It’s December, so it’s time to get in the holiday spirit! We’re providing 30 writing prompts this month to help you prepare for Christmas. Whether you’re looking for ideas to write a poem, a story, or just some festive thoughts, these prompts will get your creativity flowing. So put on your favorite Christmas sweater, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and let’s get started!
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30 December Writing Prompts
- Describe the scene on Christmas morning: what are you doing, who are you with, and how do you feel as the holiday finally arrives?
- Write a story about a group of friends who come together each year to decorate their town for the holidays. What unique traditions do they have, and how do these traditions bring them closer together?
- Imagine that instead of being born on Earth, you were entirely born on another planet or in another dimension. How would your December be different from everyone else’s, and what would it take for you to feel truly at home during the holiday season?
- Consider all the symbols associated with Christmas: candy canes, evergreen trees, mistletoe, and stockings hung by the fireplace. Reflect on one or two of these symbols and write about what they mean to you personally – why are they so important at this time of year?
- Think back to a time when you spent Christmas away from your family – may be traveling for work or living abroad. How did that experience shape your feelings about the holidays going forward? Did it make you cherish family traditions even more than before?
- Write about an encounter with Santa Claus – perhaps he stops by your house unexpectedly one night, or maybe he gives you a helping hand during an unexpected snowstorm on Christmas Eve. Whatever the case may be, how does this magical meeting change your perception of Santa and all that he represents?
- If there was only one thing that could make Christmas perfect for you, what would it be? Think back over your past Christmases, and consider all the things that have made each one special. What would be left if you could combine all of the good bits and discard the bad?
- Have you ever decorated a Christmas tree? If so, describe the experience – what did you use to decorate it, and what were the results? If not, how would you like to decorate a Christmas tree?
- It’s the night before Christmas, and you’re running late! Write about everything you’re trying to get done and the rush you’re in to finish everything before Santa arrives. As the clock ticks down, how do you feel about your progress?
- On Christmas morning, your family opens a gift from you. What do they find? What lessons have you learned from that present throughout your life?
- Christmas Eve is a special time for children who believe in Santa Claus and his reindeer – what do you remember most about that night?
- What gift would you like to receive from Santa this year? Be as specific as possible – what color, size, material, etc., does your heart desire?
- It’s Christmas Eve, and your spouse has gone out to get the last few gifts for your children. How do you spend the time leading up to her or his return?
- You’ve just learned that the gifts you worked so hard to buy for your family will never reach them. How do you react? Do you blame Santa, yourself, or someone else entirely?
- Think back to the last Christmas when your family was all together. How old were you, and where were you? What did you do together, and what was your favorite part of the holiday?
- It’s Christmas Eve, and you’re stuck in the house because of a snowstorm! How do you spend the time? How do you entertain yourself in your house while your neighbors enjoy the weather outside?
- Imagine that you can bring one thing back from the past that’s no longer available to you – what would you choose? What made that item such a special part of your childhood?
- What’s your favorite Christmas song – not only the lyrics but the music? Is there a song that takes you back to a specific time in your life? If so, how does it make you feel?
- It’s December, and you’re sick with a cold. What do you do to pass the time and make the most of your holiday?
- The Christmas season is the most wonderful time of the year and the favorite of many holidays. Write about your favorite aspect of the season and why it’s so special to you.
- It’s a snowy night, and you’re preparing for an unexpected guest. How do you make the best of your situation and surprise your guest with a warm welcome?
- What would it be and why if you had the power to change one thing about Christmas?
- It’s Christmas Eve, and you’re discovering that your children have been spying on you. How do you react to the discovery, and what is the outcome?
- What was your favorite gift you received on Christmas Day? What features made it special, and why is it still a treasured part of your collection?
- You’ve been invited to spend Christmas with a loved one whom you haven’t seen. How do you spend the holiday? What do you do together, and how does the visit change your relationship with this person?
- You’ve had a fight with your family for the past few years, and you can’t wait to put Christmas behind you. What changes your mind about spending the holidays together this year?
- It’s a day before Christmas, and your children are feeling the same excitement you are. What do you do to show them the magic of the season, and what memories do you create together?
- It’s Christmas Eve, and you’re at the annual office party. How do you comport yourself under the influence of alcohol? What are the next day’s consequences for your actions?
- Imagine that you’re a guardian angel, protecting someone over the holidays. What form do you take, and how do you help your charge through the season?
- Someone you know has just received a long-awaited gift. However, the holiday has proven financially draining, and they need to sell the gift to make ends meet. How do you convince them to sell it and still put a smile on their face?
What to Write in December
December is full of holidays and events that make for great writing prompts.
- Christmas Traditions: Everyone has their own unique Christmas traditions. What are some things you and your family do to celebrate the holiday season? Do you have any special foods that you only eat at Christmas time? Are any fun games or activities that you only do during the holidays? Share your traditions with your readers, and maybe even start a new tradition by sharing one of your favorite holiday recipes.
- Holiday Gatherings: From office parties to family get-togethers, there are plenty of opportunities for holiday hijinks during December. Have you ever had an awkward or embarrassing moment at a holiday gathering? Write about it! Or, if you’re looking for something a little more lighthearted, share a funny story about a memorable holiday party.
- New Year’s Resolutions: The start of a new year is the perfect time to reflect on the past year and set some goals for the upcoming one. What are some of your goals or resolutions for next year? Are you planning on making any changes in your life, big or small? Write about what you’re looking forward to in the new year and what you hope to accomplish.
- Winter Wonderland: For many people, winter is their favorite time of year. There’s plenty to love about wintertime, whether it’s because of the snow, the holidays, or just because they love cozy fires and warm drinks. What are some of your favorite things about winter? Are there any specific activities that you only do during winter? Share your love for all things winter with your readers!
- Reflecting on the year: As the past year comes to a close, take some time to reflect on everything that happened over the past 12 months—the good, the bad, and the ugly. What were some of your highlights? What did you learn from your low points? What are you grateful for? Writing about reflections from last year can help you close the year on a positive note and set yourself up for success next year.
Finding Inspiration in Winter Themes
- The Magic of Winter: Winter can be a magical time full of holidays and celebrations. If you’re looking to capture the magic of winter in your writing, try focusing on themes like family, togetherness, warmth, and love.
- The Dark Side of Winter: For some people, winter is a time of year when the darkness feels oppressive. If you’re looking to tap into the darker side of winter, try focusing on themes like isolation, loneliness, depression, and despair.
- The Beauty of Winter: There’s no denying that winter can be a beautiful time of year. If you’re looking to capture the beauty of winter in your writing, try focusing on themes like nature, silence, stillness, and reflection.
- The Struggles of Winter: For many people, winter is a time of year when the cold weather and short days make life more difficult. If you’re looking to capture the struggles of winter in your writing, try focusing on themes like poverty, illness, loss, and grief.
- The Resilience of Winter: Despite its challenges, winter is a season we always manage to get through. If you’re looking to capture the resilience of winter in your writing, try focusing on themes like hope, determination, strength, and perseverance.
No matter what kind of story you’re looking to tell, there’s sure to be a winter theme that can provide inspiration. Do you want to focus on the magic of winter? The dark side? The beauty? The struggles? Or the resilience? No matter what angle you choose, there’s sure to be an interesting story waiting to be told.