6 Writing Prompts for the Holidays

by Lucinda Secrest McDowell @LucindaSMcDowel

In a few short weeks we will be entering that end of the year season filled with meaningful holidays. I don’t know about you, but these days fill me with so many different emotions and memories and spiritual discoveries. I hope you will carve out moments to be alone and reflective. But it’s also a good time to communicate with far-flung family and friends.

Why not begin taking time now to write a story, poem, devotion, family letter, song, or essay? 

Here are some prompts to keep your creativity flowing:

1. Take a pen and ruled paper. At the top write “I am Grateful For...” Then write down the first 25 words that come to mind. Use the list as a prayer of thanksgiving to God.

2. What is your most memorable Christmas as a child and why? Write it down as a short story, with dialogue, scenes, character development, and allow the reader to experience what you once did.

3. Do you have a favorite Christmas carol? Take the words of one verse and use that as the basis for a Christmas devotional. Develop some thoughts in about 400 words and share with others through your blog, at your Bible Study, or with your family. 

4. Can you write short and deep? Try your hand with a poem, song lyrics, or a blessing. If you love what you wrote, use it on hand crafted cards.

5. You know those family letters that tell too much and go on forever about the kids’ accomplishments? Don’t write that letter. 

But, why not write a family letter that you will never actually mail to anyone? Fill it with your deepest emotions, and vulnerable struggles of the past year. Bring in scripture and stories that have sustained you recently. Make a point of ending this missive by deliberately noting God’s presence, even in the toughest of times. Place it in your journal to read a year from now.

6. Just before the New Year, write a short social media post or blog entitled “10 Important Things I Learned This Year.” What you learned can be funny, poignant, spiritual or all of the above. Keep entries short and then post it and see what happens! 

Finally, remember that writing is a key way that we writers use to process all that is happening in our lives, both within and without. A great Epiphany gift (January 5th) would be a brand-new journal. Ask for it, or treat yourself! Then, begin to journal all that God has for you in 2022…

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Lucinda Secrest McDowell, M.T.S., is a storyteller and seasoned mentor who engages both heart and mind while “Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity & Strength.” A graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Furman University, McDowell is the author of 15 books and contributing author to 30+ books. Her award-winning books include Soul Strong, Life-Giving Choices, Dwelling Places, and Ordinary Graces. Lucinda, a member of the Redbud Writers Guild and AWSA, received Mt. Hermon “Writer of the Year” award and guest blogs monthly for ‘The Write Conversation.’ 

Whether coaching writers and speakers, pouring into young mamas, or leading a restorative day of prayer, she is energized by investing in people of all ages. As a communications teacher, she has served on the faculty of Speak Up Conference, Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, Florida Christian Writers Conference, Asheville Christian Writers Conference and co-directs the annual spiritual retreat reNEW – retreat for New England Writing & Speaking. Known for her ability to convey deep truth in practical and winsome ways, McDowell shares words from “Sunnyside” cottage in New England and blogs weekly at WWW.LUCINDASECRESTMCDOWELL.COM