nature of that card that taps into creativity and abundance that is so welcoming to me. There's more to that card and why I love it so much, but I'll spare you. :) Know that this is something I've kept in my private collection for years and I'm thrilled to share it with you.
This oil is versatile and inspiring; a blend of fractionated coconut oil and fragrance, diluted for safe, direct application. Use it on your pulse points during meditation, in bath water for a calming soak, or even to add intention to everyday acts like cleaning or consecrating tools. However you choose to use it, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.