Ah, Christmas – the season of twinkling lights, mulled wine, and the kind of family drama that only emerges when too many people are crammed into one house. It’s a time of giving, celebrating, and occasionally gritting your teeth when someone mentions politics or something equally contentious at the dinner table. Staying sane during this festive frenzy can feel like a Christmas miracle, but fear not a trusty journal and a sense of humour can help you maintain your peace while all around you the yuletide chaos lets rip.
Ready for your 10 journaling tips to keep your Christmas spirit intact (and your sanity too)?
Though I hasten to add my Christmas doesn’t include hoards of family, dramas, forced dinners, or anything else much Christmassy. I head to my mums where we chill and so mostly lovely stuff together. Most of our frustrations come from what shall we watch on Netflix. Sorry no horror for me and she hates my love of whimsical romances. I miss my dogs terribly and our daily shenanigans, but I do get to lie in for five days.
This in in remembrance of too many horrible Christmases. Not all, but some have been turgid. I am forever grateful for my peaceful ones now.
1. Start with Gratitude – Yes, Even for the Brussel Sprouts
As a big fan of gratitude even when you are not feeling it, I’d say start here. There’s a reason gratitude is such a big part of mindfulness practices: it works. Start each day by jotting down three things you’re thankful for, no matter how small. Maybe it’s the way the fairy lights glow softly in the morning, or how the cat hasn’t yet knocked over the tree. Even Brussel sprouts can make the list if they weren’t as bad as you remembered.
Prompt: “What are three things I’m grateful for today, even if they’re silly?”
Gratitude reminds us to focus on the positives, even when the negatives (like Aunt Mildred’s (love that name, probably as much as Enid) annual critique of your life choices) loom large.
PS: I am not a fan of the brussel sprout. I’ll confess I ate two at a recent event and they were ok, but these childhood memories take a long time to leave… Brussels as a child was a trauma filled event. Am I grateful to be force fed them? No. But I can reframe with gratitude.
2. Vent Your Festive Frustrations
Let’s be honest: Christmas isn’t all sparkles and snowflakes. There’s the wrapping paper that refuses to tear neatly, Selotape that doesn’t stick, the roast potatoes that come out burnt, and the inevitable arguments about who’s hogging the remote. Many a drink filled and fuelled Christmas as ruined proceedings and your journal is the perfect place to vent these frustrations without judgment. Rant about the minor irritations before they snowball into major holiday meltdowns.
Prompt: “What has annoyed me today, and how can I laugh about it?”
By the time you’ve scribbled a page of exasperation, you’ll likely (hopefully) find yourself giggling at how ridiculous it all sounds. Screaming and swearing on the page followed by a reframe always works for me. And if you are worried about your venting being discovered, burn those pages.
3. Create a Gift Appreciation Log
Not all gifts are created equal. Some are thoughtful, heartfelt treasures, while others leave you wondering, “Why would anyone think I’d need this?” Keep a log of every present you receive, adding amusing notes alongside each one.
For example:
- A pineapple-scented candle: “Ah, the smell of tropical fruit to accompany the bleak midwinter.”
- A jumper three sizes too big: “Perfect for hiding all the mince pies.”
It’ll make for an entertaining read next year when you’re wrapping re-gifted items. You wouldn’t do that would you? I know my nan used to.
Prompt: “What’s the most awful, unusual or unexpectedly brilliant gift I received this Christmas?”
Oh, and don’t forget your thank your notes.
4. Doodle Your Decorations
When words fail, pictures prevail. Use your journal to sketch out your dream Christmas decorations (yes, you must have dream decorations or the perfect fairy for the top of the tree) or capture the chaos of your current setup. Did the dog get to the turkey first? Did the cats race up the tree and knock it over? Draw it. Are the lights tangled beyond salvation? Document it in doodles.
You don’t need to be an artist – stick figures and squiggly lines have timeless charm. The act of drawing engages your creative brain and can be surprisingly therapeutic. Go on, give it a go.
Prompt: “Draw a festive scene that sums up your day.”
Bonus: Grab the christmas felt pens and add a dash of colour.
5. Scribble Down Your Best ‘Cracker Joke’ Moments
Christmas cracker jokes are famously cringe-worthy, but there’s joy in their groan-worthy charm. Bizarrely, I did used to enjoy the strange ritual of reading cracker jokes at the Christmas table. Keep a running list of the best (or worst) jokes from the crackers this year. They’re excellent icebreakers for awkward silences or for tormenting your family during Boxing Day leftovers when you are exhausted from your ever so merry christmas conversations.
Example joke: “What do you call a snowman with a six-pack? An abdominal snowman!”
Prompt: “What’s the most ridiculous joke I’ve heard this Christmas, and why does it secretly make me laugh?”
This kind of thing reminds me of my mum’s sense of humour and times when it has her in fits of giggles which leave me somewhat perplexed.
6. Reflect on Festive Wins
Chaos, what chaos? In the darkest depths the Christmas chaos, there are always little triumphs worth celebrating. Maybe you managed to cook the turkey without setting off the smoke alarm. Perfect parsnips anyone? Perhaps everyone agreed on a film to watch (a Christmas miracle in itself). Reflect on these wins in your journal and give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back.
Prompt: “What small victories did I achieve today?”
It’s the little things that make Christmas feel magical and celebrating is good for the soul.
7. Write a Letter to Santa – Even If It’s Sarcastic
Who says letters to Santa are only for kids? Write your own, filled with your deepest desires. Ask for world peace, a magic wand to stop whatever irks you, or an unlimited supply of (gluten free) goodies. It’s a fun way to channel your inner child and express your Christmas desires and start next years visioning process.
Prompt: “Dear Santa, this year I’d like…”
8. Keep a Christmas Memory Snapshot
My mum is 86 and I want to be able to capture these moments together. Christmas is full of moments that call to be captured – the sound of laughter during a game of charades (I can’t remember the last time I played this), the smell of mince pies wafting from the kitchen (my mum always makes me a batch of gluten free mince pies to die for), the quiet joy of watching snow fall outside or as we live in Spain the feeling of the warm sun on our faces on our annual visit to the beach bar on Christmas day. Use your journal to write capture these moments. They’ll serve as a beautiful reminder of the season’s magic when you revisit and reflect on them.
Prompt: “What was the best moment of my day?”
9. Plan a Boxing Day Escape Route
Once the big day is over, it’s time to strategise your recovery. However, if you had any sense you would have planned this months in advance. If you are not a planner, start Boxing day morning planning your ideal Boxing Day, whether it’s a long walk in the countryside, binge-watching festive rom-coms, demolishing leftover turkey sandwiches with cranberry jelly or picking at leftover roasted veg. Think of it as self-care in action.
Prompt: “What does my perfect post-Christmas day look like?”
10. End with Gratitude – Again
Yes, we’re back to gratitude because it’s that important. When all is said and done and not matter what Christmas was like, take a moment to reflect on what brought you joy that day. I know that not everyone’s Christmas was filled with peace, love and great mince pies, but there could be something to be grateful for. Whatever it is, let it anchor you in the present moment.
Prompt: “What am I most grateful for as this day ends?”
And Finally…
Christmas doesn’t have to leave you frazzled, overwhelmed or filled with festive fume. By picking up your journal and carving out a few moments for reflection, creativity, and humour, you can keep your spirits bright and your heart light. Journaling is your secret weapon for surviving (and thriving) this festive season.
Cheers to a merry, mindful, and sane Christmas! Now, go grab a pen, your journal, and maybe a mince pie. You’ve got this!
