I’m creative in ways that don’t always announce themselves.
Sometimes it shows up in writing—early mornings or quiet moments after the final bell, turning thoughts into words and moments into meaning. Writing helps me slow down and listen to my own life.
Sometimes it shows up in the classroom—finding a way to reach students who didn’t wake up planning to care about writing, history, or truth. That kind of creativity is part preparation, part instinct, and part a willingness to adjust when the moment calls for it.
And sometimes, especially at Christmas, creativity looks like intention. This year it looks like a simple fondue dinner—nothing extravagant, just carefully chosen pieces, a clear table, and time set aside on purpose. Creativity there isn’t about impressing anyone. It’s about creating space for conversation, connection, and being fully present.
Sometimes it shows up in relationships—in planning moments that say “you matter” without needing big gestures or loud declarations. Creativity in love often looks quiet, but it’s never accidental.
And sometimes it shows up in how I see the world—finding meaning in shared meals, familiar songs, a glass raised at the end of a long day, or memories that surface this time of year. I’m creative when I connect those moments and take time to reflect on them.
I don’t always create to make something new.
At Christmas, I create to make room for what matters most.
Copyright © 2025 Doug DeBolt.
