The holiday season is a magical time filled with festivities, food, family, and, for many writers, an ever-present desire to stay productive. But let’s face it: the holidays are demanding. Between shopping for gifts, planning meals, attending events, and squeezing in some much-needed downtime, finding time to write can feel like an overwhelming challenge. Still, it's possible to embrace the joy of the season while making meaningful progress on your writing. The key is striking a balance between productivity and relaxation.

Here’s how to write and relax during the holidays without burning yourself out:

Set Realistic Writing Goals

The holidays are not your usual writing environment. With all the events and responsibilities that come with this time of year, it’s important to set writing goals that are realistic and flexible. Don’t set yourself up for disappointment by expecting to write 1,000 words every day if you’re also hosting a family dinner or attending multiple holiday parties.

Instead, adjust your goals to suit the season. Perhaps aim for writing 20-30 minutes a day or a smaller word count goal—say, 300 words—during busy days. You can also focus on completing smaller tasks like editing a chapter, outlining the next scene, or brainstorming ideas for your next project. The important thing is that you stay connected to your writing without overloading yourself.

📍 Writing Tip: Break down your goals into manageable pieces. Rather than aiming to finish a full draft before the new year, aim for a specific scene, chapter, or piece of research. Celebrate small wins to keep the momentum going.

Create a Cozy Writing Environment

One of the joys of the holidays is the opportunity to turn your space into a festive haven. The more inviting your writing environment, the more likely you'll feel inspired to write. Whether you have a dedicated writing nook or a cozy spot on the couch, add elements that make it feel festive and relaxing. Think twinkling Christmas lights, the smell of freshly baked cookies, or the sound of holiday music in the background. A comfortable environment can help you ease into your writing without the stress of a chaotic workspace.

📍 Writing Tip: Set the tone with a holiday-themed writing playlist. Classical or instrumental holiday music can create a calm atmosphere conducive to productivity. If you prefer silence, consider nature sounds or white noise to keep distractions at bay.

Embrace Writing in Small Bursts

Writing during the holidays doesn’t require long, uninterrupted hours. Instead, embrace the power of short, focused writing sessions. You can write in quick bursts, perhaps during a quiet moment before the festivities begin or after the kids have gone to bed. These mini-writing sprints can be incredibly effective and allow you to make steady progress without feeling like you're sacrificing other holiday activities.

Writing in small bursts can also reduce the pressure many writers feel to complete entire chapters or large sections in one sitting. Shorter writing sessions can be just as effective and often lead to better focus and creativity.

📍 Writing Tip: Use a timer for 20-minute writing sessions to make the most of your time. During these periods, try to eliminate distractions—turn off your phone, close any open tabs, and focus solely on your writing. Afterward, take a break to recharge.

Take Guilt-Free Breaks

Writers are often their own harshest critics, especially during the holiday season when the pressure to both relax and be productive peaks. But you deserve a break, too! The holidays are meant to be enjoyed, and time spent with family, friends, and loved ones can also nurture your creativity. Don’t guilt yourself into thinking you must write every day or meet a certain word count during this busy season. Taking a break from writing to focus on rest and relaxation can ultimately make your writing stronger.

📍 Writing Tip: Step away from your writing to enjoy holiday traditions like decorating the tree, baking cookies, or going for a walk. These activities can recharge your creative batteries, leaving you feeling refreshed when you return to your work.

Incorporate the Spirit of the Season into Your Writing

The holiday season is filled with inspiration, from the snowflakes gently falling outside to the joy of giving and receiving. Why not bring some of that festive magic into your writing? Even if your project isn't Christmas-themed, you can still draw on the themes of the season—like family, tradition, hope, and reflection. These elements can make your writing richer and more emotionally engaging.

Consider incorporating some of the vivid imagery of the season into your work. A story set in winter might benefit from descriptions of frosty windows, cozy firesides, or the quiet stillness of snow-covered streets. If you’re writing fiction, think about how the holidays might impact your characters. How do they feel during this time of year? Are they celebrating with their family, feeling isolated, or dealing with complicated relationships?

📍 Writing Tip: Take inspiration from holiday symbols. The glow of Christmas lights, the sound of carolers, or the warmth of a shared meal can evoke strong emotions in your readers—and in you as the writer.

Stay Flexible with Your Routine

The holidays rarely go according to plan. Unexpected guests, last-minute shopping trips, or an impromptu visit to a holiday market might throw your writing schedule off track. Instead of sticking rigidly to your routine, try to remain flexible. If you miss a writing day, don’t stress. The next day offers a fresh opportunity to get back to it.

Remember, flexibility doesn’t mean abandoning your goals altogether—it means adapting to the season and maintaining a positive mindset. Sometimes, a little space between writing sessions can spark new ideas and insights.

📍 Writing Tip: Use a digital or physical calendar to plan your writing and holiday commitments. Being able to see when you have free time to write (and when you need to prioritize family and fun) will help you manage your expectations and time more effectively.

Find Inspiration in Holiday Traditions

Holiday traditions can spark powerful memories and emotions, making them a goldmine for writers. Whether it’s the nostalgia of a family Christmas dinner or the serene beauty of a snowy landscape, these moments can add depth to your work. Use your personal holiday experiences as a source of inspiration for your characters or scenes. Think about the smells, sights, sounds, and feelings that come with these traditions, and incorporate them into your writing.

📍 Writing Tip: Keep a small notebook with you or use your phone to jot down ideas that come to you during family dinners, walks through the snow, or while wrapping gifts. You never know when a simple holiday moment might trigger a burst of creative inspiration.

Prioritize Self-Care

Amidst the holiday cheer, it’s easy to overlook your well-being. Writing can be demanding, especially during a busy time of year, but self-care should always be a priority. Whether it’s taking a quiet moment to meditate, going for a walk, or curling up with a book, caring for your physical and mental health will enhance your creativity and energy levels. Stress can hinder creativity, so ensure you’re taking time to unwind and recharge.

📍 Writing Tip: Schedule regular breaks for yourself, and make them non-negotiable. These could be short but meaningful moments, like a quiet cup of tea in the morning, a brisk walk after lunch, or an afternoon nap. These self-care practices help prevent burnout and keep your mind fresh for writing.

Celebrate Your Achievements

As the year winds down, it’s essential to take a moment to reflect on your accomplishments. No matter how big or small, celebrating your achievements—whether it’s completing a chapter, finishing your manuscript, or even just staying consistent with your writing routine—is vital for maintaining motivation.

The holidays are a great time to look back at how far you’ve come and what you’ve achieved. Acknowledge your hard work, and allow yourself to feel proud of everything you’ve accomplished. This celebration not only boosts morale but also provides a sense of accomplishment that can carry you through to the next year.

📍 Writing Tip: Consider creating a writing highlights list or a vision board to celebrate your wins. Reflecting on the progress you’ve made will keep you inspired and ready to set new goals for the upcoming year.

A Balanced Approach to Writing and Relaxation

The key to writing and relaxing during the holiday season is balance. While it’s important to stay connected to your work, the holiday season is also a time to rest, recharge, and enjoy the company of loved ones. By setting realistic goals, creating a cozy writing environment, embracing flexibility, and giving yourself permission to take breaks, you can make the most of this special time of year.

Wishing you a festive holiday season filled with both relaxation and creative breakthroughs.

Happy writing and happy holidays!

How to Write and Relax During the Holidays