It is always a busy and creative month and this December is no different. Apart from the big Christmas markets, festive recitals and ballet shows, the island’s creative scene is buzzing thanks also to the independent artists and thinkers who organise all sorts of events for the season to feed mind, body and soul.

In the next two weeks, a series of exciting and participatory workshops are coming up – some with a festive spirit exploring culinary traditions and others looking inward at our emotional state of being this time of the year.

First up, is a Christmas Wreaths workshop by Mardi’s Flower Services on Friday at 6.30pm, at a gorgeous traditional home in Laiki Yitonia. Tables with green wreathes, flowers and decorative items will welcome participants who want to get crafty and make their own front door accessories for the season.

On Saturdays, December 7 and 14, Joy of Origins will show participants traditional Cypriot Bread Art Decorations for Christmas. The hands-on workshop will uncover the culture and symbolism behind Ploumisto Psomi and allow participants to make their own ornamental bread to take home. This can be a Christmas decoration, a candle holder or other decorative bread creations.

Also happening this weekend is a self-development workshop on the topic Transitions: Opportunities or Challenges? Led by Personal Leadership & Career Development Coach, Marlene Philippou Michaelidou, the Sunday morning session will take place in the old town at the World without Borders space where participants will be invited to delve deeply into how they view transitions in their life, what holds them back from taking the next step and how a shift in their existing perspective and beliefs can empower them to see these stages, as growth opportunities. By the end, they will leave with at least one actionable plan or goal to implement immediately.

Next Sunday, a guided journaling workshop will take place at Gardens of the Future by The.Curious.Curly, a seasoned journaling enthusiast and facilitator. In a cosy, intimate setting, participants will explore the theme of The Trap of Being Busy, through journaling prompts and creative, visual exercises. The essence of the workshop seeks to encourage reflection and introspection and explore the notion of the thought of never having enough time.

Christmas Wreaths Workshop

Crafty festive workshop. By Mardi’s Flower Services. December 6. Ippokratous 42, Nicosia. 6.30pm. €60. Tel: 7000-9058. www.mardisflorart.com

Bread Art Decorations

Hands-on workshop making Cypriot ploumisto psomi and learning about traditional culture. By Joy of Origins. December 7 and 14. Nicosia. 11am-12.30pm and 2pm-3.30pm. €35 (includes workshop materials, snacks and drinks). [email protected]

The Trap of Being Busy

Guided journaling workshop with prompts and creative, visual exercises. By The.Curious.Curly. December 15. Gardens of the Future, Nicosia. 10.30am-1pm. €20 (including snacks, drinks and workshop materials). www.facebook.com/the.curious.curly

Transitions: Opportunities or Challenges

Self-development workshop by Personal Leadership & Career Development Coach, Marlene Philippou Michaelidou. December 8. World without Borders, Nicosia. 9.30am-12pm. €25. In Greek. www.marlenemichaelidou.com