The Gift of Creativity: Embracing Art and Connection This Holiday Season

Kaila Piepkow
Apr 7
2 min read

Updated: Apr 8

As the holiday season approaches, it's easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of to-dos and to-buys. But at Doodles Academy, we’re hoping to step away from all that hustle and bustle and instead embrace something simpler: the chance to connect with those we love through creativity.

In a season packed with messages to buy and do more, we're reminded that the most memorable gifts are often the quietest ones—the kind that don’t come wrapped in shiny paper, but are instead about spending time together, making something by hand, and creating memories that feel like little treasures.

This year, we invite you to see the holidays as a time to slow down, gather around, and share in the joy of making something together.

Art has always been a powerful way to bring people closer. At Doodles, we believe that creating something by hand—especially with family and friends—gives us a unique opportunity to slow down and simply be together. Whether it’s painting, drawing, or just playing with colors, art offers us a quiet space where we can connect beyond words, with each brushstroke or color choice becoming part of a shared memory.

As parents, caregivers, and educators, we can guide children into this space of togetherness, showing them that art is more than just an activity. It’s a way to express ourselves, practice patience, and enjoy time with the people we love. This holiday season, the gift of creativity and connection may be the most valuable thing we can share.

The holidays also offer a perfect opportunity to introduce children to the rich cultural traditions that unite people around the world (for example in Europe, for example, St. Martin’s Day is celebrated with lantern parades that bring warmth and light as the days grow darker.)

Through these conversations and explorations, art becomes not only a personal experience but a bridge across cultures, showing us that while traditions vary, the desire to come together and celebrate is something we all share. In this way, art can help us deepen our understanding of the world and strengthen our connections with each other.

Inspired by these traditions, we’re excited to introduce our Take-and-Make Lantern Kits soon, offering families a chance to explore and create together at home. Each kit will include everything you need to make a beautiful, unique lantern, while learning about the many ways people use light to celebrate life and hope around the world. These kits give families a way to make art that’s meaningful, building a lasting tradition of creativity together.

So, let’s set aside the rush this season and focus on what truly matters: time spent with our loved ones, sharing experiences, and finding beauty in simple moments. Whether you’re creating, exploring, or just being together, we hope this season brings you joy that lasts well beyond the holidays.