Menu
Write your book in Reedsy Studio. Try the beloved writing app for free today.
Win up to $250 in our weekly writing contest
Submit your short story on Reedsy Prompts.
DIRECTORY
34 Best Christmas Short Story Ideas
Showing 34 short story ideas curated by Reedsy.
Write a story in the form of a diary that journals every day in the month leading up to Christmas.
Write about a character who is confused about what a White Elephant gift exchange is, and ends up going on a search for an actual white elephant.
You're one of Santa Claus's elves, and wishes on childrens' wishlists from around the world this Christmas have gone through the roof. Literally. Now you need to somehow find a repairman to fix Santa's roof before Santa finds out.
You were put in charge of getting your great-grandmother a gift this year by your family — but she's old enough that she's already seen, heard, and experienced everything under the sun. What do you get her?
Set your story entirely under mistletoe.
Santa Claus is backed up with orders recently, and you're in charge of writing the official letter of apology to all of the children around the world informing them that their presents may arrive a week late this year.
Santa Claus had one too many pork chops during the pre-Christmas feast, and now he's stuck in the chimney — and there are footsteps approaching!
In a series of letters to Santa, write a story about growing up.
Write a story that starts with the pick-up line, "I must be a snowflake because I’ve fallen for you."
Write about a white Christmas in California.
Set your story at a busy airport during Christmas week.
"What? You're Father who? I don't know no Father Christmas, now get off of my lawn!"
Write a story set at a peppermint convention for people obsessed with peppermint.
Write a story in which a Christmas song plays an important role in the plot.
Write a story about a family's Christmas tradition that has to change this year, for one reason or another.
Your parents named you Holly after your grandmother, and you just accepted an invite for a group called The Jolly Hollies thinking that it was a club for people with your name. Turns out that it's actually an annual caroling group, and you can't sing.
Find the perfect editor for your next book
Over 1 million authors trust the professionals on Reedsy. Come meet them.
Save your shortlist
Enter your email address to save your shortlist so that you don't lose it!
By continuing, you will also receive Reedsy's weekly publishing tips and access to our free webinars.
Check your email
We've sent over your shortlist. Thank you for using Reedsy's Short Story Ideas Directory 🙌
