The Spirit of Christmas

Dec 23, 20244 min read

Lessons in Joy, Giving, and Inspiration

She has the potential to be a super saiya-jin!

"True joy is found in the simplest moments—whether it’s the sparkle in a child’s eyes, the stroke of a brush on canvas, or the act of giving from the heart. Embrace the small things, and let them ignite your greatest creations."

The holiday season is here when streets sparkle with lights, carols echo through the air, and the warmth of human connection shines brightest. Christmas is more than a celebration—it’s a chance to pause, reflect, and find peace within ourselves and with others.

This week, I was reminded of this beautiful spirit during my 4-year-old daughter’s school Christmas party. As parents gathered with their little ones to celebrate, laughter filled the room, and you could feel the excitement building, especially during the most anticipated moment: gift-giving.

Seeing my daughter’s sheer joy as she unwrapped her gift made my heart swell. It wasn’t just the toy she received; it was the pure, unfiltered happiness in her eyes as if she’d just gained the world. Watching her, I realized that this kind of excitement and gratitude is something we, as adults, sometimes lose touch with amidst the chaos of our daily lives.

The Playdoh set is a perfect gift for your kids! It can turn them into super Saiyans! lol

Delve Deeper Into the Problem

As adults, we often forget how to appreciate the little things. We’re burdened by responsibilities, overwhelmed by deadlines, and distracted by the complexities of life. We trade joy for efficiency, creativity for routine, and gratitude for expectation.

This season of giving can sometimes feel like a chore—a list of gifts to buy, events to attend, and errands to run. Instead of feeling the magic of Christmas, we get caught up in its mechanics.

And yet, when I saw my daughter’s uncontainable excitement over something as simple as a gift, I was reminded of a powerful truth: happiness isn’t about extravagance; it’s about the small moments of connection and the love we share.

As an artist, I often see parallels between this mindset and the creative process. Sometimes, we become so consumed by perfecting a project or meeting client demands that we forget the joy of creating.

We forget that the simplest strokes, the smallest details, and the rawness of expression are often what resonate the most with others.

Resolution to the Problem

The lesson here is simple yet profound: embrace the childlike joy of giving and creating. Whether it’s a gift, a piece of art, or a simple act of kindness, focus on the intention behind it.

This Christmas, I’ve decided to take a step back and approach life with my daughter’s perspective. Here are a few tips I’ve learned from both parenting and being an artist that might help you rekindle your sense of joy and purpose this holiday season:

Find Happiness in the Small Things:
Like my daughter’s reaction to her gift, it’s the little things that often mean the most. Celebrate the small wins, whether it’s finishing a sketch, wrapping a thoughtful present, or simply spending quality time with loved ones.
Practice Gratitude Daily:
Instead of focusing on what’s missing, take a moment to appreciate what you have. As an artist, I’ve learned to be grateful for every opportunity to create and connect with others through my work.
Reignite Your Creative Spirit:
Allow yourself to create without pressure—just for the joy of it. Whether it’s doodling, writing, or crafting, give yourself the gift of freedom to explore and play.
Give with Heart:
It’s not about the price tag; it’s about the thought behind it. This applies to both giving gifts and creating art. Authenticity shines through in everything you do.
Slow Down and Be Present:
Take a break from the rush. Savor the laughter, the hugs, and the little moments of joy. These are the true treasures of the season.

Embracing the Spirit of Christmas

As I watched my daughter light up with happiness at her school party, I was reminded of the true meaning of Christmas. It’s not about grand gestures or material things—it’s about connection, gratitude, and joy.

The same applies to our work as artists and creators. When we approach our craft with genuine passion and a giving spirit, we create something meaningful—not just for ourselves, but for those who experience it.

This holiday season, let’s take a page from our children’s book. Let’s rekindle our sense of wonder, share our gifts with love, and find happiness in the simplest moments. Because sometimes, all it takes is a little spark of joy to ignite greatness.