Weekly prompts to help you think a little harder, write a little longer, and have a bit of fun in your journal. I provide the prompt and then a bit of discussion afterward to help you think beyond the prompt.
How To Use Weekly Prompts
Using weekly prompts can be as simple or as difficult as you would like. I do not use one every day, and sometimes I use several from the weekly prompts list at one time. Over time, I have learned that too simple doesn’t work for me. I like to push the question around in my mind, look at it from a couple of different perspectives, and see what comes out.
Imagine, if you will, the prompt as a unique piece of artwork. Put that piece of artwork on a pedestal and then move around it. Look from side to side, high to low, and anything between. I want it to speak to me, give me thoughts, and guide my thoughts into a deeper understanding.
In all seriousness, I do study the question. I don’t spend hours on it and sometimes not even minutes. A few seconds and a few pointed questions after. Generally, those questions begin with why. Why did the prompt spark that response? Does that matter to me, and why? Why did I choose that answer/point? My meanings and questions can be vastly different from yours. That’s okay! The prompts are supposed to spark YOUR thoughts and feelings.
Focus Quote
JOURNAL TIP: Make your list and check it twice. (This journaling tip is Santa-approved!)
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from my family to yours!
Sarah @ DivergentJournaler.Com
Santa had it right all along. Make that list and check it twice! In the hustle of the season, we get wrapped up in the chaos of making it all happen. We want things to be perfect and joyful. Sometimes, we forget that in order for those things to happen, we must be happy ourselves. Don’t forget to stop and breathe this season and take time to keep yourself in good running order.
Take the time to make your lists. Check them often and grant yourself the grace needed when things don’t go according to plan. Everything will work out exactly as it is meant to.
This year, my husband and I will be alone in California. All of our kids, grandkids, and the rest of the family are in Texas and Oklahoma. Mark has a procedure scheduled for Christmas Eve. I won’t lie, there’s a part of me inside screaming because we have to be here. It’s absolutely the right choice, but it’s also my first Christmas away from my daughter. It’s incredibly hard. So, while you are out and about this year, if you see someone who doesn’t look happy, know that there are a million reasons why, and take the time to smile at them and share a kind word.
Weekly Inspiration
Christmas Tree Journal Spread
There are so many ways to incorporate Christmas into your journal. Painting a tree in the center of the page is a brilliant plan!
Christmas Bullet Journal Spread
I love the use of color and drawings. If you can’t draw, you could always replace them with stickers or photos!
Gingerbread Bullet Journaling
I adore the gingerbread man! The entire layout using cookies in varying shapes is brilliant. The dangling christmas ornaments are great as well!
The images that I choose for inspiration are not about the links. They are solely about the images and what they represent. I love seeing other people’s journals. I love the inspiration that hits me to go write in my own. Sometimes, that inspiration leads me to try something I have seen on their pages. Mostly, it just inspires me to write!
Weekly Prompts
51.01 What’s on the menu this week?
Do you have multiple meals planned? Is there something you are preparing that you don’t like to eat? Does your menu remain the same year after year? How about a dish for each person? In our family, after the big traditional Thanksgiving menu, the Christmas menu changes and is usually something unique. Sometimes it’s mexican, sometimes just a mix of favorites from each person.
51.02 Do you buy all your gifts before Christmas or are you a last-minute shopper?
Normally, I am a pre-Christmas shopper. I like to have it all done long before Christmas. This year, due to circumstances, I have given everyone cash. I love getting cash myself, it’s free money that I can spend with no guilt. Watching Kate grow up, I saw her excitement when she received cash from others, so the preteen and teenage kids are easy to please with money.
51.03 What is a tradition that you’ll be doing on Christmas Eve?
It’s normal to hear about Christmas morning and dinner and all of the regular traditions. We always have a set of things we do leading up to Christmas as well. Describe your traditions, and if you think you don’t have any, ask your kids. I was reminded of that last night.
51.04 What is a Christmas memory that stands out?
Write about a special Christmas memory, good or bad. I have been blessed with many great Christmases. But when I was about 15, my great-grandfather was ill, and we needed to leave home before Christmas to be there with him. My parents sent us to bed early. They went wild a bit later screaming Santa was outside. It was deeply meaningful then and now that they went out of their way to try and give us Christmas at home before we had to leave.
51.05 What do you do with your Christmas leftovers?
If you don’t prepare a big meal, this may not be an issue. Big meals in our family have always been a big thing. The rule is that the dish should feed everyone at least twice. We usually eat dinner, and then later have a second meal of leftovers. But what about after the fact? What do you do with those leftovers? Any special recipes that have evolved from them?
51.06 Do you prefer a real or artificial tree?
This debate has existed for as long as I can remember. I remember our first artificial tree. The level of maintenance is so much better! I’ve also seen people wanting to go back to real trees in order to not have as much plastic. But then complain because too many trees are dying. So what’s your preference? Why have you made the choice you made, and do the opinions of others affect you?
51.07 Word of the week: Epiphany.
Look it up, write it down, and use it in a sentence or two. We have all heard the standard use of the word epiphany. But did you know there is another that relates to the Christmas season?
I hope these weekly prompts inspire you to think harder, dig deeper, and write a little longer this week. Looking for more prompts? Check out the Divergent Dialogues category to see more weekly prompts, 31+ Fun Journaling Prompts, or head on over to my Pinterest board!
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Happy Journaling!
Sarah G.
