Category: Months of the Year

January Drawing Prompts

Drawing or doodling is a great creative outlet for all ages. If you are spending more time indoors due to social distancing or wintry weather, drawing can easily turn into a family activity. Do you need inspiration? Check out the following drawing prompts for January.

  1. 2021
  2. Shapes
  3. Snowflakes
  4. Eyes
  5. Love
  6. Sun
  7. Signs
  8. Snowman
  9. Tree
  10. Food
  11. Animal
  12. Clouds
  13. Water
  14. Mittens
  15. Snow Globe
  16. Penguin
  17. Self-Portrait
  18. Winter Boots
  19. Door, Lock, & Key
  20. Nature
  21. Building
  22. Winter Scene
  23. Friends
  24. Patterns
  25. Upside Down
  26. Big
  27. Small
  28. 3 Similiar Items
  29. 3 Different Items
  30. Spirals
  31. Windows

Try experimenting with different drawing instruments. Markers, crayons, pencils, colored pencils, chalk, charcoal, or paint pens yield diverse results. But remember, above all, have fun.

 

21 Inspirational Quotes for the New Year

Do you need some inspiration to ring in the New Year? 2020 will definitely be a year to remember—time to move forward with some inspiring words.

  1. “It is never too late to be what you might have been.”-George Eliot.
  2. “The best is yet to come.”-Frank Sinatra.
  3. “You’ll never get bored when you try something new. There’s really no limit to what you can do.”-Dr. Suess
  4. “Celebrate endings—for they precede new beginnings.” —Jonathan Lockwood Huie.
  5. “Ring out the old, ring in the new,
    Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
    The year is going, let him go;
    Ring out the false, ring in the true.” —Alfred Lord Tennyson
  6. “Every moment is a fresh beginning.” —T.S. Eliot
  7. “Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.” —Benjamin Franklin.
  8. “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”-C.S. Lewis.
  9. “Every moment is a fresh beginning.” —T.S. Eliot
  10. “If you’re brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello.” —Paulo Coehlo.
  11. “It’s never too late to become who you want to be. I hope you live a life that you’re proud of, and if you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start over.” —F. Scott Fitzgerald
  12. “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” —Socrates.
  13. “It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” —E.E. Cummings.
  14. “I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.” —David Bowie.
  15. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” —Eleanor Roosevelt.
  16. “New year—a new chapter, new verse, or just the same old story? Ultimately we write it. The choice is ours.”-Alex Morritt.
  17.  “Whatever it is you’re scared of doing, do it. Make your mistakes, next year and forever.” —Neil Gaiman.
  18. “Every single year, we’re a different person. I don’t think we’re the same person all of our lives.”-Steven Spielberg.
  19. “Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365-page book. Write a good one.”-Brad Paisley.
  20. “Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.”-Ralph Waldo Emerson.
  21. “Celebrate endings—for they precede new beginnings.” —Jonathan Lockwood Huie

 

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Simple Ways to Celebrate the Winter Solstice

It’s here! Today marks the first official day of winter in the northern hemisphere. Knowing as the longest night of the year, the Winter Solstice marks the return of the light. Slowly the days will grow longer and the night shorter.

How to Celebrate the Winter Solstice

People around the globe celebrate the Winter Solstice in many ways. If you are looking for simple ways to celebrate the start of the winter season with your family, consider the following ideas.

Go for a Nature Walk

Even if the sun is starting to set, go outdoors. Tonight, after sunset, look just above the horizon to view Jupiter and Saturn’s rare alignment. The lining up of the two planets will create a rare appearance of light, also known as the Christmas star. Here are a few tips for your nature walk after dark. 

  • Dress appropriately. Remember to wear layers to keep warm.
  • Carry your cell phone, but put the device on vibrate.
  • Use a flashlight if needed.
  • Remember to walk in a known location for safety. Walking on a familiar path is essential if the sun is setting.

Go to the Library

On your walk or car ride, go to your local library to check out books about the Winter Solstice. Some quick title suggestion includes:

Your local library, online shopping center, or bookstore has numerous books related to the Winter Solstice.

Eat 

Combine your Winter Solstice celebration with your dinner. Host a special family night meal.

  • A hearty Winter Solstice Soup to help you stay warm.
  • Swedish Saffron Buns or create bread in the shape of the sun to welcome back the light-filled days.
  • Mulled Wine, Hot Tea, or Eggnog
  • Winter Salad
  • Brussel Sprouts
  • Butternut Squash
  • Bake a cake in the shape of a Yule Log
  • Use nature and winter-themed items to decorate a cake.

Feed the Birds 

Long winter nights mean less available food for birds. Add extra seeds to your bird feeder. Or decorate a tree with edible food for the birds to enjoy.

Make Nature Crafts

Use items from your nature walk for crafting. Pine cones, small twigs, or acorns are perfect materials for wreaths and other nature-inspired crafts.

The Winter Solstice is a once a year event. Even if you just decide to curl up under a comforter with a good book, take a moment out of your busy work, school, or holiday schedule to celebrate the longest night.

 

Drawing Prompts for the Christmas Season

Are you and your family spending more time at home this Christmas season? Are you searching for fun, simple activities to do together? How about a daily drawing challenge?

Spending a little time each day drawing can help expand your child’s imagination, increase vocabulary, and enhance fine motor skills. Unsure what to draw? Check out the following drawing prompts for the Christmas season.

  1. Santa
  2. Elf
  3. Candy Cane
  4. Gifts
  5. Star
  6. Angel
  7. Snowman
  8. Snowflakes
  9. Bells
  10. Reindeer
  11. North Pole
  12. Santa’s Sleigh
  13. Toys
  14. Manger
  15. Nativity
  16. Ornaments
  17. Gift Tags
  18. Christmas Stockings
  19. Christmas Wreath
  20. Christmas Tree
  21. Red and Green
  22. Ribbons and Bows
  23. Mistletoe
  24. Christmas Eve
  25. Christmas Day
  26. Snow Globe
  27. Mittens and Scarves
  28. Peace
  29. Love
  30. Animals in the Snow
  31. Welcoming 2021

Drawing is an open-ended activity. There is no right or wrong way to do it. Simply use your imagination.

Journal Writing Prompts for December

The last month of 2020 is finally here. Are you still keeping your journal? Or are you just starting? Regardless of where you are at with your journal entries, use these writing prompts to help you through December.

  1. How did last month go for you? Write about your highs and lows for November.
  2. Write down 10 things you hope to accomplish in December.
  3. How is the pandemic in your area? Are the cases rising or decreasing? What are your concerns about the ongoing health crisis? Go into details.
  4. How has the pandemic changed your daily routine?
  5. Free write for 10 minutes. Set a timer and just let your thoughts flow.
  6. What one day from your past would you like to relive again? Why? Go into details.
  7. What major change would you like to implement in your life? What is stopping you from achieving your goal?
  8. What anxieties do you have about the future?
  9. What was the best part of your day today? Why?
  10. What was your biggest challenge or obstacle today? Why?
  11. What activity do you do to relieve stress?
  12. Go outdoors. Memorize what you see. Go back in and write the scene. Remember to focus on your five senses as you write.
  13. What were you doing at 11 am? Go into details.
  14. Write a book or product review.
  15. Write about a difficult time in your life. How did you get through it?
  16. What does your dream home look like? Go into details.
  17. Write about your day from the point of view of your dog or cat.
  18. Write a restaurant or small business review.
  19. What is one thing you want to do right now but can’t?
  20. Write a letter to your future self.
  21. Write about your extended family, your grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.
  22. Describe the view out your window. If it’s dark, write about the night.
  23. Write about your best Christmas as a child.
  24. Christmas Eve–Write about your day.
  25. Merry Christmas! How did you spend the holiday?
  26. What did you learn the most in 2020?
  27. Write a list of at least 10 things you want to personally accomplish in 2021.
  28. Write a list of at least 10 things you want to accomplish as a family or at your place of employment
  29. Write a bucket list for 2021.
  30. What are you hoping for in 2021?
  31. What are your final thoughts for the last day of 2020?

 

National Tell a Fairy Tale Day

Did you know February 26 is National Tell a Fairy Tale Day? The pandemic, social distancing, school, work, daily routines, and other commitments can easily fill your schedule.  Try taking time out to celebrate unofficial holidays. Celebrating National Tell a Fairy Tale Day is a great way to try something new and simply have fun. Fairy tales have a long-standing place in history.

Think back; what was your favorite fairy tale from childhood? Some family favorites may include:

Do you remember the excitement of learning the story? Now there’s an entire day dedicated to the love of a fairy tale.

How to Celebrate National Tell a Fairy Tale Day

Traditionally, a fairy tale is a mythical or fantasy-based short story. The characters may include a prince, a princess, fairies, gnomes, or talking animals. The setting usually contains a castle or magical forest. The limitation of the storyline is only your own imagination. So, embrace the day by celebrating fairy tales.

1. Go to Your Local Library

If open, visit your library on Tell a Fairy Tale Day. The trip provides you and your loved ones with the opportunity to find the perfect story. Consider finding a new fairy tale to read. Or check out an old favorite to enjoy once again.

2.Read to Your Children

 Read your favorite tale to your children. Children love to hear new stories.  Spending quality time with your children is also a rewarding experience. Ask open-ended questions about the tale to ensure understanding. The process will actually help your children’s communication skills.

3. Go to the Bookstore

 Purchasing a new book of fairy tales is a great way to find a new story. Bookstores often carry stories from different cultures or countries.

4. Write Your Own Fairy Tale

Pick up your pen and write your own tale. If you have children, encourage them to write a fairy tale. The creative process enhances critical thinking, social, and communication skills. Ask younger children to verbally express their fairy tales. Writing down their thoughts in a notebook may turn into a lasting memory.

5. Arts and Craft Time 

After reading or sharing a story, use the fairy tale storyline as the basis of your art and crafts project.

  • Draw pictures with chalk, colored pencils, crayons, or markers
  • Paint a picture
  • Make a collage with magazine cutouts or other material.
  • Create a storyboard or storybook of your fairy tale.
  • Decorate a plastic container to use later to plant magic beans. The decorated pot will easily complement the story of Jack and the Beanstalk. 

6. Create a Puppet Show

Creating a puppet show can be a creative and rewarding process. A large box may be part of the stage or backdrop for your fairy tale. Make hand puppets or finger puppets to act out a fairy tale. If your children are hosting the show, record the event.

7. Bake or Cook a Special Treat

Decorate cookies to match your fairy tale. Or cook a special meal to incorporate a theme from your favorite fairy tale. For example, adding peas to your meal can be part of the Princess and the Pea fairy tale.

8. Host a Family Fun Movie Night

Disney movies are a wonderful resource for fairy tales. Make popcorn or other special snack and enjoy your movie night.

Regardless of the way you celebrate, take time to enjoy National Tell a Fairy Tale Day. Life is short; make memories. Use your imagination, enjoy the day.

 

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