Write, Reflect, Renew: 41 December Journal Prompts for Peace

As the year draws to a close, it’s tempting to plunge headfirst into the chaos and busyness that often accompany the holiday season. However, we propose a different approach—one that encourages you to wind down, decompress, and find moments of peace amid the hustle and bustle.

In this article, we present 41 December journal prompts designed to help you reflect on the past year, nurture your mental health, and set the stage for a tranquil transition into the coming year.

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December Writing Prompts to Utiize as Part of Your Favorite Holiday Traditions

Reflect on the most peaceful moment of the past year. What made it special, and how can you recreate such moments in the coming year?
Describe the winter holidays in three words. How can you infuse more of these elements into your daily life for a sense of ongoing celebration?
Write a letter to your future self, offering words of encouragement and peace as you step into the next year.
Explore the theme of gratitude by listing five things from the past year that you’re thankful for and why.
Imagine your perfect winter day. Describe it in detail, from the weather to the activities, and consider how you can incorporate elements of this day into your life.
Craft a short story inspired by your favorite holiday tradition. Let your imagination roam freely.
Document the best thing you learned about yourself in the past year and how it contributed to your personal growth.
Create a list of daily affirmations for the winter solstice. How can these affirmations bring peace and positivity into your life?
Write about a peaceful moment you experienced during a busy holiday season. What made it stand out, and how can you prioritize such moments in the future?
Explore the symbolism of the Christmas tree. What does it represent to you, and how can you carry this symbolism into the next year?

writing skills — Photo Source: Color Joy Stock

Prompt Ideas for the Month of December

Compose a poem that captures the essence of winter holidays, focusing on themes of joy, peace, and togetherness.
Detail your favorite holiday movie. What lessons or messages from the movie can you apply to your own life?
List three personal achievements from the past year and how they contributed to your overall well-being.
Reflect on your favorite holiday food. What memories does it evoke, and how can you incorporate similar joys into your daily life?
Explore the concept of hot chocolate as a comforting winter beverage. How can you create comforting rituals in your day-to-day routine?
Document a winter sunrise or sunset you witnessed. What emotions did it stir, and how can you cultivate a similar sense of awe in your life?
Write about the role of different holidays in your life. How can you celebrate diversity and inclusivity in your personal sphere?
Explore a day in the life of your ideal winter holiday. What activities bring you the most joy and peace?
Describe the power of your favorite winter accessory (scarf, gloves, etc.) in bringing comfort and warmth. How can you replicate this feeling in other aspects of your life?
Craft a reflective piece about a personal development book or podcast that influenced your thinking in the past year.

December Prompts for your Personal Use

Explore the concept of a ‘digital detox’ during the winter break. How can you unplug and find peace in the midst of a technologically driven world?
Write about your favorite winter activity, whether it’s ice skating, skiing, or simply enjoying the snow. How can you incorporate this joy into your routine?
Document the power of your favorite winter scent, whether it’s cinnamon, pine, begarmot, lavendar, or peppermint. How can aromatherapy contribute to your peace of mind?
Explore the idea of a ‘peaceful corner’ in your home. How can you create a space that brings tranquility and relaxation?
Write a letter of appreciation to someone who positively impacted your mental health in the past year.
Describe the sights, sounds, and feelings of a quiet winter morning. How can you bring a sense of calm into your mornings moving forward?
Reflect on a time you overcame a challenge in the past year. How did it contribute to your resilience and inner peace?
Write about your favorite winter color palette. How can you incorporate these calming colors into your surroundings?
Compose a letter to your favorite holiday character, expressing what you admire about them and how you can embody similar qualities.
Document the best piece of advice you received in the past year. How has it influenced your decision-making and overall well-being?

santa claus — Photo Source: Color Joy Stock

Different Writing Prompts Perfect for Reflective Journals

Explore the concept of ‘hygge’ (a Danish term for coziness and contentment) and how you can infuse it into your life during the winter season.
Write about your experience with journaling in the past year. How has it been a tool for self-reflection and peace of mind?
Craft a short story inspired by a winter scene from your own life—a moment frozen in time that brings you peace when you revisit it.
Describe your ideal winter holiday getaway. How can you incorporate elements of this getaway into your everyday life?
Explore the joyous time of decorating for the holidays. How can you infuse creativity and joy into other aspects of your life?
Write a letter to your favorite holiday song, expressing how its melody and lyrics resonate with you.
Document the best way you’ve found to unwind during a busy time of year. How can you prioritize self-care moving forward?
Reflect on your favorite winter quote and how it can serve as a mantra for peace and positivity in the coming year.
Explore the idea of a ‘mindful walk’ in nature during the winter season. How can you integrate mindfulness into your daily routine?
Describe your favorite winter view—a landscape that brings you peace. How can you incorporate elements of this view into your daily surroundings?
Write a letter to your future self on December 31st, 2023, expressing your hopes, dreams, and intentions for the coming year.