Reflect, Make Plans, and So Much More With All of Our December Journaling Ideas
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Naturally, being December, means there is a reflective theme throughout many of our December journaling ideas.
We’ve compiled all of our calendars, including both the regular monthly themes and some specific ‘look back at the year’ journaling, to bring you a great selection of monthly journaling activities.
It’s so important to both acknowledge how the year has gone as well as look forward to the new year. However, above all, it’s important to be present in the now and enjoy the holidays with loved ones.
‘Year in Review’ Journaling for December
Our ‘year in review’ December journaling has ideas for both a practical and sentimental look back at the year. There are opportunities to acknowledge progress, setbacks, and highlight the positives of the year.
- How you entered the year in January and how that outlook changed.
- Goals you set that you made progress on.
- What about the year surprised you.
- What about the year was as expected in a positive way.
- A relationship that has grown throughout the year.
- Positive memories from the end of winter.
- What you’ve been curious about this year.
- What you enjoyed about spring.
- Places you visited this year and what you did.
- Routines or habits you rediscovered or picked back up.
- What has kept you grounded this year.
- What you’ve outgrown this year and are ready to leave behind.
- Things you want that are very clear.
- Things you’re still eager to explore next year.
- Positive memories from summer.
- Vivid memories of ordinary everyday moments.
- Ways you were able to take a break or rest this year.
- What unrealistic goals or expectations you had let go of by summer.
- The people who were most in your life this year and how.
- People you wish you’d reconnected with more.
- Times this year you’ve had to be patient.
- Positive memories from fall.
- Major milestones from the year you celebrated.
- Setbacks from the year you overcame.
- Lessons this year has taught you.
- What about this year deserves celebration.
- What from this year will you take into next year.
- The people who were there for you this year and how.
- How this year was positively different from other years.
- Positive memories from the holidays.
- What you’ll remember about the year.
Get the ‘Year in Review’ Journaling Printable for December here.
‘If You Feel Like the Year Came and Went and You’ve Achieved Nothing’ Journaling Ideas
For so many of us, it can feel like the year has flown by and we have nothing to show for it. This month of journaling will help you unearth the overlooked beautiful moments and find those moments of joy throughout the year.
- Three positive things that happened this year.
- Three ways you’ve helped other people this year, even if it’s gone unnoticed.
- One thing you overcame this year.
- An ordinary, everyday conversation you remember.
- Routines you’ve upheld and stuck to that ground you.
- Memories from the year that make you smile, no matter how ordinary.
- The specific places you frequented this year and memories.
- The people you’ve spent the most time with this year and what you did.
- Three things you wouldn’t change about the year, no matter what.
- A moment you felt proud this year and why.
- List as many places you went as you can think of, no matter how close or far.
- Milestones, traditions, and events you celebrated.
- People you had dinner with.
- Recount the first three memories that come into your head from the year.
- Describe an ordinary day from the year and what about it you enjoy.
- Identify five of your favorite photos from the year on your phone.
- Identify five of your favorite conversations from the year on your phone.
- Favorite things you’ve read this year.
- Favorite movies and TV shows from the year.
- What you’ve learned this year.
- Who made you laugh this year.
- Something you overcame this year through perseverance.
- New things you tried this year, even if it was once.
- Something you’ve made progress on.
- Ways the year was the same as last year in a positive way.
- Decisions you made this year, big and small.
- Lifelong goals and achievements you’re still working toward.
- A memorable journey from the year.
- A beautiful moment in nature from the year.
- A heartwarming interaction from the year.
- Ways you were your best self this year.
Get the ‘If You Feel Like the Year Came and Went and You’ve Achieved Nothing’ Journaling Printable here.
Morning Journaling
- A goal you can make progress on now and not wait until January 1st.
- Simple morning routines you can implement for the winter.
- People you want to connect with before the holidays.
- Holiday prep you’ve been putting off that you can get done today.
- What you find joyful about the holidays.
- What you’re looking forward to this weekend.
- One way you can give back this holiday season.
- Simple, fun activities you can organize with friends.
- Family you won’t see over the holidays to catch up with online.
- One way you made the past weekend special for someone.
- One thing you can do today to make next week easier.
- Where you could go to see holiday lights and get inspired.
- An act of kindness you’ve read about that inspired you.
- A simple self-care activity to give you a break from the planning.
- Something you’d like to do, just for yourself.
- What you’ve enjoyed about the month so far.
- Ways you can share joy online.
- How you could inspire a loved one today.
- Your happiest memory from the past year.
- One way your life has improved this year.
- One success from the year, no matter how big or small.
- A winter self-care routine you can implement for the rest of winter.
- Why celebrating the holidays with family is important to you.
- One way you can make someone feel less alone today.
- What you love about the people you’re with today.
- One thing you’d like to do before the year ends.
- Three things you’re grateful for this year.
- One thing that never changes and you take forward into every new year.
- One goal you can revisit and become more realistic with.
- Your favorite three photos from the year on your phone and why.
- One positive change to your morning routine starting tomorrow.
Get the Morning Journaling for December printable here.
Evening Journaling
- Three achievements from the year so far.
- One thing you’re looking forward to continuing into next year.
- Three good things that happened this year.
- A setback from the year you overcame and what it taught you.
- An opportunity you took this year and what it taught you.
- Weekend routines you’ve stayed consistent with.
- What your ideal cozy evening routine looks like.
- How you feel loved, right now.
- Favorite memories from fall.
- One way you made a difference today.
- One positive interaction you had with someone today.
- The most beautiful light displays you’ve seen so far.
- One thing that has gone to plan this month.
- What you’ve found challenging but still managed to make progress on.
- People you’ve connected with in December.
- Someone you helped this past week.
- What you’re hopeful about going into the new year.
- A moment you stopped, paused, and took in the holiday sights and sounds.
- Who you’re particularly happy to see over the holidays and why.
- What is most important to you about next week.
- One way you’ve surprised yourself this year.
- One memory of a past holiday get-together and why you remember it well.
- Meaningful and enjoyable topics to talk about with family.
- What’s the most important thing to you, right now.
- Ordinary, simple things you remember from today.
- Experiences from the past year you’re grateful for.
- The most memorable conversation you had this year.
- One thing you want to revisit and make progress on next year.
- One thing you want to continue making progress on next year.
- One thing you’re happy to take into next year and want to keep as it is.
- Describe in detail a particular day from the past year and ask why you chose that day.
One-Word Journaling
- Cheerful
- Reunion
- Tranquil
- Momentum
- Uplifting
- Welcoming
- Inspiring
- Gracious
- Comforting
- Candor
- Fortune
- Friends
- Forward
- Reconnecting
- Stars
- Brighten
- Evergreen
- Soft
- Centered
- Blessing
- Giving
- Wish
- Feast
- Holidays
- Festive
- Encouraging
- Calm
- Mentorship
- Fearless
- Celebrating
- Hopeful
Get the One-Word Journaling for December printable here.
‘Past Year’ Gratitude Journaling for December
This gratitude calendar puts particular focus on the past year, encouraging you to look for the things you’re grateful for, even if the year has come with its challenges.
See the Gratitude Journaling prompts and printable for December here.
December Self-Care Journaling Prompts
You can find our self-care journaling prompts and printable in our December self-care collection.
December Advent Calendar Journaling
- A place you can be your true self.
- Someone who has been there for you this year.
- What brings you joy when you look out of the window.
- A soft, comforting texture.
- Light displays you’ve found joyful.
- Family activities you only do in the winter.
- Something that has happened every day of the year.
- Songs or music you’ve fallen back in love with this year.
- A gift you received that cost nothing.
- An achievement from the year.
- Nearby nature spots.
- A sit-down friends or family dinner from the year.
- A place that feels magical in December.
- An everyday get-together with friends or loved ones from the year.
- The story behind the last photo you took on your phone.
- A moment you felt truly happy this year.
- A positive surprise from the year.
- A goal you made progress on this year.
- Someone new who came into your life this year.
- An everyday conversation you can remember in detail.
- A routine that you’ve stayed consistent with for years.
- Something the year taught you about yourself.
- Something new you tried this year.
- A beautiful memory from the year.
- What makes today special for you.
Get the Advent Calendar Gratitude Journaling Printable here.
Come back to this article as we add more December journaling printables over the next few days.
In the meantime, see our November journaling printables for inspiration and other journaling prompts and ideas here.
