18 Creative and Crafty Activities
It’s always good to look back at previous editions of Pain Matters and it’s from issue 38 that I take great delight in sharing some words for wisdom from Dennis Turk and Frits Winter, “Pain needs competition”— social contact, creativity and fun all help us to put life in the foreground and pain in the rear.
Here, adapted for pain, is my list of creative activities for Christmas.
18 Creative and Crafty Activities
- Decorate a Christmas tree – Keep it simple and enlist help for heavier tasks.
- Make holiday cards or decorations – Use easy crafts like sticker kits or pre-made sets.
- Colour holiday-themed pages – Therapeutic and low-effort.
- Bake or decorate cookies – Choose pre-made dough or no-bake recipes to reduce physical strain.
- Watch Christmas movies – Create a cozy spot with blankets and supportive cushions.
- Listen to holiday music or audiobooks – Pair with soothing lighting or aromatherapy.
- Drink festive beverages – Hot cocoa, tea, or mulled cider can bring comfort.
- Write a gratitude list or journal – Reflect on meaningful moments from the year.
- Host a small, low-energy gathering – Virtual calls can work too if in-person feels overwhelming.
- Play light board or card games – Choose simple games that don’t require much movement.
- Exchange small gifts or notes – Focus on thoughtful gestures over material items.
- Enjoy festive lights – Take a slow walk or drive around neighbourhoods to see decorations.
- Sit outside with a blanket – Enjoy crisp air and any winter scenery.
- Visit a Christmas market or event – Choose accessible options with seating.
- Take a warm bath with holiday scents – Epsom salts can ease muscle tension.
- Use a heating pad while reading – Pair it with a cozy book or magazine.
- Try gentle stretches or yoga – Choose movements that soothe rather than strain.
- Wrap presents at your own pace – Use gift bags for less effort.
Now, what other activities come to your mind?
Andy Jeffrey
