This time of year is normally ’Christmas crazy’ in Art Shop, as we prepare for Christmas fayre displays, write party sketches and make lots of gifts & decorations (complete with glitter pretty much everywhere!).
We were aware that December could feel an especially bleak and isolating month for those on our project, as the nights grow longer and the days shorter. So, the ’CFL style Art advent calendar’ idea was born!
With some generous donations and the wonderful help of a small team, we set to work, with over 400 little gifts to prepare and wrap, so each person could have something to open every day in the build up to Christmas! The Advent parcels were then delivered around Leeds, with the added bonus of seeing a smiling face at the door (from a distance!)
Some were made by hand, spreading ready-made cheer and decoration for the home. Others are little ’Christmas makes’ such as ‘Make a Wobbling Snowman’, complete with instructions and materials.
This then gives the option of a creative activity, which can be extremely beneficial to mental health, and is also a fun talking point during phone calls throughout the week! One lady commented that it was nice to have something to open each morning, and some people have been so enthusiastic, that day 8’s activity was finished and up on display when it was still only December the 4th!!
One of the gifts features the verse, ’The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.’ We pray that many lonely people, in the midst of such a dark time, will be drawn to the incredible light and warmth of the love of Jesus, God with us.