How To Embrace The Festive Season In Our Writing
Christmas is a time filled with joy, magic, and nostalgia. It’s an ideal setting for storytelling. Whether you’re writing a cosy holiday romance, a heartwarming family tale, or a magical adventure, crafting a Christmas-themed story can help unleash our creativity.
But how can we capture the essence of the festive season while also telling a captivating story? At Derbyshire Writing School, we believe that anyone can bring the spirit of Christmas to life through writing.
That’s why we’ve put together some of our top tips to help you create a memorable Christmas story…
1. Embrace the Spirit of Christmas
At the heart of so many Christmas stories is a sense of warmth, hope, and togetherness. As we’re developing our plot and characters, it gives us the opportunity to think about the core values that we often associate with this time of year. For example, kindness, generosity or love might shape your story.
Whether your story revolves around a family gathering, a romantic relationship, or a personal journey, weaving in these universal themes can make your story feel authentic and uplifting.
Christmas stories are often about connection. This might be between loved ones, strangers, or even with yourself. Reflect on what Christmas means to you, and let those feelings inspire your story.
2. Create a Festive Atmosphere
One of the joys of Christmas stories is the vivid, festive setting that readers can immerse themselves in. Within Christmas stories, the setting often becomes almost a character in itself. It has the power to shape the tone and mood.
Think about how classic Christmas films like Home Alone use the setting to enhance the story. The McCallister home, with its twinkling lights, stockings, and glowing Christmas tree, radiates warmth and holiday cheer.
In contrast, the snow-covered streets and festive neighbourhood highlight Kevin's loneliness after being left behind. The setting creates a powerful emotional tone.
By using descriptive language to showcase these details, we can create a rich atmosphere that makes the story feel magical. If you need some help igniting your festive creativity, our Christmas writing prompts can help.
3. Incorporate Tension
While Christmas is often painted as a joyful time, it can also bring stress and conflict. Family dynamics, Christmas expectations, or financial pressures can provide the tension needed to drive your story forward. For example, maybe your protagonist has to reconcile with a long-lost sibling.
Introducing obstacles for your characters to overcome can be a powerful storytelling tool. It can keep readers hooked to see if the obstacle is overcome. It also gives you the chance to highlight the transformative power of Christmas.
After all, some of the most heart-warming holiday stories stem from moments of personal growth and reconciliation. A Christmas Carol is a great example. Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey from cold-hearted to a generous, caring man is the heart of the story. The theme of redemption, set against the backdrop of the Christmas season, gives the story its emotional depth and enduring appeal.
4. Add a Touch of Magic
Christmas is a time when magic feels possible. Whether it’s a touch of fantasy, like Santa Claus making an appearance, or something more subtle, such as a mysterious stranger who changes everything, adding an element of wonder can elevate your Christmas story.
Magic can come in all forms. In fact, we talk about how to write magic in our blog. If your story leans more towards realism, for example, this sense of enchantment can also be created through the emotions of your characters. Perhaps your protagonist experiences a moment of epiphany or receives an unexpected gift that changes their life.
Magic in Christmas stories doesn’t always have to be literal. It can also be found in the small, meaningful moments that make the holiday special.
The Power Of Christmas Stories
Writing a Christmas-themed story is a wonderful way to capture the magic of the season and share it with others. By embracing the spirit of Christmas, creating a festive atmosphere, and sprinkling in a bit of magic, you can craft a memorable festive tale.
