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December Writing Prompts

The month of December brings much inspiration to writers of all ages and backgrounds. Use these creative writing category prompts, designed specifically for the month of December, to generate original responses about holiday jollity and winter wonder. Responses to these prompts can vary in genre. Writers are encouraged to use rich detail and language, as well as all steps of the writing process (brainstorming, drafting, revising, and polishing), as best suited for their goals as a writer. Keep in mind that some prompts may demand contextualization depending on the learner’s age and needs.

December Writing Prompts

Category 1: Winter Wonderland

Snowflakes, frost, and icicles galore– winter wonderland is here. This set of creative writing prompts offers writers an opportunity to write imaginative stories, poems, letters, essays, and reports.

Grades K-2:

  1. Write a descriptive paragraph about your favorite winter activity, such as building a snowman, ice-skating, sledding, or something else.
  2. Draw a picture of a snowy scene and write a sentence describing what you like about winter.
  3. Design the inside of a small igloo big enough for you and a friend. Explain what you’d include on the inside to enjoy some comfort and fun.

Grades 3+:

  1. Write a story about a winter adventure in a town of interconnected igloos.
  2. Write two poems about winter weather that explore positive and negative aspects of snowy conditions.
  3. Write a holiday song that is modern and catchy.

Category 2: Holiday Traditions

During the month of December, many families celebrate holiday traditions and create lasting memories. This set of creative writing prompts offers writers an opportunity to write imaginative stories, recipes, and create an infographic related to unique gifts.

Grades K-2:

  1. Write a story about a family’s favorite holiday tradition.
  2. Design comfortable holiday pajamas. Explain what makes them so comfortable.
  3. Write about your favorite holiday decorations. Which decorations do you love most?

Grades 3+

  1. Write a holiday recipe for an item that you love to eat.
  2. Create an infographic about the gift of time. Identify 5 ways people can plan to give time to their loved ones. What can they do together with the time they have?
  3. Write a short story about a character who is able to give each of their family members unique and creative gifts without spending any money at all.

Category 3: Winter Holidays Around the World

People all over the world celebrate the same holiday differently. In order to build empathy and foster understanding, it’s important to explore our similarities and uniqueness. This set of creative writing prompts offers writers an opportunity to write imaginative stories, poems, journey entries, essays, and reports.

Grades K-2:

  1. Write about different winter holidays celebrated around the world, such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Diwali.
  2. Draw a picture of a winter holiday celebration from a different culture and write a sentence describing what you find interesting about it.
  3. Write a short poem about a specific winter holiday celebrated in another country.

Grades 3+:

  1. Write a research-based essay about how a specific holiday was celebrated 100 years ago. What was different? What was the same?
  2. Write a comparative piece, comparing and contrasting the celebrations and customs of two different winter holidays celebrated around the world.
  3. Write a journal entry about what you think it would be like to celebrate a holiday of your choice in another country. Do some research! How do they celebrate there? Are there special events or gatherings associated with this location?

Category 4: Winter Adventures

While December can be busy, there can also be much opportunity for fun and adventure. This set of creative writing prompts offers writers an opportunity to write imaginative stories, poems, journey entries, essays, and reports.

Grades K-2:

  1. Write a short story about a snowman’s adventures to visit his snowman friend next door during a winter night.
  2. Draw a picture of a winter adventure you would like to have.
  3. Write a short story about someone who designs cozy winter hats. What are the hats made of? What do they look like?

Grades 3+:

  1. Write a poem about a beautiful and serene winter landscape.
  2. Write a story about a character’s thrilling winter adventure as they learn to snowboard for the first time.
  3. Write a short story about a group of animals who live in a cabin during the winter in order to escape the frozen forest.

Category 5: Winter Wildlife

The month of December can be busy for people as they rush to meet their deadlines ahead of the holiday season. However, some animals slow their pace considerably through hibernation. This set of creative writing prompts offers writers an opportunity to reflect on December’s impact on the natural world, especially the wildlife that inhabits it.

Grades K-2:

  1. Write a short story or draw a picture about one brave penguin’s adventure with its mother.
  2. Write about animals that hibernate during winter. Make some guesses about what their dreams are about!
  3. Design a product for dogs who go for walks in the snow. The dog needs to be able to move and needs to stay warm.

Grades 3+:

  1. Write an essay about a group of people who live in cold, wintry climates most of the year. How do they adapt to survive?
  2. Write a speech about how people can keep outdoor animals, such as those who live on farms, warm and comfortable during winter months.
  3. Create an infographic about what people should do if they encounter wildlife in the forest during the winter months. Consider moose and bears.

Category 6: New Year’s Resolutions

The month of December can be busy for people who are hustling to bake, buy, and entertain. However, when the month ends, many people look ahead to the coming year. This set of creative writing prompts offers writers an opportunity to plan ahead and reflect on the idea of goal-setting.

Grades K-2:

  1. Write down a plan for a New Year’s Party you’ll have with your family. What will you do to have fun?
  2. Design a New Year’s Party outfit. Explain why this is the perfect outfit for you.
  3. Write a short list of New Year’s resolutions.

Grades 3+:

  1. Write an essay about the concept of New Year’s resolutions, and the successes and challenges they can bring.
  2. Write a self-help style article about setting realistic and meaningful New Year’s resolutions.
  3. Write a reflection about your experience with setting and achieving (or not achieving) New Year’s resolutions.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our December writing prompts!