Making Time to Write During the Holidays: 7 Tips to Stay Creative

The days between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day are quite possibly the busiest of the year. Between holiday parties, shopping for gifts, and spending time with loved ones, it’s easy to let your writing routine fall by the wayside. However, making time to write during the holidays doesn’t have to feel impossible. These holiday writing tips will help you stay on track with your goals while still enjoying the season.

7 Tips to Stay Creative During the Holiday Season

1. Make Room in Your Schedule

Holiday calendars fill up fast with family gatherings, gift shopping, and festive events. It’s essential to make writing time a priority. Identify gaps in your schedule where you can carve out 30–60 minutes for creativity. Treat these as non-negotiable appointments with yourself.

2. Identify the Best Time of Day to Write

Are you an early riser, a mid-day thinker, or a night owl? Find the time when you’re most alert and creative, then schedule your writing during that window. Consistency matters, whether it’s typing out a chapter during your lunch break or journaling at night.

Pro Tip: Use productivity tools like Trello or Notion to track your writing progress and stay organized during the busy holiday season.

3. Plan Your Writing Routine During the Holidays

Once you’ve determined your ideal writing time, plan it out. Block off specific times in your calendar, just as you would for holiday events. Protect this time fiercely, and let family and friends know you’ll be unavailable during these moments.

4. Keep a Notebook Handy

The holidays often take us away from our desks, but writing doesn’t have to stop. Keep a notebook or journal with you to capture ideas on the go. Whether you’re jotting down ideas while waiting in line or writing snippets of dialogue during a coffee break, these small efforts add up.

5. Use Writing Apps for On-the-Go Creativity

If you’re traveling, apps like Scrivener or Evernote can help you write from your phone or tablet. These tools are perfect for drafting ideas, outlining chapters, or journaling while you’re away from home. Embrace technology to maximize your writing productivity during Christmas road trips or holiday downtime.

6. Relocate When Necessary

During the holidays, your home may be filled with distractions. If the noise level gets too high, head to a local coffee shop or library to work in peace. Changing your environment can also spark fresh ideas and help you focus better.

7. Be Flexible with Your Goals

Sometimes, life happens, and your writing goals might need to take a backseat for a day or two. That’s okay! Don’t beat yourself up if you miss a writing session. Instead, focus on enjoying the moment and return to your routine when you can.

Pro Tip: Utilize the quieter week between Christmas and New Year’s Day to catch up on your writing. It’s a perfect time to reflect on your progress and set writing habits for the new year.

What to Write During the Holidays

Not sure where to start? Use the holiday season as inspiration for these creative projects:

• Write a Short Story: Set your story during the holidays for a festive touch. Once completed, share your short story as a gift or publish it on your blog.
• Daily Journaling: Document holiday traditions, favorite recipes, and memorable moments in your journal. These entries could inspire future writing projects.
• Character Profiles: Use the downtime to build detailed profiles for your next book project, so you’re ready to start fresh in January.

Stay Inspired Through the Holidays

Making time to write during the holidays may take effort, but it’s worth it. Prioritize creativity, embrace flexibility, and use these strategies to maintain your writing momentum all season long.

Need more tips to stay productive during the holidays? Follow us on Instagram @millcitypressbooks for writing inspiration and strategies!

By implementing these writing productivity tips during Christmas and beyond, you’ll head into the new year with your creative goals intact.