Prompts to begin: ten minutes of creative pause

2024-11-24_03-44-58

To begin: a summarized version of this post. December 1 – December 24, I’m planning to share a simple daily draw/write prompt, and my response to it.

Let me know if you’d like to be involved!

What you’ll need: notebook, pen, 10 minutes/day.

Read on for the longer version…

When the kids were little, I purchased an advent calendar from Ten Thousand Villages that has small pockets in which to place treats, or,—as I decided, as an ambitious young(er) mom—delightful, seasonal activities to be shared as a family. Cookie baking, dinner by candlelight, delivery treats to friends, for example. Aspirational, to be sure, and suffice it say, the only activity that actually happened with consistency was “hot chocolate for breakfast.” I’m pretty sure I gave up at some point and put chocolate coins into the pockets. Much more popular.

But a few years ago, when all the kids were still living at home (pandemic; it was cozy), we co-created family activities for the calendar—and it was genuinely successful. It only worked because we were cooped up and looking to add variety and entertainment, even on the smallest of scales, to our dull days. We scribbled ideas onto scraps of paper, which were distributed into the pockets, and every day there came a new surprise. The kids had the best ideas, of course. One favourite was to wear someone else’s clothes for the day. Another was to buy ice cream to deliver to grandparents within walking distance. We may not have succeeded in doing every single activity, but we came close, and it was fun.

This year, I’ve refilled the pockets with scraps of paper. The kids who want advent calendars will be getting chocolate/candy versions instead (honestly, it’s what they want!). 

This year’s calendar is for me, and for you, and for anyone who wants to join in and play along. Every scrap of paper has a draw/write prompt on it. Call it the “creative pause” version of an Advent calendar. All you’ll need is a notebook and a pen (add in some crayons if you want to make it extra exciting). My plan is for this to be interactive so you can share with me too. 

In theory, I’ll post a daily prompt, and my response to the prompt, mostly likely on Instagram… every day from Dec. 1 – Dec. 24 (though I could post it here as well if anyone requests it in the comments). 

In practice, I’ll do my very best to make it so!

The prompts are not related to Advent in any obvious way. These 24 days are merely an opportunity presented and (hopefully!) taken; I already have a calendar with pockets! It’s a busy season, and the light is diminishing. Let’s see if we can find 10 minutes a day to reflect, scribble, wander through the mind, and spark a small bright fire.

xo, Carrie

Children and dogs
Day 1 prompt for a creative pause

6 Comments

  1. Jen Helmuth

    HI Carrie – I have this same advent calendar!!!! I love the idea, please count me in. 🙂

    Reply
    • Carrie Snyder

      Awesome, Jen! What’s the best way to receive prompts, for you? Here, via the blog or some other medium?

      Reply
  2. Anita van Raalte

    Hello! I came across your blog searching for something else, but recognized your name. I’ve read some of your books. And I think we live in the same town. Anyway, I enjoyed this post, and would be interested in your December writing/drawing prompts – but I don’t have instagram and don’t do social media at all. Would you mind posting them here? Would you post once a day? Or email them to me (I know that’s a big ask!). Have a lovely advent!

    Reply
    • Carrie Snyder

      Hi Anita,
      I’m going to experiment with some different ways to sharing prompts today (in preparation for tomorrow). One idea would be to have add people to a WhatsApp group, but if that feels too risky or personal, I totally understand. Reply back with your thoughts.
      -Carrie

      Reply
  3. Ellisha Blackburn

    I’d love to participate. WhatsApp works for me. I’m not much of an instagram user. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Carrie Snyder

      Hi Ellisha!
      My WhatsApp idea has fizzled due to lack of time …
      I’m going to keep publishing daily prompts here on my blog. I wish there would be a way to share photos through these comments (is there? I’m not tech-savvy enough to know). I’m also putting the prompts on Facebook as well as Instagram (but totally get that social media may not be your place.) Facebook does make it easy to post photos in the comments. But of course it’s also public.
      I’ll keep the idea of a WhatsApp group in the back of my mind too.
      -Carrie

      Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *