DBT Inspired Crafts: Shine on! Create Your Unique Version of Your Holiday
- Kathy Morelli
- Dec 9, 2025
- 6 min read
The holiday season is a very busy time and can be a time for celebration, reflection and togetherness. But for some, the holidays can feel lonely and triggering, bringing up negative memories and feelings of isolation and loss. All of these feelings can be intensified, especially when it seems like everyone else is happy, happy, happy. Over time, developing a relationship with a therapist is a healthy way to deal with past trauma and strong negative feelings.
What does that mean?
That means you are unique and have your own individual story to honor. Creating new traditions and new ways to be during the holidays is ok. No need to believe or emulate the Hallmark Channel. You are creating your own life and your own reality is valid and enjoyable.
Shine on!
In addition, there are many self-help ways to help manage emotions on a daily basis. The Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills are acccessible to everyone. Some people already have emotoinal management skills, as they witnessed these skills while growing up up, so the skills come more naturally to them. Others need to consciously seek out and cultivate emotional management skills. The DBT skillset cultivates emotional awareness, mindfulness and distraction. Slowing down the emotional process, observing our selves and our environment all helps us to manage our emotional anxiety. The DBT concept of using our senses to self soothe, helps us to keep grounded in the here and now.
A fun and absorbing way to engage in the here and now through your senses, is to practice Five Things. The Five Things Exercise is slowing down and noticing beauty to see, to hear, to smell, to taste, to touch. Pursuing a hobby is a natural and healthy way to effortlessly perform the Five Things exercise. When you create something, you are engaging your whole self in a healthy way.
Here are some ideas to mindfully enhance your living area, engaging visual appeal, scent, and touch. Scent plays a crucial role in influencing emotions, with research indicating that 75% of our emotions are affected by it. Focus on what appeals to you ans what engages your interest,
The Power of Scent
Scent has a strong influence on our emotions and memories. During the holidays, familiar fragrances can soothe our emotions and help us create new memories of calm. According to studies, pleasant scents can improve mood by as much as 40%.
The hobby of aromatherapy and herbalism can be a fun and absorbing lifelong study. Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that capture the natural fragrance of the plant. They can be used in various ways, such as diffusing, making potpourri, or adding to homemade candles. The right scents not only uplift your mood but also help reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being.
Choosing Your Essential Oils
When selecting essential oils for the holidays, consider scents that evoke warmth and comfort. Here are some popular options that are perfect for the season:
Cinnamon: This warm and spicy aroma is closely linked to holiday baking. It can instantly create a cozy atmosphere that reminds us of home.
Pine: The fresh, woodsy scent of pine brings the spirit of a winter forest indoors, making it an excellent choice for holiday scents.
Orange: This bright and cheerful oil adds a refreshing note that can uplift your spirits, making any space feel more alive.
Clove: With its rich, spicy fragrance, clove oil is often tied to holiday traditions and can add depth to your seasonal blends.
Frankincense: This ancient oil has a warm, resinous aroma that promotes relaxation and is frequently used in holiday rituals.
By blending these oils, you can create a scent that reflects your unique style while enhancing your holiday celebrations.
Crafts That Use Essential Oils in Your Home
There are many ways to incorporate essential oils into your home for the holidays. Here are some effective methods:
1. Creating Blends to Diffuse
Using a diffuser is one of the easiest ways to disperse essential oils throughout your home. Just add water along with a few drops of your chosen oils and let the diffuser work its magic. Here are two festive blend ideas:
Cozy Cinnamon Blend: Mix 3 drops of cinnamon, 2 drops of clove, and 2 drops of orange for a warm, inviting aroma.
Winter Wonderland Blend: Combine 3 drops of pine, 2 drops of frankincense, and 2 drops of cedarwood for a refreshing, woodsy scent.
2. Making Scented Potpourri With Natural Findings
Making your own potpourri is a wonderful way to engage multiple senses: sight, smell, and touch. The varied textures, the aroma of the scents, and the visual appeal of the colors come together to create a satisfying experience.
You can enhance your experience with a walk outside to collect natural materials. Feeling the sun, the wind, smelling the fresh air, all distract and combine to improve mood. Drying your own citrus peels is interesting and fun! Combine these materials and select essential oils to enhance their fragrance. It's a fun and creative activity that provides a sense of achievement, contributing to your sense of self.
Ingredients:
1 cup dried orange peels
1 cup dried apple slices
1 cup cinnamon sticks
1 tablespoon whole cloves
some found pine cones
some found interesting twigs and sticks
10-15 drops of your favorite essential oils (cinnamon, clove, or orange)
Instructions:
Combine all the dried ingredients in a bowl.
Add the essential oils and mix well.
Place the potpourri in decorative bowls around your home.
This natural decoration not only smells wonderful but also adds a festive touch to your decor.
3. Scented Candles
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Making your own scented candles is another fantastic way to infuse your home with holiday aromas. Here’s a basic recipe you can try:
Ingredients:
1 cup soy wax flakes
10-15 drops of essential oils (cinnamon, clove, or pine)
Candle wicks
Glass jars or candle molds
Instructions:
Melt the soy wax in a double boiler.
Once melted, remove from heat and mix in the essential oils.
Secure the wick in the center of the jar and pour the wax mixture into the jar.
Allow the candle to cool and harden before lighting.
These homemade candles make great gifts and can easily be customized with your favorite scents.
4. Scented Ornaments
Creating scented ornaments is a fun and creative way to add fragrance to your holiday decor. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredient
1 cup applesauce
1 cup ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon glue
Cookie cutters
Ribbon for hanging
Instructions:
Mix the applesauce, cinnamon, and glue in a bowl until a dough forms.
Roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to create shapes.
Use a straw to make holes for the ribbon.
Allow the ornaments to dry completely before hanging them.
These ornaments not only look beautiful but also release a lovely scent throughout the season.
Safety Tips for Using Essential Oils
While essential oils are generally safe, it’s important to use them responsibly. Here are a few safety tips to consider:
Dilution: Always dilute essential oils before applying them to the skin. A good rule of thumb is to always mix them with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil.
Quality: Choose high-quality, pure essential oils from reputable sources to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Ventilation: When diffusing essential oils, make sure your space is well-ventilated to avoid overwhelming scents.
Allergies: Be aware of any allergies or sensitivities you or your guests may have. Always test a small amount of oil before using it widely.
By following these guidelines, you can safely enjoy the benefits of essential oils this holiday season.
Create Your Version of the Holidays
Again, you are unique and have your own individual story to honor. You are the creator of. your own life. Creating new traditions and new ways to be during the holidays is ok. No need to believe or emulate the Hallmark Channel. You are creating your own life and your own reality is valid and enjoyable.
SHINE ON!
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