The visual artists share their holiday to-do lists with Art+.

Words Patricia Lanzagarita
December 26, 2024

The holiday season is a time for traditions, new experiences, and, of course, relaxation after a busy year. For artists, it’s also a time to recharge and find inspiration for the year ahead. We sat down with Ryan Uy and Jolo Senense, two artists from Ysobel Art Gallery, to find out how they plan to spend their time this Christmas.

Here’s a look at their to-do lists for the holidays, guaranteed to inspire your own festive season.

Vacation Trip

After a year of hard work, everyone deserves a break—and both Ryan and Jolo are looking forward to unwinding during the holidays. Jolo hopes to visit peaceful destinations such as rural provinces and serene beaches. If the opportunity arises, he’d love to take a trip abroad as well.

Both artists also have deep connections to their hometowns. Ryan enjoys visiting his relatives in Cavite and Rizal, while Jolo heads to Isabela to spend time with his wife’s family, making it a family-filled holiday tradition.

Visit Churches

For many Filipino families, visiting churches and attending Mass is a holiday must-do—and this is no different for Ryan and Jolo. Over the years, attending church services has become an essential part of their Christmas celebrations, and this year, both artists are looking forward to continuing this tradition with their families.

It’s a moment to reflect on the true spirit of Christmas and express gratitude, a sentiment that’s especially meaningful during the festive season.

Game Night and Gift-Giving

No holiday is complete without fun, and both Ryan and Jolo are looking forward to the classic joys of game nights and gift-giving. For Ryan’s family, a game night is a cherished tradition. Every Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, his family comes together for friendly competition, letting their playful side shine.

For Jolo, gift-giving is a highlight of the season. Besides preparing delicious food for his loved ones, he plans to spend quality time with his relatives, exchanging thoughtful gifts for his family and godchildren.

Quality Time with Family

While both artists look forward to their desired travel destinations, their biggest wish is for quality time with their families. Ryan emphasized that it’s not about the location—it’s about being together and creating memories that will last.

“I wish to spend quality time with my family, whether that’s swimming in the sea, roasting marshmallows over a bonfire, or simply bonding without any distractions,” said Jolo, reflecting on what he values most during the holidays.

Art Planning

Even during the holidays, the creative minds of artists are always at work. Both Ryan and Jolo continue to think about art even as they enjoy their time off. For Ryan, the holiday break is an opportunity to reflect and plan ahead.

“I plan to catch up on the series I follow, clean my studio, and begin to organize what’s next for my art in the coming year,” he shared.

The True Spirit of the Holidays

For Ryan and Jolo, the holidays are about much more than just traditions or travel—they are an opportunity to connect with family, create lasting memories, and recharge for the year ahead. In the company of loved ones, they find the warmth and inspiration that will fuel their artistry into the new year.