Christmas Writing Prompts

It’s that time of year again! Whether you’re teaching in a classroom or working with your children at home, many kids have one thing on their minds right now: Christmas. Mariah’s on the radio, snow is on the ground for some of us, and presents are under the trees. It can be so hard to stay focused on learning during this season, but I’ve found that creating ways to incorporate holiday themes into the day-to-day learning activities is a great way to keep kids engaged.

So instead of trying to fight the holiday distractions when we sit down to practice our writing, we’re embracing it! 

Christmas Writing Prompts

I’ve always started my writing lessons with time for journaling or creative writing. For older kids, it gives them a time to clear their mind of all the distractions of the day - whether it’s friend drama or things happening outside of school. For younger kids, I’ve noticed the fun prompts help them get some of their sillies out before it’s time to focus on what we’re trying to learn. 

And during the weeks leading up to Christmas break, we use Christmas-themed prompts for our independent writing time. The responses are so much fun, and work well with a wide range of ages! Check out this download with 8 of my favorite Christmas-themed writing prompts formatted for younger learners, and keep reading for more fun ideas for Christmas writing prompts!

1. Elf For a Day

You’ve been chosen to be Santa’s helper for the day! What job would you choose to do in the workshop, and what surprises might you discover?

2. Secret Agent Snowman

Write a story about a snowman that comes to life on Christmas Eve who has a very important mission to complete before morning. What is the mission, and does the snowman succeed?

3. The Talking Tree

If your Christmas tree could talk, what stories would it tell?

4. The Letter from Santa

This year, you receive a letter from Santa! He’s asking for help to solve a Christmas problem. What’s the problem, and how can you help?

5. The Wishing Star

Write a story about a child who makes a wish on the first start that comes out on Christmas eve. What is the wish, and what happens when it comes true?

6. Christmases Past

Imagine you can travel back to any point in history and celebrate Christmas with someone from history. Who would you choose, and what happens during the celebration?

7. The Secret Life of Toys

Imagine all of the toys at the store that didn’t get bought for Christmas come to life on Christmas Eve. What do they do when nobody is watching?

8. The Gingerbread Escape

Imagine you bake a batch of gingerbread people on Christmas Eve, but they come to life and escape from your kitchen! Where do they go, and what do they do?

9. The Reindeer’s Tale

Write a story from the point of view of one of Santa’s reindeer on Christmas Eve.

10. The Bottomless Stocking

You discover your Christmas stocking is magical, and one new gift appears every morning! What kind of surprises do you find inside?

11. Santa’s Vacation

Santa decides he needs a year off from delivering gifts, so he chooses someone to take over for him this year. Who does he choose, and what happens?

12. Trapped in a Snowglobe

You wake up to find yourself shrunk down and trapped in your Christmas snowglobe! How do you get home in time for Christmas morning?

13. Christmas Village

Imagine a miniature Christmas village came to life, and you’re able to shrink down and visit. Who do you meet there, and what happens?

14. Christmas Across the World

You have a chance to spend Christmas morning in any country in the world. Write about the people you meet and the things you see.

15. Elves on Strike!

The elves at the North Pole decide they don’t want to work this year. Who does Santa get to help him make and deliver all of the presents before Christmas morning?

I hope these ideas inspire some fun holiday story-telling! Whether you’re using them in the classroom or with your own kids at home, the responses are sure to bring some laughs and a little extra Christmas cheer.

Happy Holidays, and happy writing!