Slo-mo Christmas

Activity description

Through activities (DIY Christmas decorations, drawing plush toys, and snack time), we will help students (participants) relax before the holidays and provide a relaxing environment for everyone.

We understand that with exams approaching after the holidays, students may experience increased pressure and anxiety. Therefore, we hope that students can relax and enjoy a wonderful time during this activity.

Activity highlight

On the eve of the Christmas holidays, the club held its first holistic wellness activity – Slo-mo Christmas. Themed "Slow down, mind your heart," the activity aimed to allow students to relax and unwind in a warm and relaxed atmosphere before the end of the semester, experiencing the power of care and connection.

The entire classroom was decorated to create a festive space, filled with the scent of aromatherapy candles, hot chocolate, and snacks. The activity consisted of two parts:

Part 1: Christmas Crafts (Wreaths/Christmas Trees)

Students freely chose to make either wreaths or mini Christmas trees. Student leaders led groups, demonstrating and assisting with the process. Although the process was more complex and time-consuming than expected, the students were very engaged, focused on their creations, and exchanged ideas and helped each other. This period was not only an experience of artistic creation but also an opportunity for everyone to "focus on the present moment and release stress," experiencing the importance of rest and relaxation.

As they made Christmas crafts, the students were thoroughly focused and eager to help each other.

Part Two: Making well-being display bags

Each student randomly selected an adorable Chiikawa plush toy and decorated their own "well-being display bags" with stickers, dried flowers, and other materials. The club also prepared small cards, encouraging students to write down encouraging words or ways to care for their emotions and put them in their bags. Students can treat their bags as small emotional companions; when feeling tired or stressed, they can reopen them, look at the plush toy, the words, and the decorations inside, and remind themselves to "slow down, give themselves some space and gentleness."

After winning Chiikawa dolls in a draw, students designed their own unique “well-being display bags.”

In addition, committee members prepared Christmas cards, inviting students to write a blessing or encouraging message for their friends, teachers, or family members. This continued the sharing spirit of Christmas and emphasized the importance of relationships and peer support in mental well-being. When we are willing to actively express care and gratitude, we can build a more connected and supportive atmosphere in life and on campus.

The event ended amidst laughter and fragrant aromas. Although it went slightly overtime, the students all expressed that they thoroughly enjoyed this "slo-mo." The club were also proud to hold their first event before Christmas and looked forward to continuing to bring more experiences that promote mental health and positive connections to the campus through creativity and care.

Whether it's a small well-being display bag or a Christmas card filled with blessings, it all symbolizes care and connection. The moment students learn to care for themselves and are willing to extend care to others, the seeds of mental well-being have already quietly sprouted on campus.

Purpose behind this activity

Help students (participants) resolve and alleviate psychological stress and negative emotions (e.g., tension, anxiety, depression), give participants an opportunity to relax and provide appropriate assistance.