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34 Best Christmas Short Story Ideas

Showing 34 short story ideas curated by Reedsy.

You just discovered that you can teleport into one Hallmark Christmas rom-com of your choosing. Which movie do you choose, and what happens differently in the movie because of your arrival?

Set your story at a disastrous gift exchange.

Write about a white Christmas in California.

You participated in your office's Secret Santa, but no one will admit to buying your gift. Write a story about the search for the mysterious gifter.

Write a story about Christmas from the perspective of someone who hates Christmas.

Write a story about a family's Christmas tradition that has to change this year, for one reason or another.

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?

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.

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.

"I didn't believe in Christmas until now." What might have happened to cause this character to say this?

You are going home for Christmas for the first time in twenty-five years.

Write a story about a search for a Santa suit.

Write about Christmas from the perspective of the local cat.

Write a story that begin and ends around an awkward Christmas dinner table.

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.

Write a story that starts with the pick-up line, "I must be a snowflake because I’ve fallen for you."

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