31 Best December Journal Prompts

How to use these December Journal Prompts

Choose one prompt per day for December or pick the prompts that resonate most. Spend 10–20 minutes writing freely — no editing, just honest reflection. At the end of each week, do a short review (see the weekly review section below).

Related: January To December 365 Journal Prompts FREE Download

31 December Journal Prompts

1. What was the best thing you learned this year — and why?

Description: Pinpointing a key lesson helps you internalize growth and carry it forward.

Action: Write one way you’ll apply this lesson next year.

2. Create a summary of your year: five favorite moments and five toughest moments.

Description: A balanced year-in-review helps you celebrate wins and learn from setbacks.

Action: Mark one pattern you notice and one small change you’ll make because of it.

3. Describe the best gift you received this year — and why it mattered.

Description: Gifts often reflect relationships, timing, and emotional value.

Action: Send a short thank-you message to the giver (even if it was months ago).

4. Describe the most meaningful gift you gave someone this year.

Description: Giving reveals what you value and how you show care.

Action: Plan one intentional act of giving for this holiday season.

5. List three long-pending goals you want to complete by month-end or year-end.

Description: December energy can help you clear unfinished tasks.

Action: Break each goal into one concrete step you can take this week.

6. What do you hope to accomplish next year? Write three big dreams.

Description: Naming dreams gives them permission to exist and creates focus.

Action: Choose one small habit to start now that supports one dream.

7. What were your greatest achievements this year (big or small)?

Description: Listing achievements builds confidence and reminds you of progress.

Action: Celebrate one achievement with a small reward this week.

8. Which parts of the upcoming year are you most excited about?

Description: Anticipation fuels action — name what excites you to energize planning.

Action: Add one excitement-marker (a date or plan) to your calendar.

9. List five ways you can give back to your local community this holiday season.

Description: Contribution increases meaning and connects you with others.

Action: Commit to one action and note the date you’ll do it.

10. Write a heartfelt letter to someone you love (partner, friend, parent, or child).

Description: Expressing appreciation deepens relationships and preserves memory.

Action: Decide whether to send it, read it aloud, or tuck it into a memory box.

11. Collect ten motivational quotes that inspired you this year.

Description: Curating quotes creates a personalized toolkit for tough days.

Action: Pick one quote as your January mantra and write it somewhere visible.

12. Write a letter to your future self: where do you want to be in 5 years?

Description: Future letters help you clarify long-term values and goals.

Action: Save the letter in a place you’ll revisit (digital file, email-schedule, or sealed envelope).

13. How did you celebrate your birthday this year? What did you learn about yourself?

Description: Birthdays show what nourishes you — community, solitude, or new experiences.

Action: Plan one birthday ritual you’d love to repeat next year.

14. What health wins did you have this year — physical, mental or emotional?

Description: Health progress can be subtle; acknowledging it reinforces healthy choices.

Action: Set one realistic health goal for the next quarter.

15. List the affirmations you used this year. Which ones felt true, and which need changing?

Description: Affirmations shape your inner narrative — refine ones that empower you.

Action: Create three fresh affirmations and speak them each morning for a week.

16. Make a list of things that motivate you — external and internal motivators.

Description: Knowing your motivators helps you design days that actually work for you.

Action: Use one motivator as a reward for completing a small task this week.

17. What books did you read this year? Which one influenced you most?

Description: Books reflect where your curiosity traveled; noticing that helps future reading choices.

Action: Add one book to your “read next” list for January.

18. What is your favorite part of winter vacation and why?

Description: Simple pleasures anchor joy — identify them so you can recreate them anytime.

Action: Plan a tiny winter ritual (hot drink, walk, playlist) this week.

19. What challenged your emotional strength this year and what helped you get through it?

Description: Reflecting on resilience shows your coping strategies and where to strengthen support.

Action: Note one supportive resource (friend, practice, therapist) you’ll lean on when needed.

20. Which decision this year would you do differently and why?

Description: Honest evaluation of decisions converts regret into learning.

Action: Identify one different action you will take if a similar situation arises.

21. If you could change one thing from the past, what would it be?

Description: Naming a regret helps you release it and plan corrective actions.

Action: Write an imaginary forgiveness letter — to yourself or someone else — and then close it.

22. List five habits you adopted this year (good or bad).

Description: Habits compound — noticing them helps you choose which to reinforce or replace.

Action: Pick one habit to tweak and create a 2-week micro-plan to change it.

23. List five decisions (right or wrong) you made this year and what you learned from each.

Description: Decisions shape your year; reflecting reveals patterns and values.

Action: Choose one decision to revisit and outline a better approach next time.

24. Have you started a gratitude practice? List ten things or people you are grateful for right now.

Description: Gratitude shifts perspective from lack to abundance and improves wellbeing.

Action: Send a short gratitude note to one person on your list.

25. List things that make you feel happy instantly (small mood boosters).

Description: Keeping a toolkit of instant joys helps you regulate mood on tough days.

Action: Use one booster today and note how it changed your mood.

26. Name five kind things you can do for yourself this Christmas.

Description: Self-care during the holidays prevents burnout and restores energy.

Action: Schedule one of these acts into your calendar this month.

27. Finish this sentence in ten different ways: “I love Christmas because…”

Description: This playful prompt reconnects you with simple joys and traditions.

Action: Share your favorite reason with someone you care about.

28. Write down a childhood Christmas memory that warms your heart.

Description: Nostalgia is a source of comfort — recall details to savor the memory fully.

Action: Recreate a small element of that memory this season (a song, recipe, or game).

29. What will you do this New Year’s Eve to create a meaningful memory?

Description: Intentional celebrations create memories you’ll cherish.

Action: Draft a simple plan (time, people, activity) for your ideal evening.

30. Rate your year 1–10 and explain your score.

Description: Rating your year helps you evaluate overall satisfaction and progress.

Action: Identify one key area to improve to raise next year’s score by 1 point.

31. Have you finalized your New Year resolutions? Write your top three clearly.

Description: Clear, specific resolutions are easier to act on than vague wishes.

Action: Convert each resolution into one measurable habit and schedule the first step.

Weekly Review:

At the end of each week in December, spend 10 minutes answering these three questions to track progress:

• What went well this week?
• What drained me or challenged me?
• One small change I’ll make next week.

FAQs — December Journal Prompts

Q: Are these December journal prompts suitable for beginners?

A: Yes. Each prompt includes a short description and an action step so even new journalers can get started easily.

Q: Can I complete prompts in any order?

A: Absolutely. Choose the prompts that call to you and write when you have time or emotional space.

Q: How long should I spend on each prompt?

A: Aim for 10–20 minutes per prompt. If you’re short on time, write a quick bullet list for the action step and expand later.

Q: Should I share my journal answers publicly?

A: Only if you want to. Journaling is primarily for your own clarity. Sharing selected insights is optional and can deepen connections if you choose.