What should I write in a Christmas junk journal?

If you are stuck, try focusing on sensory details. Write about the smell of pine, the taste of peppermint, or the sound of wrapping paper. You can also document traditions, like your favorite ornament or your Christmas Eve routine.

How do you document Christmas traditions?

A junk journal is perfect for preserving traditions. You can paste in a copy of a family recipe, write the story behind a specific decoration, or create a 'Gift List' spread to remember what you gave and received.

Where can I find Christmas journaling prompts?

You can find a list of 32 festive prompts right here, covering everything from childhood memories to future goals. There is also a free printable PDF version available for download.

32 Christmas Junk Journal Writing Prompts

Colleen McCarthy
Dec 16, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Jan 30

The holiday season is full of cozy moments and special memories worth keeping: sipping cocoa by the tree, wrapping gifts, or flipping through old photos. A Christmas junk journal is a beautiful way to slow down and capture what this time of year means to you.

Christmas junk journal open to a page with space for writing, arranged with some fussy cuts and a page of writing prompts. — When blank pages give you writer's block, try using some prompts to help you get started.

If you love using your journal for writing, collage, or memory keeping, try using these prompts to spark new ideas. Each prompt can be turned into a full Christmas page. Or if you'd like to keep your thoughts private, you can tuck journaling cards into an envelope or pocket.

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Christmas Memories

Use these prompts to look back on holidays past and record the stories that shaped your favorite traditions.

Write about your favorite Christmas morning from childhood.
Describe the first Christmas tree you ever decorated.
Tell the story of a funny or unexpected holiday moment.
Record the best gift you’ve ever received and why it meant so much.
Write about a family tradition that has changed over the years.
Describe a Christmas you spent away from home and how it felt.
Design a journal page about the Christmas movie or song that always makes you smile.

Page Ideas for Christmas Memories:

Try including vintage Christmas photo frames, journal cards labeled “Holiday Memories,” or tiny date tags.

Christmas junk journal open to a page with a pocket and a handwritten cookie recipe, arranged with a list of prompts. — Your Christmas junk journal is the perfect place to preserve favorite family recipes.

Holiday Traditions

These prompts can help you capture the little routines that make your Christmas unique and special.

Describe what your family’s Christmas dinner looks like each year.
Write about the story behind your favorite ornament.
Explain how you wrap gifts and why you do it that way.
Record a recipe you always make in December and include a photo or sketch of it.
Describe a handmade gift you’ve given or received.
Write about your cozy Christmas Eve routine.
Document how you decorate your tree or home for the holidays.

Page Ideas for Holiday Traditions:

Include family recipe cards, journaling strips for “Our Traditions,” or illustrated baking tools and Christmas table settings.

Seasonal Feelings and Reflections

Christmas is more than gifts and glitter. These prompts can help you write about your thoughts, feelings, and quiet moments.

Write about what makes the holiday season feel special to you.
Describe a moment when you felt true peace during Christmas.
Record the smell, sound, or taste that instantly reminds you of Christmas.
Tell the story of a Christmas wish that came true.
Reflect on how your view of Christmas has changed as you’ve grown older.
Write about someone or something you miss during the holidays.

Page Ideas for Seasonal Feelings:

Try writing reflection cards, quotes about gratitude and peace, or watercolor candle and pinecone clipart.

Creative and Crafty Prompts

Add texture, layers, and handmade touches with these craft-based ideas. Get creative with the types of junk you include in your journal.

Create a collage using red and green paper scraps or bits of wrapping paper.
Design a page with pieces of old Christmas cards.
Add a pocket or envelope for your holiday to-do list or receipts.
Make a gratitude list just for December.
Decorate a page with pressed pine needles or dried orange slices.
Create a spread that shows your favorite winter outfit or cozy accessory.
Design a “holiday mail” page using postage stamps, faux envelopes, or labels.

Page Ideas for Creative and Crafty:

Try using envelopes, faux postage, sticker labels, and December gratitude lists.

Christmas junk journal open to a page with a pocket and handwritten cards, arranged with a list of prompts and fussy cuts. — I like to handwrite my answers to the prompts onto journal cards.

Looking Forward

End your journal with hopeful thoughts for the new year. It can help you visualize your dreams for the next year.

Write a letter to your future self to read next Christmas.
Record your goals or intentions for the coming year.
Reflect on something you want to let go of before January begins.
Write about the people or experiences you’re most grateful for this season.
Create a winter bucket list of simple things you want to do before spring.

Page Ideas for Looking Forward:

Write a letter you yourself and tuck it into an envelope to read next year, or create a winter bucket list to check off.

How to Use These Prompts

You don’t need to complete them all! Pick a few that fit your mood and see where they take you. Some can be written answers, while others might inspire collage pages or pockets filled with mementos. Take your time and have fun with your journal.