How Needle Felting Helps Me Cope With Holiday Chaos

I love the month of December. Decorating the tree, SNOW, Christmas music, The Muppets Christmas Carol followed by Elf, then the Nightmare Before Christmas, and Home Alone? Bliss. 

The actual holiday though? Shame for not going to church? Pressure around finding the best presents? The never ending family drama? No-fucking-thanks.

(P.S. If you don't celebrate xmas, I hope this month is a little less dramatic for you!)

Oh and don't forget! We're living through the rise of fascism in the US and we still all have to go to work (if we're lucky enough). Wooohoooo. Political tension all around, on our phones and center stage at the dreaded dinner table. The endless rollercoaster of feels is A LOT to handle. 

Stabbing Wool > Biting Nails

So what do I do when I need a break after a boring zoom meeting or a long shift at the craft store? I reach for my needles. 

Creating tiny, weird, soft sculptures gives me a break from the chaos and helps me feel grounded. I can stop biting my nails and start stabbing some fluff.

Needle felting is simple, tactile, dangerous, and always forgiving. It lets you work through stress while you binge watch your favorite holiday flick. 

So, if you are feeling stretched too thin this season, here is why needle felting can be a real form of holiday rage relief. 

Holiday Crafting Ideas to Destress

Here are some prompts for a holiday craft project, ranging from something short and easy to some that could take you all night (and maybe get you out of doing the holiday meal dishes!)

Disclaimer: If you're looking for peaceful soft or perfect DIY ideas, this probably isn't the blog post for you. 

1. Mini Dumpster Fire

Start with a basic box shape, add a wonky lid, and then layer bright orange and yellow wool to create the flames. It does not need to look clean. The charm comes from its chaos. This is perfect for anyone who needs to laugh at the state of the world while making something delightfully ridiculous. Add some eyes and a mouth for extra cuteness. 

2. Squishy Taco

This little guy is basically a soft, round shell with a fluffy filling. You can stab together “lettuce,” “cheese,” and “tomato” in whatever colors you like. There are no exact proportions, so beginners can relax and let the shapes evolve naturally. When you are done, you end up with a cute taco friend who reminds you that comfort can come in small, silly forms.

Shop my beginner kit if you'd like! $1 goes to an anti-ICE and pro-immigrant organization. 

3. Stressed Out Worm

A simple cylinder with googley eyes turns into a stressed out worm that been through it. This is a perfect quick craft because all you do is roll and felt the wool into a long shape and then add a face. Make it squiggly or straight. Add a tiny sweat drop or frown if you want. It's a ten minute project that gives you a fun outlet during a hectic day. I like to imagine it's RFK Jr's brain worm and it's seen things, lol.

Make a Mess: perfect crafting isn't the goal!

Many holiday hobbies require lots of supplies or special equipment. Needle felting does not. You only need:

• wool

• a felting needle

• a foam pad

• a bit of patience

This is why it works so well as a quick stress reliever. You can sit down for ten minutes or two hours and still make something meaningful. You do not need previous experience or natural artistic talent. The craft meets you where you are. Also, if it ends up a little wonky or smooshed, that's the charm of needle felting imo. 

If your holiday season is already overwhelming, starting a low pressure craft is a simple way to carve out time for yourself without adding another stressful project to the list.

Happy Holidays + Messy Crafting to one and all ❤️