A December of Fun and Learning: What Families Are Choosing Beyond Social Media

As the festive season unfolds, News on Sunday explores the activities shaping children’s December holidays — from creative workshops and language exploration to engaging holiday clubs and hands-on art programs. While screens remain prevalent, more parents are seeking meaningful, interactive, and enriching experiences for their children. We talked to four organizations that offer innovative ways for children to learn, explore, and have fun this season.

Creativity Beyond Screens: Inside MyDreamArtStudio’s Holiday Workshops for Kids

As parents increasingly seek meaningful, screen-free experiences for their kids during December, creative spaces like MyDreamArtStudio are stepping in with hands-on activities designed to spark imagination, boost confidence, and engage young minds. Art Coach Sarah Jane Reynolds, founder of MyDreamArtStudio in Port Louis, explains how her workshops provide a refreshing alternative to digital entertainment.

For this festive season, the studio is focusing on structured yet flexible workshops that allow children to explore their artistic abilities at their own pace. "The studio offers creativity and painting workshops for children," says Reynolds, emphasizing that her program is built around guided exploration and open-ended creativity.

The workshops cater to children aged 5 to 11, with activities organized to suit various skill levels and interests. “Workshops are divided into two sessions: creative painting and crafts,” states the Art Coach. This balanced structure allows children to explore freely while learning from models, enhancing their ability to express themselves visually.

“The children are invited to think and create independently, while also working according to models, resulting in fun while learning,” she explains.

A Christmas-themed series will headline the December program, blending festive inspiration with hands-on learning. As Sarah Jane Reynolds puts it, “We will explore the Christmas theme during our December workshops, while keeping creativity at the center of our learning experience.”

While digital devices continue to dominate many children's daily routines, Sarah Jane Reynolds notes a strong interest in tactile, hands-on experiences. “Nowadays, kids are more into exploration and crafting. Painting remains a very important aspect of art discovery for kids.”

Parents also seem increasingly aware of the need to create more human, interactive learning environments. She notes: “With arts being central to kids' development, parents prefer face-to-face interactions as proximity to the teacher is key in the child development process.”

Beyond the fun and festive elements, MyDreamArtStudio’s workshops are rooted in the belief that art plays a powerful role in emotional development. “Arts remain one of the best therapies for children. Kids use art to express themselves without fear of judgment.”