The holiday season is a perfect time to reflect on our blessings and seek out ways to make life better for those around us.
Terri Marshall
The holidays often bring a mix of emotional experiences, from joy and gratitude to stress and nostalgia.
Journaling provides a dedicated space to reflect on these feelings, helping us gain clarity and perspective on our experiences. By putting thoughts to paper (or Notes app or Google doc…), we can navigate the complexities of family dynamics, societal expectations, and personal aspirations associated with this time of year.
What’s more, the act of journaling fosters mindfulness, encouraging us to savor special moments, express gratitude, and set realistic intentions.
Through the written word, you can rewrite the narrative of your holiday season, fostering self-awareness, resilience, and a sense of gratitude that transcends the challenges this season may bring.
Read on for 5 holiday journal prompts* to help you enjoy an emotionally healthy season:
1. Cultivate gratitude
Gratitude is a powerful emotional wellness practice. By reflecting on the positive aspects of your holiday season so far and
considering the people, experiences, or opportunities that have brought joy to your life recently, you’ll be primed to identify these in the future.
Holiday journal prompt:
What are three things you’re grateful for this holiday season?
2. Be mindful
Exploring ways to incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine is a wise choice any time of year, but during the holiday season it can be especially impactful. Begin with the simple prompt below and consider setting an intention for staying present and enjoying small moments throughout the day.
Holiday journal prompt:
Describe a moment during the holidays when you felt completely present and content. What were you doing, and how did it make you feel?
3. Practice self-care
Reflecting on how well you’ve taken care of yourself during holidays past can be an excellent way to orient yourself to the season ahead. Once you’ve identified what’s worked well in the past, try brainstorming additional self-care practices you can incorporate into your routine to manage stress.
Holiday journal prompt:
List three self-care activities that help you relax and recharge.
4. Celebrate progress
Life is so busy that we’re often on to the next challenge before we’ve even taken the time to acknowledge how far we’ve come. Consider the personal growth and positive changes you’ve experienced over the past year. This can help you set realistic and achievable goals for the upcoming year, focusing on both personal and professional aspects of your life.
Holiday journal prompt:
What are 5 accomplishments, big or small, that you’ve achieved in the past year? How can you celebrate these as this year draws to a close?
5. Create connection
One of the most valuable ways you can invest your energy back into yourself is to reflect on your communication style and how you express your feelings to others. Start with the prompt below and consider ways to use these insights to enhance your relationships and strengthen connections with friends and family– this season and beyond.
Holiday journal prompt:
Write about a meaningful conversation or connection you’ve had during the holiday season. Why did it mean so much to you?
* Remember that journaling is a personal practice, and these prompts can be adapted to suit your preferences and experiences. Use this time for self-reflection and to foster a positive mindset during the holiday season.
Enjoy this post? You might also like:
Mindful Goal-Setting
25 Mindfulness Ideas to Try this Year
Habit Change in 3 Easy(-ish) Steps
Were these holiday journal prompts helpful? Want to continue the conversation with a member of our team?