8 Ways to Spread Holiday Joy with your Writing

Are you still stuck trying to decide what to give your favorite people for Christmas? Do you find it hard to locate a present that will be meaningful to the recipient? Or do you want to share cheer and joy in a creative way, but often find yourself roadblocked by the "Scrooge-y" side of the holidays?

What if you considered your writing as a gift this season?

Writers have a unique ability and opportunity to spread Christmas joy in creative ways, and December is the perfect time to share that joy--through actual writing projects and gifts.

If you're still looking for that perfect gift, consider offering your writing as a gift to loved ones. Or find the time to write and spread some cheer to people you may not even know.

Here are 8 ideas to do so:

1) Send an encouraging Christmas email to family and friends.

You can go the route of a traditional Christmas letter, providing information about what your family has done during the past year. But what if you did things a little differently this year? Write a fictional short story or write a personal reflection about what the holidays mean to you, then send it to your family and friends.

2) Help a child in your life create a picture book.

Do you have a young child, grandchild, other relative, or child of a friend in your life? Help him or her create a holiday story and then illustrate it. (Some ideas: the story of a Christmas character; an autobiographical story of something the child loves about Christmas.) This is a great way to encourage writing, and is also a wonderful gift idea they can present to others. (If you're also an artist, you can help him illustrate the story as well.)

3) Submit a letter to the editor or essay on the holiday season to your local newspaper.

Local publications often need submissions, especially during the holiday season when things are especially busy. Write a letter to the editor or craft a personal essay about what the season means to you. (How to do it: Look up your local newspaper's website and find a submission form for letters to the editor; or give your local editor a call to gauge his interest.)

4) Write and publish a Christmas story here on Vocal.

Write a holiday-themed story to publish on Vocal, then share the link with your family members, friends, fellow writers, and people on your social media accounts. The story possibilities are endless--fictional short story (romance! mystery! slice-of-life!), how-to piece, personal essay or reflection, a set of poems, etc.

5) Write and post an inspirational thought every day before Christmas.

Write brief posts each day on Facebook or Instagram, or write a special series for your blog if you have one. Writing everyday will create something your followers and friends will look forward to; what a wonderful way to inspire others and remind them everyday of the cheerful side of the holidays.

6) Tell and share a family story.

Several years ago I interviewed my husband's grandmother about her early life and marriage, then I wrote the stories and bound them in a small album with photographs. There are many ways you can do something similarly; gather stories about your family's favorite holiday recipes, write about your early Christmas memories, interview family members about their favorite memories or gifts, put together a chronological history of family stories. This is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give; we often forget to record family stories until it's too late.

7) Give a gift of your writing.

If you're a published author, gift your book to someone in your life who might enjoy it. Add a pretty bookmark and a coffee mug (who doesn't like to enjoy coffee or cocoa while reading?) to make it especially festive. If you aren't published or if you want to create something new for the holidays: bind a collection of essays, short stories, or poems to give to family or friends.

8) Write a letter to someone you appreciate.

The art and practice of letter writing has all but disappeared in recent years, but there's still something extremely special about receiving a letter from someone you love. This Christmas, write a letter expressing your gratitude and love to a special family member or friend. Write it in your own handwriting on pretty paper and in an envelope, then mail it. Even better--hand deliver it!

The old saying goes, "It's more blessed to give than to receive." Make the holidays extra special by giving your creativity to others this year.