Unwrapping Christmas Through Arts-Based Research: A Transdisciplinary Conference
Proposal Submission Deadline: November 9, 2025
Conference Dates: December 8-9, 2025
Location: online
Fees: £100 (non-members), 15% discount for LABRC members
(Fees apply to both presenters and attendees)
Prices exclude booking fees
Call for Papers
Are you ready to unwrap the mysteries, myths, and magic of Christmas through the lens of arts-based research? We are delighted to announce our transdisciplinary conference, “Unwrapping Christmas Through Arts-Based Research”, where we will examine the rich world of Christmas traditions, symbols, stories, and more.
Christmas, a time of celebration, reflection, and festivity, and of course—expression through various creative forms, offers a unique intersection of cultural, historical, and personal narratives that are ripe for exploration through arts-based research. This conference aims to bring together scholars, artists, educators, and enthusiasts from various disciplines to explore the multifaceted dimensions of Christmas. From its ancient roots to its modern-day manifestations, Christmas serves as a canvas for a wide array of artistic and scholarly inquiries.
The conference aims to foster an environment where diverse perspectives and creative approaches can illuminate the many ways in which Christmas and its associated traditions, symbols, and stories influence and reflect our societies. By examining Christmas through the lenses of art, culture, psychology, history, and more, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of this beloved holiday and its significance in our lives.
We welcome contributions on a broad range of topics, including but not limited to:
- Different Versions of Christmas Stories: Let’s see how Grandma’s tales stack up against modern Netflix specials!
- Christmas as a Melting Pot of Traditions and Cultures: Examine how Christmas is the ultimate cultural buffet, integrating various practices from around the world. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about the fruitcake!
- Christmas as a Palimpsest: Dig deep into the layers of meaning and historical changes in Christmas traditions. Think of it as an archaeological dig, but with tinsel and mistletoe.
- Christmas Archetypes in Pop Culture: Analyse iconic characters such as Scrooge, Santa, and Elves. What do these figures tell us about our cultural psyche, and why do we love them (or love to hate them)?
- Christmas Symbols: Interpret the traditional and modern symbols associated with Christmas (or even better, if you’re a creative, come up with your own!). From the star on top of the tree to that quirky Elf on the Shelf—what does it all mean?
- Christmas and Autoethnography: Share your personal narratives, poetic inquiries, and reflections on Christmas experiences. Let’s hear your unique holiday stories, whether they’re heartwarming, hilarious, or humbling.
- Depictions of the Nativity Scene in Art: Explore artistic interpretations of the nativity scene across different media and periods.
- Depictions of Christmas in Various Art Forms: Whether it’s film, music, drama, poetry, dance, fiction, nonfiction, photography, collage, or crafts, show us how Christmas is portrayed in different art forms. Extra points for creativity and originality!
- Christmas Through History: Based on artistic and cultural encounters, offer historical perspectives on how Christmas traditions have evolved. Let’s take a sleigh ride through time and see how our ancestors celebrated the season.
- Grinch-ness: Examine the cultural and psychological exploration of anti-Christmas sentiments and characters. Because even the Grinch deserves some scholarly attention.
- Christmas and Consumerism: Critically analyse the commercialization of Christmas. How did we go from a humble celebration to a shopping extravaganza?
- The Psychology of Christmas: Discuss psychological studies on the impact of Christmas on mental health and behaviour. Is there a scientific explanation for why we feel so merry—or stressed?
- Christmas Music: Analyse and/or perform traditional and contemporary Christmas music. Let’s hear those jingle bells rock!
- Christmas Blues: Explore the phenomenon of seasonal affective disorder and the emotional challenges associated with Christmas. Because it’s okay not to be okay during the holidays.
- Your Own Christmas Arts-Based Research Work: Present and exhibit your personal artistic works inspired by Christmas. From film to crafts, let your creativity shine. Show and tell us what you make and why it matters.
- Rituals and Myths of the Winter Solstice: Dive into the myths, legends, and rituals associated with the Winter Solstice. Discover the ancient roots that underpin our modern celebrations.
- Environmental Art and the Solstice: Explore how artists use the Winter Solstice to explore themes of nature, renewal, and the environment. It’s a green Christmas in more ways than one!
- Consumable Christmas: Examine the culinary traditions of the holiday—explore the symbols and share autoethnographic reflections through creative writing. Because who doesn’t love a good gingerbread house?
- Christmas and Sacred Art: Investigate the power of faith in materiality through sacred Christmas art. How does art help us touch the divine during this holy season?
- Christmas and Architecture: Explore the festive architectural marvels, from gingerbread houses to grand cathedrals. How do buildings celebrate the season?
- Christmas Arts and Education: Discuss how Christmas-themed arts are used in educational settings. For example, can we teach history, science, or even maths through carols? Let’s find out!
- What Do Christmas Art Forms Teach Us?: Explore the lessons learned from various Christmas art forms. Is there more to “Jingle Bells” than meets the ear?
- Christmas and Astrology: Explore the cosmic connections between Christmas and astrology.
Join us as we deck the halls with innovative insights! Submit your proposals and help us celebrate the season with scholarship, creativity, and a touch of holiday magic.
We look forward to your arts-based research contributions on the many facets of Christmas together!
Please fill out the proposal form on: https://forms.gle/KT1XJ6jPXBGeNaii6
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