I started keeping a Christmas journal three years ago and it’s honestly become one of my favorite holiday traditions. It takes maybe five minutes a day, but when I look back at past years, I can remember all the little moments that would’ve been completely forgotten otherwise.
If you want to capture the magic of the season (or just have a creative outlet during the chaos), here are some journaling ideas that actually work.
Why Keep a Christmas Journal?
Preserve memories – You’ll forget the small, sweet moments. Write them down.
Track traditions – Remember what you did, what worked, what you want to repeat.
Reduce stress – Journaling is therapeutic, especially during busy seasons.
Create a keepsake – Years from now, you’ll love reading these entries.
Stay present – Taking time to write helps you slow down and appreciate the season.
It doesn’t need to be time-consuming or perfect. Just real and yours.
Types of Christmas Journals
Daily December Journal
Write a little bit every day throughout December.
What to include: What you did that day, how you felt, small moments you want to remember, what you’re grateful for.
Time commitment: 5-10 minutes daily.
Best for: People who like routine and consistency.
Christmas Memory Book
More scrapbook-style with photos, ticket stubs, and written memories.
Include: Photos from events, recipes you tried, cards you received, decorations you made, favorite moments.
Style: Creative and visual.
Best for: Crafty people who like mixed media.
Gratitude Journal
Focus specifically on what you’re thankful for during the season.
Daily prompt: List 3-5 things you’re grateful for that day.
Why it works: Keeps you focused on the positive during stressful times.
Takes: Literally 2 minutes a day.
Tradition Tracker
Document your holiday traditions and how they evolve.
Track: What traditions you did, who was there, how it went, what you want to change next year.
Benefit: Creates a guide for future holidays.
Best for: People who love planning and organization.
Reflective Christmas Journal
Deeper thoughts about the season and what it means to you.
Prompts: What does Christmas mean to me this year? How have I grown? What do I want to let go of? What matters most?
Vibe: Introspective and meaningful.
Best for: People who like deeper reflection.
Daily Journaling Prompts
Use these throughout December:
- What made me smile today?
- Best thing I ate today
- A holiday tradition I participated in
- Someone I’m grateful for and why
- My favorite Christmas song right now
- Something beautiful I noticed today
- A gift I gave or received
- Plans for tomorrow
- How I’m feeling about the holidays
- A memory from past Christmases this reminded me of
Pick one prompt per day or answer several. Your journal, your rules.
Creative Journaling Ideas
Movie & Music Log
Track every Christmas movie you watch and album you listen to with mini reviews.
Include: Title, date watched/listened, rating, favorite moment or song, who you experienced it with.
Recipe Collection
Document holiday recipes you tried.
Add: Recipe name, where you got it, how it turned out, modifications you made, whether you’d make it again.
Gift Tracker
Keep notes on gifts you give and receive.
Track: What you gave, who you gave it to, their reaction, gifts you received, ideas for next year.
Bucket List Journal
List everything you want to do this season and check them off.
Include: Activities, movies, baking projects, decorating goals, events to attend.
Satisfaction: So satisfying to check things off.
Letters to Future You
Write letters to yourself to read next Christmas.
Include: How you’re feeling, what you’re doing, hopes for next year, lessons learned.
Read: Open them next December 1st.
December Photo Journal
Take one photo per day and write a caption or short story about it.
Print or digital: Either works.
Quick and visual: Great for people who struggle with writing.
Journal Decoration Ideas
Washi tape borders – Add festive washi tape to pages.
Stickers – Christmas stickers make pages fun and festive.
Doodles – Simple drawings of ornaments, trees, snowflakes, candy canes.
Pressed cards – Tape in pieces of Christmas cards you received.
Color coding – Use different colored pens for different types of entries.
Photos – Print tiny photos to add to pages.
Ticket stubs – Add tickets from holiday events.
Keep it simple or go all out – whatever makes you happy.
What to Write About
When you’re stuck, write about:
- Decorations you put up
- Holiday parties or gatherings
- Conversations you had
- Things that made you laugh
- Stress you’re dealing with
- Things you’re looking forward to
- Changes from last year
- Moments with loved ones
- Acts of kindness you witnessed or did
- Weather and how it feels seasonal
- Food you’re enjoying
- Music you’re listening to
- Gifts you’re excited about
There’s no such thing as too mundane. The small stuff is what you’ll want to remember.
My Journaling Routine
I write for about five minutes before bed. Nothing fancy – just a few sentences about the day, maybe a prompt, sometimes a quick doodle. Some days I write more, some days it’s literally one sentence.
I use a simple notebook (not a fancy journal – less pressure that way) and a red pen because it feels festive. That’s it.
Last year I barely wrote anything and I regret it because I can’t remember half of what we did. This year I’m committing to at least a few sentences daily.
Tips for Actually Sticking With It
Keep it accessible – Leave your journal somewhere you’ll see it daily.
Set a reminder – Phone alarm for the same time each day.
Lower your expectations – It doesn’t need to be long or profound.
Skip the guilt – Missed a day? Just pick up where you are.
Make it enjoyable – Light a candle, make tea, create a little ritual around it.
Remember why – You’re doing this to preserve memories, not to stress yourself out.
Digital vs. Paper
Paper journal pros: Tangible, no distractions, can decorate, more personal feel.
Digital pros: Always with you (phone), can add photos easily, searchable, backup automatically.
My take: Paper feels more special for this, but digital is better than nothing if that’s what works for you.
Start Today
You don’t need to wait until December 1st or get a special journal. Start right now with whatever notebook you have.
Write about today. What did you do? How are you feeling about the upcoming holidays? What are you looking forward to? What are you dreading? What’s one thing you’re grateful for?
That’s it. You’ve started your Christmas journal.
The best part about journaling during the holidays is that you’re creating something you’ll treasure. Years from now, you’ll read these entries and remember not just the big events, but the feeling of this season, the small joys, the people you loved, and who you were right now.
That’s worth five minutes a day.