Skip to Content

Journal Prompts for December: 31 Ideas to Inspire Your Writing

Are you looking for a way to reflect on the past year and prepare for the new one? Journaling can be a great way to do just that. December is a perfect time to start a new journal or continue with your existing one. With the end of the year approaching, there’s no better time to reflect on the past 12 months and set intentions for the future.

Journal prompts can be a helpful tool to guide your writing and spark new ideas. Writing prompts for December can be especially useful as they can incorporate themes of the holiday season, new year preparation, and personal development. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or new to journaling, there are prompts for everyone. From emotional exploration to holiday traditions, there is no shortage of ideas to get your pen moving.

Key Takeaways

  • December is a great time to start or continue journaling to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the future.
  • Journal prompts can be a helpful tool to guide your writing and spark new ideas, especially during the holiday season and new year preparation.
  • There are a variety of prompts available, from emotional exploration to holiday traditions, to suit any writing style or experience level.

31 Journal Prompts for December

Here are 31 journal prompt ideas for December:

1. What are your goals for the new year?

2. Make a bucket list of things you want to do next year.

3. What were the highlights of the past year? The challenges?

4. What are you grateful for today?

5. Describe your ideal holiday celebration.

6. What traditions do you want to start or continue this holiday season?

7. Make a list of gifts you want to give others this year.

8. What are your favorite holiday memories from childhood?

9. What is on your holiday to-do list? How can you reduce stress while accomplishing it all?

10. What are your favorite holiday foods and why?

11. Do you have a favorite holiday movie? What makes it special?

12. Make a playlist of your favorite holiday songs.

13. What is one nice thing you can do for someone else today?

14. Write about a memorable holiday decoration or ornament.

15. Plan a holiday-themed date you’d like to go on.

16. Describe your perfect holiday eve/New Year’s eve.

17. Make a list of “30 Things That Make Me Happy” for the 30 days of the month.

18. What are your hopes and dreams for the new year?

19. Reflect on the role of giving and generosity this season.

20. Make a list of self-care activities to do amidst the busyness.

21. Write a letter to your future self for 1 year from now.

22. What are you reading this holiday season? Write a review.

23. Make a list of your top books from this past year.

24. Write about a spiritual lesson you’d like to reflect on this season.

25. Describe your favorite holiday outfit or style.

26. Make a plan for celebrating and appreciating the 12 days of Christmas.

27. Write about the significance of light during this dark time of year.

28. What holiday activities put you in a festive mood?

29. Write a poem about winter or the holiday season.

30. What are your hopes and intentions going into the new year?

31. List “30 Things I Love About My Life” to end the year on a grateful note.

Understanding Journal Prompts

If you’re new to journaling, you might wonder what journal prompts are and how to use them. Put, journal prompts are questions or writing prompts that help you reflect on your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. These prompts can be anything from a single word to a complete sentence or paragraph.

Journal prompts help you get your creative juices flowing, spark your imagination, and encourage mindfulness. They are a great way to explore your inner thoughts and feelings and to develop a deeper understanding of yourself.

You only need a notebook or journal and a pen to use journal prompts. Choose a prompt that resonates with you, and start writing. Don’t worry about grammar or spelling – the goal is to get your thoughts down on paper.

Some people prefer to use journal prompts daily, while others use them only when they feel stuck or need inspiration. There are no rules for journal prompts – use them in the best way for you.

In summary, journal prompts are a valuable tool for anyone who wants to explore their inner world and develop a deeper understanding of themselves. They can help you reflect, imagine, and practice mindfulness. So grab a notebook and pen, and start exploring your thoughts and emotions today.

The Significance of December

December is a particular month that marks the end of the year and the beginning of a new one. It is a time when people come together to celebrate the holiday season and spend time with their loved ones. The month is full of festivities, traditions, and customs passed down from generation to generation.

One of the most significant events in December is the winter solstice, which occurs on the 21st of December. It is the shortest day of the year and marks the beginning of winter. Many cultures and religions celebrate this day with rituals and ceremonies that honor the changing seasons.

The holiday season is also when families come together to celebrate their traditions. Whether it’s decorating the Christmas tree, lighting the menorah, or preparing a special meal, these traditions bring people closer together and create lasting memories.

Community is also an essential aspect of December. Many towns and cities host holiday events and parades that bring people together to celebrate the season. It’s a time when people can connect with their neighbors and share the joy of the holidays.

In conclusion, December is a month full of significance and meaning. It’s a time to reflect on the past year and look forward to the new one. Whether celebrating with family, friends, or your community, many traditions and customs make this month special.

December Journal Prompts

December is a great time to reflect on the year that has passed and to set intentions for the year ahead. Journaling is a fantastic way to capture your memories and emotions and to gain insight into your thoughts and feelings. Here are some December journal prompts to help you reflect, have fun, and connect with family and students.

Reflective Prompts

Reflective prompts are a great way to reflect on the year and think about what you have learned, achieved, and experienced. Here are some reflective prompts for December:

  • What was your favorite memory from this year?
  • What did you learn about yourself this year?
  • What was your biggest accomplishment this year?
  • How have you grown as a person this year?

Fun Prompts

Fun prompts are a great way to get creative and have fun with your journaling. Here are some fun prompts for December:

  • If you could be any character from a holiday movie, who would you be and why?
  • Write a letter to Santa Claus, telling him what you want for Christmas.
  • If you could travel anywhere in the world for the holidays, where would you go and why?
  • What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Family-Centered Prompts

Family-centered prompts are a great way to connect with your loved ones and reflect on the importance of family during the holiday season. Here are some family-centered prompts for December:

  • What is your favorite holiday memory with your family?
  • What is your favorite thing about spending time with your family during the holidays?
  • What family tradition do you want to continue for generations to come?
  • What is something you appreciate about each member of your family?

Student-Focused Prompts

Student-focused prompts are a great way to encourage your students to reflect on their experiences and emotions during the holiday season. Here are some student-focused prompts for December:

  • What is your favorite thing about the holiday season?
  • What is something that makes you feel happy during the holidays?
  • What is something that makes you feel sad during the holidays?
  • What is something you want to learn or achieve in the new year?

These December journal prompts are a great way to reflect, have fun, and connect with family and students during the holiday season. Whether you are looking to capture your memories, reflect on your emotions, or set intentions for the new year, journaling is a fantastic tool for personal growth and self-reflection.

Incorporating Holiday Themes

December is a month filled with holiday spirit, and it’s a great time to incorporate holiday themes into your journal prompts. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or another winter holiday, there are plenty of ways to infuse your journal writing with the season’s magic.

One way to incorporate holiday themes is to write about your favorite holiday traditions. Whether baking cookies with your family, decorating your home with lights and ornaments, or watching your favorite holiday movie, reflecting on these traditions can help you get into the holiday spirit and bring back happy memories.

Another way to incorporate holiday themes is to write about the decorations you see around you. From the twinkling lights on your neighbor’s house to the wreaths and garlands adorning storefronts, plenty of festive sights inspire your writing.

If you celebrate Christmas, you can also use your journal to reflect on the meaning of the holiday. Write about the story of Christmas, the birth of Jesus, and what the holiday means to you. You can also write about your favorite Christmas songs and music, or create a list of your favorite Christmas movies.

For those who celebrate Advent, consider using your journal to reflect on the themes of hope, joy, peace, and love associated with this time of year. You can also use an Advent calendar as a writing prompt, using each day’s theme as inspiration for your journal entry.

And of course, no discussion of holiday themes would be complete without mentioning Santa Claus, reindeer, and Christmas elves. Whether you believe in these holiday icons, they can be a fun and lighthearted way to add some whimsy to your journal prompts.

Incorporating holiday themes into your journal writing can help you get into the season’s spirit and create a record of your holiday memories. So grab your favorite journal, a cozy blanket, and a cup of hot cocoa, and get writing!

New Year Preparation

As the year ends, it’s natural to start thinking about the year ahead. The new year is a fresh start, a chance to reflect on the past year and set goals for the year to come. Journaling can be a powerful tool to help you prepare for the new year.

One of the most important things you can do to prepare for the new year is to set goals. Goals give you something to work towards and help you stay focused and motivated. When setting goals, it’s essential to be specific and realistic. Instead of setting vague goals like “exercise more,” set specific goals like “go for a 30-minute walk three times a week.” This makes your goals more achievable and helps you track your progress.

Another way to prepare for the new year is to reflect on the past year. Take some time to think about what went well and what didn’t go so well. Reflecting on your successes and failures can help you identify areas where you want to improve in the coming year.

Small changes can also make a big difference when preparing for the new year. Instead of making big changes all at once, focus on minor changes to help you reach your goals. For example, if you want to eat healthier, start by making small changes, like swapping out sugary drinks for water or adding more vegetables to your meals.

In conclusion, preparing for the new year is an important part of setting yourself up for success. By setting goals, reflecting on the past year, and making small changes, you can start the new year with confidence and motivation. Journaling can be a powerful tool to help you prepare for the year ahead, so take some time to reflect and set goals as you look forward to the year to come.

Self-Care and Personal Development

December can be a hectic month, but it’s important to prioritize self-care and personal development. Taking care of yourself can help you feel more grounded, energized, and inspired during the holiday season. Here are some journal prompts to help you focus on self-care and personal growth:

  • Gratitude: What are you grateful for this year? Reflect on the people, experiences, and things that brought you joy and happiness. Write down at least three things you’re thankful for each day.
  • Affirmations: Write down positive affirmations to help you stay focused and motivated. For example, “I am capable of achieving my goals,” “I am worthy of love and respect,” or “I trust the journey of my life.”
  • Destress: Identify the things that cause you stress during the holiday season and brainstorm ways to manage them. Maybe it’s taking a break from social media, practicing yoga, or spending time outdoors.
  • Mindfulness: Take a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness. Focus on your breath, observe your thoughts without judgment, and connect with your senses.
  • Hobbies: Make time for hobbies and activities that bring you joy. Whether painting, baking, or reading, carve out some time each day to do something you love.
  • Travel: If you can travel during the holiday season, reflect on your experiences and write down your favorite memories. If you’re not able to travel, write about places you’d like to visit in the future.

Remember, self-care and personal development are ongoing practices. Use these journal prompts to help you stay focused and motivated during the holiday season and beyond.

Writing Prompts for December

December is full of holidays, family gatherings, and winter fun. Writing about your experiences during this time can be a great way to reflect on the past year, set goals for the new year, and improve your writing skills. Here are some writing prompts for December that can help you get started:

  • Write about your favorite holiday tradition and why it is meaningful to you.
  • Imagine you are a character in a winter wonderland. Describe your surroundings and what you are doing.
  • Write a letter to your future self. What goals do you hope to achieve in the next year? What steps will you take to make those dreams a reality?
  • Marty, the Wizard from Imagine Forest, has some great winter writing prompts to help you improve your writing skills. Check them out and see how to challenge yourself to become a better writer.
  • Write about a time when you achieved something you thought was impossible. How did you feel? What skills did you need to make it happen?
  • Think about a dream you have. What steps can you take to make it a reality? Write about your plan and how you will achieve your goal.
  • Use a pen and paper to write down your thoughts and ideas. Writing by hand can help you focus and improve your writing skills.

Using these writing prompts for December, you can improve your writing skills and reflect on the past year. Whether you are writing about your favorite holiday tradition or setting goals for the future, writing can be a great way to express yourself and explore new ideas. So grab a pen and paper, and start writing today!

Printable Journal Prompts

You’re in luck if you prefer to have your journal prompts in a printable format. Plenty of free printable journal prompts are available online that you can download and print for personal use. These printable prompts are an excellent way to keep yourself accountable for your journaling practice, as you can easily check off each prompt as you complete it.

Many websites offer free printable journal prompts, including Filling the Jars, Journal Buddies, Natasha LH, and Carrie Elle. Each of these websites has a variety of prompts to choose from, so you’re sure to find something that resonates with you.

Some printable journal prompts are designed to be used daily, while others are meant to be completed over the course of the month. You may choose a mix of both prompts to keep your journaling practice fresh and varied.

When choosing printable journal prompts, look for ones relevant to your life and interests. For example, if you’re feeling stressed during the holiday season, you may want to choose prompts that focus on self-care and relaxation. On the other hand, if you’re feeling inspired and creative, you may want to select prompts that encourage you to explore your creativity.

Overall, printable journal prompts are an excellent tool to help you stay motivated and engaged in your journaling practice. With so many free options available online, there’s no reason not to try them.

Emotional Exploration

Exploring your emotions can be a powerful tool for personal growth and self-awareness. By reflecting on your feelings, you can gain insights into your thoughts, behaviors, and beliefs. Here are some journal prompts to help you explore your emotions this December:

  • Happy: What things make you happy during the holiday season? How can you incorporate more of these things into your life? What is your happiest memory from this year?
  • Sad: What things make you sad during the holiday season? How can you cope with these feelings? Who can you turn to for support? What is something you can do to lift your spirits?
  • Fear: What are you afraid of during the holiday season? How can you face your fears and overcome them? What is something you can do to feel more confident and secure?
  • Kindness: How can you show kindness to yourself and others during the holiday season? What is one kind thing you can do for yourself every day? What is one kind of thing you can do for someone else?
  • Deserve: What do you believe you deserve in life? How can you work towards achieving your goals and aspirations? What is one thing you can do today to move closer to your dreams?
  • Mistakes: What mistakes have you made this year? What did you learn from these mistakes? How can you use this knowledge to grow and improve in the future?
  • Difference: What makes you unique? How can you celebrate your differences and embrace your individuality? How can you use your unique perspective to impact the world positively?

Remember, exploring your emotions can be a powerful tool for personal growth and self-awareness. By taking the time to reflect on your feelings, you can gain insights into your thoughts, behaviors, and beliefs.

If you’ve enjoyed these prompts and are interested in continuing your journaling journey next year, consider exploring our comprehensive list of 365 new journal prompts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some holiday-themed journal prompts for adults?

Some holiday-themed journal prompts for adults include writing about your favorite holiday traditions, reflecting on the past year and setting intentions for the new year, writing about your favorite holiday memories, and exploring the theme of gratitude during the holiday season.

How can journaling in December benefit mental health?

Journaling in December can benefit mental health in several ways. It can help to reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, increase self-awareness, and provide a healthy outlet for emotions. Additionally, journaling can be a form of self-care during a busy and often stressful time of year.

What are some journal ideas for the month of December?

Some journal ideas for the month of December include writing about your holiday traditions, reflecting on the past year and setting intentions for the new year, exploring the theme of gratitude, writing about your favorite holiday memories, and documenting your experiences during the holiday season.

How can I write about my December experiences in a Christmas journal?

To write about your December experiences in a Christmas journal, you can start by choosing a journal with a holiday theme or cover. Then, you can write about your holiday traditions, reflect on the past year, document your experiences during the holiday season, and explore the theme of gratitude. You can also include photos, ticket stubs, and other mementos to make your journal more meaningful.

What are some unique Christmas story ideas to write about in a journal?

Some unique Christmas story ideas to write about in a journal include writing about a holiday miracle, exploring the theme of forgiveness during the holiday season, writing about a special gift that you received or gave, and documenting a holiday tradition that is unique to your family or culture.