December can be such a good month for a drawing challenge. The energy of the year winding down, the cozy feeling of shorter days, and the natural pause before January kicks up again—all of it makes December feel like the right time to slow down and focus on creative habits.
I usually set a simple, personal December drawing goal every year. Something that isn't about pressure or showing off, but about enjoying the act of drawing itself.
My approach to drawing is pretty observational. I start by capturing the big shapes, move to the smaller ones, and I let the imperfections stay. I try to express them instead of smoothing them out. Drawing this way helps me stay present. It turns every session into a little moment of mindfulness.
If you're looking for some ideas to structure your December drawing sessions, I'll share a few strategies and themes that have helped me stick with it even when things get busy.
Key Points
- Choose a realistic goal that fits your December schedule, even if it's as small as one drawing a week.
- Focus on observation over perfection—capture the big shapes and let the imperfections live in your work.
- Use loose prompts like themes or categories rather than strict daily lists to keep the challenge fun and flexible.
December Drawing Themes to Try
When I plan my December drawing, I like to keep it simple but meaningful. Instead of a strict daily list, I usually pick a theme or a type of subject that I can explore throughout the month. That way, I can adapt to busy days without feeling guilty about “falling behind.”
Some themes I've tried (and loved):
- Winter Nature: Sketch pine cones, bare branches, snow scenes. I usually bring a little sketchbook with me on winter walks and just capture what I notice. For extra inspiration, check out nature journaling ideas.
- Cozy Indoor Scenes: Capture your coffee mug, a stack of books, candles, or a sleeping cat. Sometimes I just sit in my living room, find a corner with interesting light and shapes, and sketch whatever's there.
- Urban Sketching: Even if you're just sketching your living room or a messy kitchen counter, drawing spaces can be grounding. I've found urban sketching techniques really help make even ordinary scenes feel interesting.
- Holiday Details: Draw ornaments, wrapping paper, festive lights, and small seasonal touches around you. I like picking one small object and drawing it a few times from different angles.
If you want even more open-ended theme inspiration, you might like my guide on drawing themes for students.
Tips for Making a December Drawing Habit Stick
Even though I love sketching, December can get busy fast. Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to keep drawing without feeling overwhelmed.
Keep Your Materials Accessible
One thing that’s helped me is keeping a small sketch kit ready to go. Just a pencil, a pen, and a small sketchbook. You don't need a fancy setup—the simpler, the better. I sometimes even use a cheap ballpoint pen and draw in a paperback-sized sketchbook I can throw in my bag. You can see some ideas for low-pressure materials in my drawing boot camp.
Embrace Imperfection
This is huge. Some of my favorite December drawings are the “messy” ones—quick sketches of a friend laughing, a lumpy Christmas tree, a half-drawn cookie. I used to freeze up trying to make “good” drawings. Now, I aim to make expressive ones. If you struggle with being too hard on yourself, I talk about this a lot in drawing is imperfect.
Build a Personal Ritual
Sometimes I light a candle or make a cup of tea before sitting down to draw. It’s a small thing, but having a ritual signals to my brain that it’s time to slow down and sketch. December is naturally good for building cozy rituals. Some evenings, I’ll even put on a soft playlist and just sketch whatever’s in front of me.
Fun December Drawing Prompts
If you want a few specific prompt ideas without feeling trapped by a strict “draw this exact thing today” list, here are some flexible suggestions I've used:
- Draw something you see from your window. I like to sketch rooftops, trees, or birds.
- Sketch a family recipe card or a holiday recipe you’re making. Bonus points for messy handwriting and flour smudges.
- Illustrate your favorite winter memory. It doesn’t have to be photorealistic—capture the feeling.
- Make a messy, expressive drawing of a winter coat or scarf. I love how big, chunky clothes give you permission to be loose with lines.
- Draw your pet (or a neighbor’s pet) snoozing indoors. Sleeping animals make the best still life models.
- Create a series of simple winter botanical sketches. Even dried weeds and leaves have great structure this time of year.
You can find even more simple, non-overwhelming ideas in my simple daily drawing prompts guide.
How to Adapt if You Fall Behind
Sometimes December plans don't go perfectly. I’ve learned to treat my drawing challenges like a flexible framework, not a rigid set of rules. If I miss a few days, I just pick it up again. No guilt.
One thing that's helped me is thinking of drawing as documentation—a sketchbook is like a snapshot album, not a report card. I talk a lot more about this kind of flexible creative mindset in creative in drawing and expressive drawing.
Other Resources If You Need Inspiration
If you’re feeling stuck or want more structured help, you might like my post on how to find your drawing style or even browse some easy ideas for drawing to get unstuck.
Or if you want to work on scenes, not just objects, I’ve got tutorials on how to draw a scene and sketching scenes.
There’s a whole online sketching courses section if you want something even more in-depth for next year too.
I hope you set up a December drawing plan that feels supportive and joyful. Even a few drawings will create memories you can flip through later. Let me know if you end up trying any of these ideas!