How to Stay creative in the holiday season

If you're in that weird space between wanting to rest and still wanting to feel inspired — this one's for you.

In this episode, we’re talking about how to stay creative during the holidays without forcing it. Because let’s be honest — your brain might be fried, your to-do list is a bit of a joke, and inspiration doesn’t exactly strike between school concerts and shopping lists.

I’m sharing what I’ve learned about letting creativity play (instead of pushing it), what that actually looks like when you’re tired, and why your best ideas often show up when you stop trying so hard.

→ Show notes, 🖤, and links mentioned are waiting for you : https://kunshuis.com/2025/12/09/stay-creative-during-the-holidays/

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Transcript

The awkward in-between of slowing down and still feeling switched on

SPEAKER_00 0:27

So if you're in that awkward space where your inbox is slowing down, but your brain won't, this one is for you. We're talking about how to stay creative in the holiday season without pressuring yourself to be productive. How to let your brain play, but also what that actually can look like in a season where everything can feel like all over the place. Every year around this time I find myself thinking, okay, it's December. This is the time I should be resting. But we've been hustling so fast the whole year. My body and brain is so programmed to just keep going. I also want to finish a design project, batch some content, rethink my packaging, maybe update my services for next year. It's this weird mix of I'm done and I should be doing more. And then comes the guilt, right? Guilt for resting, guilt for still working, guilt for not feeling inspired, guilt for not posting that cute Christmas theme reel everyone seems to be doing. And here's what I want to tell you. This feeling is normal, although I I struggle with it as well. This is what happens when we forget something really important as creatives. We're not machines. We don't create from a bottomless tap of inspiration. We need rest, we need room, and yes we do need play. Creativity needs air, not pressure. You can't force brilliance when your brain is already tired. Let's just get into the practical because this isn't just mindset. I want you to walk away with actual ideas you can try. So here's what creative play can look like in the holidays. Number one, drop the outcome. Not everything you do has to be for a client, for your portfolio or for Instagram. Sketch for fun, take photos of shadows, doodle in the back of your shopping list, make something you're not planning to sell. You'll be surprised what shows up when you're not chasing a result. Number two, curate your inputs. If your brain feels scattered, it might be time to stop scrolling Pinterest and start noticing your own life. Take walks without your phone, page through an old magazine, go sit at a coffee shop and just watch the people. The best ideas don't come from your feed, they come from your senses. Number three, don't force a plan for 2026. I know the new year energy is coming in hot. Everyone's posting their goals and vision boards already, but if you're still wrapping up projects and mentally crawling to the finish line, maybe give yourself space to do nothing for a few days. Trust that your January self is going to know what to do. You don't have to future proof your creativity. You don't have to burn yourself out. Number four, create off the clock. So block out time for play that's not linked to work. Paint with your kids, bake something messy, rearrange your workspace, buy those colored pens just because even twenty minutes of unplugged play can shift your whole mood. Number five, if nothing else rest. If you do none of the above, but you sleep well, eat something nourishing, move your body a little and give your brain time to breathe, you've already done the most important thing. Rest is not a reward. It's part of the work. I know it's tempting to push through, to try and squeeze one more productive thing out of yourself before the year ends. But maybe what you really need is to remember that you are a whole human, not a content machine, not a client pleasing robot. You're a creative, and creatives need space, time, play, stillness, breath. The world will still be there in January, and your brilliance will still be there too. You're not going to lose your spark by resting, if anything, you might just find it again. So my creative friend, whether you're still working, half working, or flat on the couch, know this. You don't have to earn your creativity. It is yours always. And when you trust it enough to let it breathe, it shows up better than ever. Thanks for being here and take care of your energy. Take care of your mind, take care of your creative spirit. Design your life wherever you are. I'll see you next time.