Life Journal Workshop – Holiday writing prompts

Welcome to this week’s installation of the life journal workshop. I am going to keep our journaling simple this week. It’s a busy time of year for all of us. I want to remind you that in the midst of all your busy-ness, it’s even more important to take care of you. So carve out a few 15 minute time slots (write them in your calendar!) and do some journaling. Just you, the pen and the paper. No need to get fancy, unless of course you want to. I am starting to get into the Christmas spirit! Went to a holiday party last night and hoping to get out to buy our Christmas tree this weekend. I love Christmas and this year will be extra special. It’s our first year in our new home in Santa Barbara, California, hooray. Plus, all of my husband’s family and my mom and stepdad will be congregating in Santa Barbara. I love big family celebrations and can’t wait to have everyone here. I know my creative endeavors right now are focused on making holiday gifts, like the notecard in the image above. I love making homemade gifts each year. I need to remind myself this year not to forget about journaling for myself. I tend to get busy and then wonder why I am feeling out of sorts. It usually means I am overdoing it! I know not all of you reading this column celebrate Christmas or any holiday this time of year but no matter your culture, spiritual tradition or upbringing, there is always a reason to celebrate at some time of the year. Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, Winter solstice… what do you celebrate?

Here are 3 holiday writing prompts to think about this week:

1. What stresses you out about the holidays? I know this is supposed to be a joyful season but it’s not for everyone. Use your journal as a place to share and release some of the stress you may be feeling. 2. What do you love most about the holiday season? 3. What is your favorite holiday memory? One of my favorite memories is the year my stepdad gave my mom tickets to go see Luciano Pavarotti sing. I thought she was going to faint! The joy on her face just imagining herself at the concert was amazing! Remember to take time to write in your life journal this week. It doesn’t have to be deep or serious. Use your journal to write lists, design gifts, make a wish list just for you. Make some time for fun! Grab a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and indulge yourself for a few minutes! Make sure to check out some of the other life journal posts for more writing ideas, too. If you are still feeling stuck, don’t like these   prompts or want more information about becoming a writer, download my free e-book: 25 Effortless Ways to Start Writing. And for the kids, we have a I love you because… writing exercise!