31 December Journal Prompts
1. What was the best thing you learned this year — and why?
Description: Pinpointing a key lesson helps you internalize growth and carry it forward.
Action: Write one way you’ll apply this lesson next year.
2. Create a summary of your year: five favorite moments and five toughest moments.
Description: A balanced year-in-review helps you celebrate wins and learn from setbacks.
Action: Mark one pattern you notice and one small change you’ll make because of it.
3. Describe the best gift you received this year — and why it mattered.
Description: Gifts often reflect relationships, timing, and emotional value.
Action: Send a short thank-you message to the giver (even if it was months ago).
4. Describe the most meaningful gift you gave someone this year.
Description: Giving reveals what you value and how you show care.
Action: Plan one intentional act of giving for this holiday season.
5. List three long-pending goals you want to complete by month-end or year-end.
Description: December energy can help you clear unfinished tasks.
Action: Break each goal into one concrete step you can take this week.
6. What do you hope to accomplish next year? Write three big dreams.
Description: Naming dreams gives them permission to exist and creates focus.
Action: Choose one small habit to start now that supports one dream.
7. What were your greatest achievements this year (big or small)?
Description: Listing achievements builds confidence and reminds you of progress.
Action: Celebrate one achievement with a small reward this week.
8. Which parts of the upcoming year are you most excited about?
Description: Anticipation fuels action — name what excites you to energize planning.
Action: Add one excitement-marker (a date or plan) to your calendar.
9. List five ways you can give back to your local community this holiday season.
Description: Contribution increases meaning and connects you with others.
Action: Commit to one action and note the date you’ll do it.
10. Write a heartfelt letter to someone you love (partner, friend, parent, or child).
Description: Expressing appreciation deepens relationships and preserves memory.
Action: Decide whether to send it, read it aloud, or tuck it into a memory box.
11. Collect ten motivational quotes that inspired you this year.
Description: Curating quotes creates a personalized toolkit for tough days.
Action: Pick one quote as your January mantra and write it somewhere visible.
12. Write a letter to your future self: where do you want to be in 5 years?
Description: Future letters help you clarify long-term values and goals.
Action: Save the letter in a place you’ll revisit (digital file, email-schedule, or sealed envelope).
13. How did you celebrate your birthday this year? What did you learn about yourself?
Description: Birthdays show what nourishes you — community, solitude, or new experiences.
Action: Plan one birthday ritual you’d love to repeat next year.
14. What health wins did you have this year — physical, mental or emotional?
Description: Health progress can be subtle; acknowledging it reinforces healthy choices.
Action: Set one realistic health goal for the next quarter.
15. List the affirmations you used this year. Which ones felt true, and which need changing?
Description: Affirmations shape your inner narrative — refine ones that empower you.
Action: Create three fresh affirmations and speak them each morning for a week.
16. Make a list of things that motivate you — external and internal motivators.
Description: Knowing your motivators helps you design days that actually work for you.
Action: Use one motivator as a reward for completing a small task this week.
17. What books did you read this year? Which one influenced you most?
Description: Books reflect where your curiosity traveled; noticing that helps future reading choices.
Action: Add one book to your “read next” list for January.
18. What is your favorite part of winter vacation and why?
Description: Simple pleasures anchor joy — identify them so you can recreate them anytime.
Action: Plan a tiny winter ritual (hot drink, walk, playlist) this week.
19. What challenged your emotional strength this year and what helped you get through it?
Description: Reflecting on resilience shows your coping strategies and where to strengthen support.
Action: Note one supportive resource (friend, practice, therapist) you’ll lean on when needed.
20. Which decision this year would you do differently and why?
Description: Honest evaluation of decisions converts regret into learning.
Action: Identify one different action you will take if a similar situation arises.
21. If you could change one thing from the past, what would it be?
Description: Naming a regret helps you release it and plan corrective actions.
Action: Write an imaginary forgiveness letter — to yourself or someone else — and then close it.
22. List five habits you adopted this year (good or bad).
Description: Habits compound — noticing them helps you choose which to reinforce or replace.
Action: Pick one habit to tweak and create a 2-week micro-plan to change it.
23. List five decisions (right or wrong) you made this year and what you learned from each.
Description: Decisions shape your year; reflecting reveals patterns and values.
Action: Choose one decision to revisit and outline a better approach next time.
24. Have you started a gratitude practice? List ten things or people you are grateful for right now.
Description: Gratitude shifts perspective from lack to abundance and improves wellbeing.
Action: Send a short gratitude note to one person on your list.
25. List things that make you feel happy instantly (small mood boosters).
Description: Keeping a toolkit of instant joys helps you regulate mood on tough days.
Action: Use one booster today and note how it changed your mood.
26. Name five kind things you can do for yourself this Christmas.
Description: Self-care during the holidays prevents burnout and restores energy.
Action: Schedule one of these acts into your calendar this month.
27. Finish this sentence in ten different ways: “I love Christmas because…”
Description: This playful prompt reconnects you with simple joys and traditions.
Action: Share your favorite reason with someone you care about.
28. Write down a childhood Christmas memory that warms your heart.
Description: Nostalgia is a source of comfort — recall details to savor the memory fully.
Action: Recreate a small element of that memory this season (a song, recipe, or game).
29. What will you do this New Year’s Eve to create a meaningful memory?
Description: Intentional celebrations create memories you’ll cherish.
Action: Draft a simple plan (time, people, activity) for your ideal evening.
30. Rate your year 1–10 and explain your score.
Description: Rating your year helps you evaluate overall satisfaction and progress.
Action: Identify one key area to improve to raise next year’s score by 1 point.
31. Have you finalized your New Year resolutions? Write your top three clearly.
Description: Clear, specific resolutions are easier to act on than vague wishes.
Action: Convert each resolution into one measurable habit and schedule the first step.
