110+ December Journal Prompts to Finish the Year Strong

December is such a special time of the year. The holidays bring out our best memories, and the end of the year makes us think about what we want next, right? Personally, I always find myself reflecting more and planning ahead during this month.

Whether you’re celebrating with family, looking back on the year, or setting your New Year’s goals, I have some thoughtful journal prompts to help you capture all that December has to offer. I’ll bet you’ve got some heartwarming tales ready to tell!

31 Daily December Journal Prompts

  1. What is your favorite way to celebrate the holidays, and why?
  2. Reflect on a kind gesture you experienced recently.
  3. Who in your life deserves a special thank you, and why?
  4. What are three things you want to leave behind this year?
  5. What is a small act of kindness you did recently?
  6. Reflect on a memorable winter vacation or trip.
  7. What are your top three priorities for the new year?
  8. Describe a time when you felt grateful this month.
  9. Write about your favorite holiday scent and the memories it brings.
  10. How do you cope with holiday stress?
  11. Reflect on how your friendships have grown this year.
  12. What is a unique way you celebrate the holidays?
  13. Describe a winter activity you want to try this year.
  14. List ten things you love about the holiday season.
  15. Reflect on a goal you set this year and your progress.
  16. How do you plan to give back during the holidays?
  17. Write about a favorite holiday decoration and why it’s special to you.
  18. What is your favorite holiday song, and what does it mean to you?
  19. Reflect on how you have changed over the past year.
  20. Describe a time when you felt pure joy this month.
  21. What are your hopes and dreams for the new year?
  22. What brings you peace during the holiday season?
  23. How do you make your home feel cozy during the holiday season?
  24. What are three habits you want to develop next year?
  25. Reflect on a lesson you learned this year.
  26. Describe a winter memory from your childhood.
  27. What is your favorite holiday book or movie, and why?
  28. Reflect on how you balanced work and relaxation this year.
  29. Write about a holiday surprise that made you happy.
  30. What are you most looking forward to in the coming year?
  31. Choose one word to describe this year and explain why.
Daily December Journal Prompts to Finish the Year Strong

Holidays and Happy Memories

  1. What is your favorite holiday tradition, and why is it special to you?
  2. Describe the best holiday celebration you remember from childhood.
  3. What is your earliest holiday memory?
  4. Write about a memorable gift you received and why it stands out.
  5. “The holidays make me feel…”
  6. What holiday activity do you look forward to the most each year?
  7. List three things you love about the holiday season and why.
  8. How have your holiday traditions changed over the years?
  9. Describe a holiday meal that stands out to you. What made it special?
  10. “The holiday season is special to me because…”
December Journal Prompts to Finish the Year Strong: Holidays and Happy Memories

End-of-Year Reflections

  1. What was the most significant moment of your year, and why?
  2. List five accomplishments you are proud of this year.
  3. What is something new you tried this year, and how did it go?
  4. Write about a goal you didn’t achieve. What held you back, and what did you learn?
  5. How have you grown as a person this year?
  6. How did you spend your favorite day of the year, and what made it special?
  7. Recall your happiest day of the year—what made it so special?
  8. How have your priorities shifted over the year?
  9. What personal growth did you experience this year that you want to build on?
  10. “This year taught me…”
December Journal Prompts: End-of-Year Reflections

Setting Goals for the New Year

  1. What habits do you want to develop or change in the new year?
  2. Write down one health goal you have for next year and why it’s important.
  3. How will you keep yourself accountable for your New Year’s goals?
  4. What skills do you want to learn or improve next year?
  5. “In the new year, I will focus on…”
  6. What is one fear you want to conquer next year?
  7. List the professional accomplishments you’re aiming for next year.
  8. What steps will you take to improve your physical health next year?
  9. Choose a theme for the upcoming year, and why did you choose that theme?
  10. Write a future letter to yourself about your goals and aspirations for next year.
December Journal Prompts: Setting Goals for the New Year

Feeling Grateful

  1. “Today, I am thankful for…”
  2. How do you practice gratitude daily?
  3. Write about three people you are grateful for this year and why.
  4. List five simple pleasures that bring you joy.
  5. Reflect on a recent moment that made you feel deeply grateful.
  6. Share a habit or possession that improves your daily life.
  7. What are three things about yourself that you appreciate?
  8. Reflect on a challenge you faced. What aspect of it made you feel grateful?
  9. Describe a moment this year when you felt truly at peace.
  10. What is something you have now that you wished for last year?
December Journal Prompts to Finish the Year Strong: Feeling Grateful

Time with Family and Friends

  1. Describe a recent gathering with family or friends that was special to you.
  2. What is your favorite way to spend time with loved ones during the holidays?
  3. Write about a friend who made a difference in your life this year.
  4. “Family time during the holidays means…”
  5. Write about a time when you were grateful for your family’s support.
  6. What’s one family tradition that brings you joy?
  7. List three ways you can show appreciation for your loved ones.
  8. Write a letter to a family member expressing your gratitude and love.
  9. What is your favorite memory with a close friend from this year?
  10. How do you balance your time between family, friends, and personal time during the holidays?
December Journal Prompts: Time with Family and Friends

Caring for Yourself

  1. Describe a self-care routine that helps you feel your best.
  2. What is one new self-care habit you want to start next year?
  3. Reflect on a time when you felt truly relaxed and recharged.
  4. List three ways you can prioritize your well-being during the holidays.
  5. “Taking care of myself means…”
  6. Write about a challenge you faced and how self-care helped you through it.
  7. How do you manage stress during the busy holiday season?
  8. What are your favorite activities for relaxing and unwinding?
  9. Write about what “me time” looks like for you in December.
  10. Write a self-affirmation to carry you through the month.
December Journal Prompts to Finish the Year Strong: Caring for Yourself

Winter Inspirations

  1. What inspires you about the winter season?
  2. Describe a snowy scene you’d love to wake up to.
  3. How does the winter weather affect your mood and activities?
  4. What traditions do you have for the first snowfall?
  5. List three things you love about winter and why.
  6. How do you stay motivated during the colder months?
  7. Reflect on a favorite winter memory from your past.
  8. “Winter makes me feel…”
  9. What are your favorite winter activities, and why?
  10. Write about a winter memory that warms your heart.
December Journal Prompts to Finish the Year Strong: Winter Inspirations

Special Moments to Remember

  1. Write about a special moment from this year that stands out to you.
  2. Describe a memory that makes you smile whenever you think of it.
  3. What are three significant events that happened to you this year?
  4. Reflect on a milestone you achieved this year.
  5. Write about a time you felt truly happy and content.
  6. What’s the most heartfelt gift you’ve ever given or received?
  7. Reflect on the most meaningful conversation you had this month.
  8. How did you celebrate a special occasion this year?
  9. Reflect on a moment when you felt proud of yourself.
  10. “I will always remember…”
December Journal Prompts: Special Moments to Remember

Frequently Asked Questions

How can December journal prompts help me prepare for the holidays?

These prompts can help you plan holiday activities, reflect on past celebrations, and set intentions for gathering with family and friends, making the season more enjoyable and organized.

How do I stay mindful and relaxed during the busy holiday season?

Journal prompts focused on gratitude, self-care, and mindfulness can help you stay centered and relaxed amidst the holiday hustle and bustle.

How can journaling in December enhance my holiday experience?

Journaling can help deepen your appreciation for the season, manage holiday stress, celebrate your accomplishments, and set a positive tone for the new year.

How can I use prompts to reflect on the past year if it’s been challenging?

Journal prompts can guide you to acknowledge difficulties while also uncovering hidden strengths and moments of joy, offering a balanced perspective.

How do I stay motivated to journal every day in December?

Find a quiet, cozy spot to write, keep your journal and pen handy, and schedule a specific time each day. Using varied prompts can keep journaling fresh and engaging throughout the month.


Final Thoughts

I hope you find these December journal prompts helpful and fun. Journaling can make this month even more special by helping you capture your favorite memories and plan for the future.

Take a few minutes each day to sit down with your journal. Don’t worry about making everything perfect—just enjoy this time for yourself, and remember that there’s more to discover about yourself!

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Erika Maniquiz is a certified teacher and librarian with a Library and Information Science degree. She cherishes the calm moments reading books as much as the dynamic discussions she has in her classroom. Beyond her career, she is a fan of Kdrama and loves Kpop's lively beats.