There’s something magical about holiday lights—they brighten up even the darkest winter nights, bringing a sense of warmth and wonder.
In this simple and calming art exercise, we’re taking inspiration from those twinkling lights to create a playful, stress-relieving drawing.
Whether you’re dealing with the chaos of the season or the mental load of motherhood, this exercise gives you a creative moment to breathe and reconnect with yourself.
Why Drawing Winter Lights is a Stress-Buster
When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to let your mind spiral. Exercises like this bring your focus back to the present. Drawing free-form lines and repetitive shapes (like bulbs) encourages a flow state where your brain lets go of stress and anxiety. Plus, the warm yellow hues you’ll use to color your lights can evoke feelings of comfort and joy, much like seeing real holiday lights.
Now, let’s walk through how to bring this idea to life on paper.
Have fun with this winter lights drawing exercise! Please let me know if you’ve tried it; I would love to see it.
You can find a small video of this exercise on my Instagram @thecreativecooldown
Supplies used:
Marker paper 300grs (BeCreativeShop), fineliners (Ohuhu), alcohol markers (Ohuhu).
Alternative supply suggestions:
You don’t need any fancy materials—whatever you have on hand works fine. Watercolor, markers, or crayons, a regular pen or pencil—it’s all about the process, not the result.
Instructions for this winter lights drawing exercise:
Step 1 – Draw the string of lights
Start by drawing a freeform line across your page.
This is your string of holiday lights, so don’t worry about making it perfect—the more whimsical, the better!
Trace the line you just drew with another line running parallel to it, creating the look of a cord with some dimension.
Step 2 – Add the light bulb bases
Along your cord, draw small perpendicular lines. These will serve as the bases for your light bulbs.
Step 3 – Add the light bulbs
On top of each base, draw small ovals or rounded shapes to represent the bulbs.
Step 4 – Add color to your light bulbs
Fill in your bulbs with a darker yellow shade to give them depth.
Step 5 – Let your lights glow
Then, use a lighter yellow to create a soft halo effect around each bulb, making them appear as though they’re glowing.
Light up your day with this exercise
This Winter Lights drawing exercise isn’t about creating picture-perfect art—it’s about giving yourself permission to pause and connect with your creative side. In the middle of the holiday hustle, it’s easy to forget that you deserve moments of calm too. By focusing on the repetitive strokes and soft glow of the lights, you’re not just making art—you’re recharging your mind and easing tension.
Whether you’re squeezing in a few minutes while the kids nap, or sitting down with them to create together, this exercise can help you slow down and savor the season. And if the holiday to-do list starts creeping back in, remind yourself: taking time for you isn’t selfish, it’s necessary. The more relaxed and grounded you feel, the more energy and joy you can bring to your family during this magical (but often overwhelming) time of year.
So, grab your markers, let the holiday lights inspire you, and create something simple and beautiful. Who knows? This little ritual might just become your favorite way to unwind every December.
Happy drawing and happy holidays!
You might also like my neurographic Christmas exercise if you enjoyed this.
