A West Lothian shopping mall wants to help people to get into the Christmas spirit, by sharing some of their most precious memories.
The Centre, Livingston is calling on shoppers to send in their favourite festive photos to be part of a competition to be featured in a giant mural celebrating the Spirit of Christmas.
Christmas 2020 might be different to the festive seasons of years gone by, but The Centre is encouraging people to indulge in a little nostalgia and dig through their photos to find the picture that epitomises Christmas for them.
Whether it’s an image of family on Christmas morning gathered around the tree, a snap of little ones sledging in sparkling snow, a picture-perfect robin on a holly branch or even a special photo of baby’s first Christmas, The Centre wants to showcase the joy of the festive season.
The images will be compiled in a huge collage which will be displayed in The Centre at the end of November alongside a special donation box raising funds for The Centre’s Charity of the Year, Tiny Changes.
It will also be featured on the shopping centre’s social media channels, @shopthecentre #spreadingthefestivespirit for those who can’t make it into the mall.
Tiny Changes is a mental health charity started in memory of Frightened Rabbit frontman Scott Hutchison, founded by Scott’s two brothers, Neil and Grant, alongside mum Marion, to raise awareness about children and young people’s mental health.
Neil Hutchison, trustee and co-founder of Tiny Changes, said: “At Tiny Changes we know that even something as simple as sharing positive stories can really make a difference to how you feel.
“The Centre’s ‘Spirit of Christmas’ artwork project is a great way to encourage people of all ages to take time out to appreciate the small things and remind themselves of happy times spent with friends and family, or a peaceful moment in a place they love.”
Ashley Bisland, Deputy Centre Director at The Centre, said: “The Centre is at the heart of the local community and holds many special memories for shoppers, especially at this time of year - including seeing the Christmas lights and, of course, shopping for Christmas presents.
“We know that this year will be different for everyone but we hope that our ‘Spirit of Christmas’ artwork project will help remind us all of the wonder of the festive season. Now more than ever before, it’s vital that we celebrate the little things that make us smile; we can’t wait to see what festive photos our shoppers are going to share.”
To enter a photograph to be in with a chance of being part of the artwork project, square Instagram-style photos of favourite festive moments should be sent to festive@thecentrelivingston.com by Sunday, November 15.
