10 Ways a Writer can Give This Christmas

by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

We all treasure giving Christmas gifts that are meaningful and personal. In the season’s busyness, writers too often become overwhelmed. We love every moment from November through December . . . parties, shopping, cookie swaps, family time, church programs, decorating inside and out, and the list goes on. But sometimes our ideas hit zero in the gift department. On Christmas Eve, we have nothing to wrap because we lost sight of our richest gift—the art of writing. 

The following are 10 ways writers can ensure a perfect Christmas gift for everyone on their list. 

These ideas are fun, and the time and effort will be long remembered.

• 1. Create a poem for family and friends. Use a special but readable font. Print on cardstock paper and frame it. Don’t forget to sign and date this heartfelt gift.

• 2. Develop a 31-day devotional for January 2022. Have the book’s contents bound at a local print shop or do it yourself. Print enough copies for all those who value reading the same biblical passages, reflections, and prayers either in private devotional moments or in a group setting.

• 3. Original writer-related quotes benefit our writer friends and even family members who support our passion for the craft. Bind your work in a creative means and look for ideas on Pinterest, DaySpring, Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Etsy, and other sources that spark your imagination. Consider a flip calendar. Use online images that are free, like Pixabay, or take your own photographs.

• 4. Life quotes often fly into our minds at serendipitous moments. These can be insightful, humorous, serious, or unique to us. Writers can use their imaginations to design a booklet for each person to enjoy. Use an idea to bind the project from #3 above.

• 5. Host a Zoom or Facebook Live event for followers and readers. Share holiday memories. Perhaps the writer could hold a drawing for books (possibly their own) or from other writers in the same genre. This shows we care and are relational. Another thought is to make the event fun with a theme like a cookie swap, ugly Christmas sweater contest, or Christmas pajama party. Don’t forget the giveaways!

• 6. Short stories or fond memories in story format are always a treat to give and receive.

• 7. Design a mug with the writer’s logo. Add a bag of coffee or hot chocolate, and the recipients will remember the giver every time they drink something warm and delicious.

• 8. Pen a letter to each person on your list. Make it personal and encouraging, something the recipient will always treasure.

• 9. Organize and write a Christmas mystery. Invite guests to a dinner party in which they solve the mystery. Request the guests to dress in character. Decorate the party’s setting and have giveaways.

• 10. Plan for Christmas 2022 with the gift of a spiritual legacy. Purchase a journal Bible. Personalize it to the recipient. Use the Bible for a year to read and journal what God is showing you for that person.

Bonus! Design your own Christmas card! 

How can you use your gift of writing this Christmas?

TWEETABLE

10 Ways a Writer can Give This Christmas from @DiAnnMills on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She creates action-packed, suspense-filled novels to thrill readers. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. 

She is the former director of the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, Mountainside Marketing Retreat, and Mountainside Novelist Retreat with social media specialist Edie Melson. Connect here: DiAnnMills.com