Christmas Writing Prompts For Kids

Christmas is many people’s favorite holiday, as it brings family and friends together to enjoy everything the season has to offer: Christmas cards, gingerbread cookies, the joy of Christmas morning... the list goes on!

Christmas is also a great time to let your child’s imagination run wild! Here are the best creative writing prompts for this special celebration:

1. Short story starter: Christmas Eve was especially cold and snowy last year. So cold in fact, that I couldn’t sleep! As I tossed and turned in bed, I caught a glimpse of something outside my window… I could not believe my eyes - it was Santa!
2. Write a detailed description of your Christmas tree.
3. Write a step-by-step guide on how to build the best gingerbread house ever! Describe how to plan the design, what ingredients or decorations to use, and tips for making it strong enough to hold all the candy. Don’t forget to include your ideas for making it extra festive!
4. Write a letter to Santa sharing what makes this holiday season special for you. Tell him about something kind you’ve done this year and ask him one question about life at the North Pole. Imagine Santa writes back - what would you hope to learn from his response?
5. Write about a time when you helped someone or saw someone doing something kind during the holidays. Imagine you could create a special holiday project to help your community - what would it be, and how would you get others involved? Share how your project could make the season brighter for everyone!
6. Imagine you travel to the North Pole to help Santa get ready to deliver everyone's presents. Write a postcard from the North Pole to send to your family.
7. Make a list of five different Christmas activities you want to do with your family and/or friends this year.
8. Santa Claus is looking for extra help this year! Write a letter to Santa explaining why you’d be his best helper.
9. Use these holiday words in a story: snowflake, reindeer, cookie, bell, and mitten. Your story can be funny, magical, or adventurous—it's up to you! How will these words come together to create a holiday tale?
10. Imagine you wake up on Christmas Eve to find that your Christmas tree has turned into a magical portal to the North Pole. When you step through, you discover Santa’s workshop is in trouble because the elves have accidentally shrunk all the toys! What happens next, and how do you help save Christmas.
11. You wake up on Christmas morning to find that everyone’s Christmas gifts have vanished! Write an adventure story on how you recover all the gifts from the person (or creature) who stole them.
12. Imagine you find a mysterious glowing ornament hidden deep in the branches of your Christmas tree. When you touch it, the room transforms into a snowy winter wonderland, and you hear sleigh bells in the distance. Write a story about where the ornament takes you and the magical adventure it begins!
13. Think about someone who has made your year special—a family member, friend, teacher, or neighbor. Write them a thank-you note or holiday card sharing why you’re grateful for them and wishing them a joyful holiday season. Be sure to include one thing that makes them unique and how they’ve made you smile!
14. Do you have any special or unusual Christmas family traditions? If so, what are they? And if not, what is a holiday tradition you’d like to experience?
15. What has been the best Christmas you’ve ever had? Can you give three detailed reasons as to why it was your favorite Christmas?
16. Journal prompt: this Christmas day, I’m most thankful for…
17. Write an epic Christmas story about a toy that comes to life in Santa’s workshop.
18. Pick two finger puppets or draw two characters who will go on an adventure together. One of them loves snow and winter, and the other loves sunshine and summer. Write a story about how they meet in a magical forest where winter and summer are happening at the same time. What do they teach each other about their favorite seasons? Do they solve a problem together? What fun surprises do they discover?
19. Write a poem about what it’s like to be a snowman.
20. Draw a new sleigh for Santa that would allow him to carry 5 times more Christmas presents. What is so special about this new sleigh? Does it have any magical powers? Tell us all about it!
21. What do you think is the most wanted Christmas gift on everyone’s wish list this Christmas?
22. Imagine you live in a gingerbread house in a faraway land. Write a Christmas letter to a loved one describing what Christmas is like in your delicious house.
23. One habit I will try to maintain this Christmas season is … because …
24. Christmas time isn’t just about gifts. What does Christmas mean to you?
25. Santa’s elves want to plan a Christmas surprise for Santa, to reward him for all his hard work. Can you write down a checklist of everything they need to throw the perfect Christmas themed party?
26. What’s something you can only do during the winter break?
27. Write a persuasive letter to Santa Claus to convince them to move from the North Pole to your hometown. Why should he move to where you live? What’s special about your town/city?
28. Help! Rudolph is sick and can’t lead the other reindeer on Christmas Eve! Who do you think would be the best animal to step in on behalf of Rudolph to ensure that all the Christmas presents are delivered by Christmas morning? You must describe this animal (it can be a fictional character or a real animal), and give three reasons for your suggestion.
29. We don’t want anyone to be bored on Christmas Day! Write a list of fun Christmas activities to do as a family.
30. One snowy evening, you receive a special letter from Santa's workshop! The letter says that Santa needs your help with a very important Christmas mission. Write about what the letter says and how you decide to help. Do you travel to the North Pole? What exciting things do you see in Santa's workshop? What special skills or ideas do you use to complete the mission?
31. You wake up one morning to find a magical snow globe sitting on your windowsill. When you shake it, you are transported into a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, snowy hills, and friendly talking animals preparing for a big holiday celebration. Write a story about what you see, who you meet, and the special way you help them get ready for the celebration. Don't forget to describe the smells, sounds, and exciting activities around you!
32. Write an adventure story about a gingerbread man who wants to be a detective - why is it a dream of his to become a detective? What does he do to become one? What mysteries does he solve?
33. New Year is fast approaching! What is something you’re hoping to do between Christmas and New Year?
34. Journal writing prompt: If your favorite toy could write a letter to Santa, what do you think it would ask for this Christmas?
35. Would you rather have a snowy or sunny Christmas? Why?
36. Journal prompt: this Christmas, I'm helping someone I love by...
37. What is your favorite Christmas morning memory?
38. Write a Christmas card to someone special. This can be a family member, a friend, a fictional character, or even Santa!
39. Roll a dice to choose your holiday story characters and setting:

• 1: A mischievous Elf on the Shelf
• 2: A talking snowman
• 3: Santa’s fastest reindeer
• 4: A magical Christmas cookie
• 5: A group of caroling penguins
• 6: A secret Santa in disguise

Next, pick a setting:

• 1: Santa’s workshop
• 2: A snowy forest
• 3: The top of a mountain
• 4: A cozy gingerbread house
• 5: A glowing ice castle
• 6: Your own backyard

Write a story about what happens when your character and setting come together. What problem do they face, and how do they solve it?

More writing prompts

• December Writing Prompts
• Holiday Writing Prompts
• New Year Writing Prompts

How Night Zookeeper can help

Unwrap the gift of learning this holiday season with Night Zookeeper!

Our reading & writing program makes learning fantastically fun for children aged six to twelve. Our gamified approach keeps children engaged, entertained, and excited to improve their reading and writing skills.

Whether you’re homeschooling or looking for a fun and effective learning resource to use this holiday season, Night Zookeeper offers thousands of award-winning activities, from word games, to interactive lessons, to free printable worksheets for on-the-go learning!

Sign up today and get a FREE 7-day trial!

Got any questions? Reach out to us via email at [email protected], or through our social media channels: