Christmas Songwriting Prompts
20 Christmas ideas to kick start your Idea Bank
A few years ago, I was in a co-write with a very successful songwriter who had written several #1 hits in the Christian and Country charts. We were both out of ideas! So, I took out my Idea Bank and suggested an idea I'd developed using the Timezones Song Map. He looked up from his computer, his face lit up, and said,
"I’d LOVE to write that!!".
It was a great feeling to know that my idea had sparked inspiration and that we were about to collaborate on something special. We ended up writing an amazing song that day (tho I say it myself), and it was all thanks to the power of songwriting prompts, the importance of organization, and, specifically, the beauty of having an Idea Bank with me (for more, click here).
An Early Gift…
Songwriting prompts are a great way to kickstart your creativity, especially when it comes to the festive season. They can help you come up with new ideas and explore different angles for your Christmas songwriting.
So, as a Christmas treat, I thought it might be fun to give you a few prompts (actually, 20 prompts) to kick-start your Idea Bank ready for this time next year. And maybe, with the juice of this year’s season coming closer and closer, you might want to capture a few more ideas to add to them.
20 Christmas Ideas to kick start your Idea Bank
The ideas here will provide you with a diverse range of prompts that cover various aspects of Christmas, sparking your imagination and helping you craft unique and memorable songs. Whether you're a seasoned songwriter or just starting, you'll find these prompts helpful.
Remember, the beauty of songwriting lies in expressing your unique perspective and emotions. So, use these prompts as a springboard, and don't hesitate to add your own personal touch and creativity!
20 Christmas Songwriting Prompts
1. The Unexpected Guest: What if a stranger shows up at your Christmas Eve dinner, bringing with them a heartwarming story that changes everyone's perspective on the holiday?
2. The Forgotten Ornament: Every ornament on a Christmas tree has a story. Choose one with a unique history, maybe passed down through generations, and tell its tale.
3. A Christmas Carol Mashup: Blend two classic Christmas carols together, creating a surprising and delightful new arrangement that brings fresh energy to familiar tunes.
4. The Gift of Service: How about writing a song about someone who dedicates their Christmas to acts of kindness and service for others instead of giving material presents?
5. Letters to Santa: Imagine reading through a pile of letters to Santa. What wishes, dreams, and hopes do they reveal about the children who wrote them?
6. The First Snowfall of Winter: Capture the magic and wonder of the season's first snowfall, as seen through the eyes of someone experiencing it for the first time.
7. Christmas in a Different Land: Explore how Christmas is celebrated in a different culture or country, highlighting unique traditions and customs (see Song Maps for the Places map).
8. A Christmas Time Travel Adventure: Imagine traveling back in time to experience Christmas in a different era, such as Victorian England or the first Christmas.
9. The Animal's Perspective: Write a song from the point of view of an animal, such as a donkey, a sheep, a reindeer, a snowman, or a Christmas tree, sharing their unique perspective on the holiday (see Song Maps for the Roles map).
10. The Christmas Truce: Inspired by the true events of World War I, write a song about the Christmas truce where soldiers on opposing sides laid down their arms to celebrate together. And my oh my, do we need peace this year?
11. The Night Before Christmas Rewrite: Reimagine the classic poem "The Night Before Christmas" from a modern perspective, adding your own twists and turns. (see Song Maps for the Timezones map).
12. Christmas Under the Stars: Capture the serenity and beauty of a starry Christmas night, using descriptive language to evoke a sense of awe and wonder.
13. A Christmas Wish: Write a song about a heartfelt Christmas wish, exploring themes of hope, longing, and the magic of the season.
14. The Christmas Lights: Use the imagery of Christmas lights to symbolize hope, joy, and the spirit of giving during the holiday season.
15. The Journey Home for Christmas: Write a song about the anticipation and excitement of traveling home for Christmas, focusing on the emotions and memories associated with the journey and joining friends and family.
16. A Christmas Lullaby: Craft a soothing and gentle lullaby that captures the peace and tranquility of a silent night, perfect for a Christmas Eve bedtime story.
17. Christmas Through a Child's Eyes: Rediscover the wonder and magic of Christmas through a child's innocent perspective, emphasizing the holiday's simple joys.
18. A Christmas Memory: Reflect on a cherished Christmas memory from your past, bringing it to life through vivid details and heartfelt emotions.
19. The Unsung Heroes of Christmas: Celebrate the often overlooked individuals who work tirelessly during the holidays, such as retail workers, postal carriers, and first responders.
20. A Christmas Message of Hope: Write a song that carries a powerful message of hope, peace, and love, reminding listeners of the true meaning of Christmas.
In Summary
These prompts offer a range of ideas to stimulate your Christmas songwriting journey. Remember to:
Focus on your unique perspective and emotions.
Embrace the power of storytelling and imagery.
Explore different genres and lyrical techniques.
To learn more about song mapping and other techniques to enhance your songwriting, check out my books Song Maps and The Organized Songwriter. These books can provide valuable insights and strategies to elevate your songwriting craft.
Questions
Here are a few questions just to make you think about this season.
Which prompt resonates most with you, and why?
What unique angle or story can you bring to your chosen prompt?
What emotions do you want to evoke in your listeners?
Hope this helps!
Happy Christmas!
Simon.