Writing About the Holidays
The holidays are a time full of holiday-themed movies and music. Just like binge-watching your favorite movies and shows, there are a bunch of holiday-themed books and stories! If you are planning on writing or you are snuggling up with a cozy read this season, let’s think about how you can write about the holidays. I have just a few points to share today that can really increase the impact of your writing. Think about your setting and its importance, your reason for choosing that setting, clichés, and more!
Make Your Setting Matter
You can pick a holiday-themed setting, but you need your plot to match. Make it so your story cannot happen anywhere else or at any other time of the year because the setting is essential. Here is a simple example of a too general plot:
Setting: Christmas Cabin
Plot:
A family disagreement.
Someone arrives late.
Someone goes missing.
All these plot points can literally happen anywhere. Let’s adjust them to match a holiday setting at a Christmas Cabin.
Plot Two:
The family has a disagreement because one person wanted to fly south to a resort instead.
There is a bad snowstorm which makes someone late.
Someone goes missing in the snow.
These are still quite random BUT they are more tailored to your setting.
Do Not Write for no Reason
Picking to write a story around a holiday cannot be random or “just because.” You can write about anything you want but make sure there is a reason why you are writing a story with this particular setting or theme. Do not write a holiday story because you want to attract a niche of readers who love to read holiday stories at the end of the year. Your readers will notice.
Ask yourself why you are picking this setting or theme. What does it bring to the table?
What new take are you presenting with this idea?
What role does the setting or theme play in the plot?
What events does the setting or theme inspire?
Do Your Research
If you are writing about a holiday you do not personally experience or celebrate—roll up your sleeves and get ready to do some research!
There are many resources: online, books, movies, music, events, etc. Research can be fun. Immerse yourself and don’t be afraid to try something new as you learn about your chosen topic. Remember that a holiday or event may have regional or historical differences compared to how it is celebrated today that will need to be understood.
i.e., Christmas in America VS Germany.
i.e., Hannukah in 2022 VS 1922.
As a kind reminder, people are the perfect resource to learn more about a tradition, culture, and event but remember it is never someone’s responsibility or owed duty to explain their culture to you. You may politely ask but never demand or assume you are owed an explanation.
Clichés
Clichés are words or phrases that are overused—so much so that their original power and meaning have become diluted over time. Or more simply, if your reader sees one, they might roll their eyes.
Avoid these at all costs. There are gajillions of unique words and phrases out there. Make something up and do your own thing. Of course, just like those who celebrate Christmas and watch cheesy holiday movies, you might be craving the clichés because they are expected and are so intertwined with the stories we know. Be sure to think about this as you decide whether you can use the old phrases or reinvent them. I still recommend reinventing them but if you are at least self-aware of what words you are choosing, then that alone is amazing already.
Examples of clichés:
I let go of a breath I didn’t realize I was holding…
Sunny smile
Plenty of fish in the sea
The wrong side of the bed
Twas the night before Christmas…
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…
Let it snow, let it snow…
White as snow
Rosy cheeks
Eyes black as coal
What holiday clichés can you think of? My only experience is of Christmas and New Years so what ones can you think of?
Conclusion
Seasonal writing is a fun way to shake things up. Happy writing and happy holidays!
Best,
Danni Lynn