Celebrating the Art of Storytelling: Writing About Holidays

Evan Swensen
December 20, 2024

The smell of cinnamon and evergreen mingles in the air, a sensory reminder of both present warmth and memories of the past. For writers, the holidays are more than just a season; they are an invitation to connect with readers emotionally. The universal appeal of holidays lies in their ability to evoke shared experiences—joyful, bittersweet, or deeply personal. Crafting holiday-themed stories requires a delicate balance of emotion, tradition, and originality, yet the rewards are unparalleled.

Emotion as the Anchor

The holidays offer an emotional palette ready for exploration. They are steeped in nostalgia, gratitude, joy, and even grief. Consider the poignant opening scenes of Little Women, where Christmas is framed not by abundance but by familial love and sacrifice. These moments remind readers of the universal themes that holidays embody.

For writers, this emotional depth is a gift. Use it. Describe the warmth of a crackling fire against the cold outside, the clatter of dishes during a family feast, or even the aching quiet of solitude on a holiday morning. These details ground your story in a sensory reality that resonates.

Traditions and Universality

Holiday traditions are potent tools for storytelling. From decorating a tree to lighting a menorah or gathering for iftar, these rituals offer familiarity and room for creative reinterpretation. Consider how Charles Dickens used the traditions of Victorian England to craft A Christmas Carol, creating a timeless story that shaped modern Christmas celebrations.

To write effectively about traditions, focus on their emotional core. Is it the act of placing the star atop the tree or the shared laughter while doing it? By emphasizing the universal emotions underlying these rituals, writers can connect with readers across cultures and experiences.

Themed Writing Prompts

When inspiration feels elusive, prompts can spark creativity:

Reflect on a cherished holiday memory and how it shaped your perspective.
Write about a holiday from the viewpoint of someone experiencing it for the first time—a child or an immigrant.
Imagine a world where a holiday has a radically different meaning or significance.

These prompts encourage writers to delve into personal and imaginative territory, opening the door to fiction and non-fiction.

Exploring Niche Perspectives

Not everyone experiences holidays the same way. Some are periods of joy, while others might bring stress or sorrow. Highlighting these differences can create stories that resonate with underrepresented perspectives.

Consider the overlooked characters during the holidays: the retail worker on Black Friday, the single parent stretching a budget to make Christmas memorable, or the refugee family celebrating a holiday in a new country. Such narratives bring depth and relatability, reminding readers that holidays are as diverse as those celebrating them.

Practical Tips for Writers

Timing is everything. Plan your content well in advance to catch the holiday interest wave. Magazines and websites often accept submissions months before the season, so your heartfelt Christmas story should be ready by midsummer.

Search engine optimization (SEO) is another critical tool. Keywords like “unique Thanksgiving traditions” or “last-minute holiday gifts” can help your work reach a broader audience. Pair these keywords with engaging visuals—festive images or nostalgic videos to make your content shine.

How-to Guides and Formats

Readers love practical, actionable content. Formats like lists or how-to guides offer both entertainment and value:

“10 Creative Ways to Celebrate the New Year”
“The Story Behind Grandma’s Holiday Cookies”

Blend these with personal narratives to create a richer connection. For example, share how making those cookies became a cherished family tradition. Such stories add depth to otherwise straightforward content.

Marketing Holiday Content

Holidays also present unique marketing opportunities. Many authors tie book promotions or events to specific seasons, such as offering discounts for Valentine’s Day romance novels or holiday-themed giveaways. Anthologies, like Chicken Soup for the Soul: Christmas Treasury, tap into the collective spirit of the holidays, offering readers relatable and heartfelt stories.

Newsletters are another powerful tool. To engage readers, share a holiday memory, a seasonal recipe, or even an excerpt from your work. Collaborations with other writers can amplify these efforts, creating anthologies or cross-promotional events.

Addressing the Dark Side of Holidays

Holidays are not universally joyous. Writers should be encouraged to explore themes of loneliness, loss, or societal critique. For instance, a story about a character navigating their first holiday after a loved one’s death can be profoundly moving. It speaks to the reality that joy and grief often coexist during these times.

Reimagining or Inventing Holidays

In speculative fiction, holidays offer endless possibilities. What might Earth Day look like in a future ravaged by climate change? Or how might a small town invent a holiday to celebrate overcoming adversity? Such reimaginings add richness to storytelling, blending tradition with creativity.

Using Holidays to Deepen Characters

Holidays reveal character. How someone celebrates—or doesn’t—speaks volumes. Does your protagonist find comfort in tradition, or do they resist it? What drives their choices? Think of A Christmas Carol, where Scrooge’s relationship with Christmas reflects his transformation.

Reflection and Call to Action

Holidays remind us of our shared humanity. For writers, they offer a canvas to explore emotion, tradition, and creativity. Whether crafting a tale of festive joy or solemn introspection, your words can become a gift that endures beyond the season.

So, pick a holiday, dive into its meaning, and let your story unfold. The world is waiting to celebrate with you.

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