by I’ve started a super fun new project for December, and I’m excited to share it with you all! Since I love creative journaling and paper craft, I’m setting up a December Daily junk journal using a mini B6-sized lined notebook. I’ve already begun decorating the cover and inside pages so that everything is ready to go when December rolls around. Let me give you a peek at what I’ve done so far!
december daily junk journal cover
For the front and back covers, I used two different Christmas-themed craft papers to add a festive touch. I carefully attached the patterned cardstock over the front and back covers of the notebook using double-sided tape, making sure it adhered smoothly. Then, I trimmed off the excess around the edges of the cover for a neat, clean finish. To complete the look, I added a wide kraft-colored washi-style tape over the spine, which ties it all together with a nicely polished touch. During December, I plan to embellish the cover further—adding extra details as inspiration strikes. It’s already beginning to look special, and I can’t wait to see how it evolves!
Inside Cover – Featuring My Free Printable December Journal Cover
The inside cover is where the fun really begins! I used my free printable December journal cover page, which I blogged about previously. If you haven’t grabbed it yet, you can download it from my Planner Lovers Resource Library. This gorgeous A5-sized cover page is perfect for marking the start of holiday journaling, featuring a Christmas bauble filled with the words “hello December” and surrounded by soft peachy snowflakes.
For my journal, I printed two copies—one on regular paper and one on thicker cardstock (and reduced the size to fit my B6 notebook). I then stuck the paper copy down and used the cardstock bauble to create a raised 3D effect with foam tape. It adds a fun dimensional touch to the cover! I’ll likely keep adding to this cover throughout December, bringing in even more festive layers and detail as the season unfolds.
december daily junk journal – A Peek at Day One
I’ve also prepped my first few pages, and I can’t wait to start journaling in December. The Day One page is decorated with my free printable candy cane patterned paper, a Christmas tree cutout from my Night Before Christmas Junk Journaling papers, and a pocket from the junk journaling folio kit. To mark the first day, I added a cute green circle with the number “1” printed on cardstock and raised it using foam tape for extra texture. Inside the pocket, I tucked in a journaling card, which I decorated with Christmas washi tape and ephemera—perfect for my reflections on December 1st!
A Mix of Stash, Scraps, and Printables
Instead of traditional “junk” materials, I’m crafting this journal with a mix of items I already have on hand. I’m using papers from my stash (some of which I’ve had for ages!), scraps, and printable junk journal pages. I love blending these different textures and styles to create a unique look on each page. It’s amazing how combining stash items and printables brings new life to materials that might have otherwise been forgotten.
Christmas Ephemera & Store-Bought Stickers
To add a festive touch, I’m incorporating some store-bought Christmas ephemera and stickers. These little embellishments bring instant holiday charm to my pages, whether it’s a vintage-style Santa, tiny candy canes, or glittery snowflakes. Adding these elements has really given my journal a cheerful holiday feel, and they pair beautifully with my other paper pieces.
Crafting Pockets, Tags & More by Hand
For pockets, tags, and journaling spots, I’m mixing printable folio kits with some of my favorite tools: metal dies and my trusty old Cuttlebug. I’ve had my Cuttlebug for years, and it’s so satisfying to bring it back into action! Using it to cut out intricate shapes and tags has added a truly handmade touch to my journal. I’ve also been experimenting with creating pockets and layering ephemera, adding depth to each page. Each pocket, tag, and journaling card I make feels like a mini artwork in itself!
Rediscovering My Love for Handmade Paper Craft
The best part of this project has been reconnecting with hands-on paper crafting. After spending so much time in digital design, working with physical materials has been both relaxing and refreshing. There’s something so rewarding about cutting, layering, and arranging each page by hand. I’ve found it to be a wonderfully mindful activity that lets me slow down and enjoy the creative process, especially in the busy lead-up to the holidays.
Prompts for Your December Journal
To help you get started, here are a few December journaling prompts you can use to make your own holiday journal extra special:
- December 1st – Setting Intentions: What are your goals for the month? How do you want to feel by the end of December?
- Holiday Traditions: Write about your favorite traditions or new ones you want to start this year.
- Season of Giving: Reflect on the importance of giving—whether it’s gifts, time, or acts of kindness.
- Seasonal Reflections: Describe the sights, sounds, and smells of the season that make you feel festive. Whether it’s the warmth and sunshine of summer or the cozy chill of winter, reflect on what this time of year means to you.
- Christmas Past: What’s a favorite holiday memory from childhood, and how does it influence your holiday spirit today?
- Comforting Moments: What brings you comfort during this time of year? Describe your ideal day for relaxation, whether it’s wrapped in a blanket with hot cocoa or enjoying a warm breeze outdoors.
These prompts can help you reflect and get creative as you journal through the holiday season!
Follow Along on Instagram
If you’re interested in following my progress, I’ll be sharing more sneak peeks of my pages on Instagram. In December, I’ll do my best to share each completed page as much as I can! I’m really looking forward to seeing how this project comes together, and I hope it inspires you to create your own December Daily journal. Let’s make this holiday season a crafty and memorable one!
I’d love to hear if you’re doing a December Daily or similar project this year. Let me know in the comments, and feel free to share your own ideas or tips!
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