What is the December Doodles Challenge?
The December Doodles Challenge is a month-long art event inviting artists to create a simple doodle each day in December, and it’s a hoot! Each day has a different prompt, usually centered around winter and holiday themes like “cozy sweater,” “snowman,” or “hot cocoa.” It’s a fantastic way for artists, especially beginners, to practice drawing consistently and join a community of fellow creatives, all while diving into seasonal inspiration.
We’ll walk you through how December Doodles originated, where to find the best prompts and how to make the most out of the challenge.
How to get started with December Doodles?
Jumping into the December Doodles Challenge is easy:
- Pick your prompts: Choose a prompt list that fits your vibe. Some lists focus on holiday themes, while others may include more general wintery ideas.
- Decide on your medium: Grab your sketchbook, tablet, or even some pens and markers! You don’t need fancy tools; anything that lets you draw comfortably works.
- Set your own pace: While December Doodles is a daily challenge, it’s totally fine to skip a day or do multiple prompts in one go. The goal is to keep drawing, not to feel pressured.
December Doodles Prompts
Here is a list of classic prompt ideas for a full month of doodles:
- Chair (maybe with a Santa hat?)
- Coffee Mug (with festive pattern)
- Pencil (as a tiny candy cane)
- Book (wrapped in lights)
- Spoon (reflecting Christmas scenes)
- Light Bulb (filled with snow)
- Key (as an ornament)
- Door (decorated for holidays)
- Clock (counting down to Christmas)
- Phone (displaying holiday messages)
- Glasses (reflecting winter scenes)
- Fork (as a tiny Christmas tree)
- Umbrella (catching snowflakes)
- Shoe (as an elf's boot)
- Pillow (with holiday patterns)
- Mirror (showing festive reflections)
- Bottle (as a snow globe)
- Paper Clip (as a sleigh runner)
- Sock (as a mini stocking)
- Bowl (filled with ornaments)
- Scissors (cutting snowflakes)
- Tape (with holiday patterns)
- Brush (painting holiday scenes)
- Button (as a tiny wreath)
- Box (as a present)
- Basket (full of pine cones)
- Stapler (decorated with tinsel)
- Calendar (counting to new year)
- Pen (writing in frost)
- Notebook (with holiday doodles)
- Watch (striking midnight)
Click on the image and download the December Doodle prompt list as a PDF:
These are just examples; each year, new prompt lists pop up from various creators on Instagram, Pinterest, and art communities like DeviantArt or Reddit. Use them, your imagination or get surprised by a Holiday prompts generator.
Why participate in the December Doodles challenge?
This is why we love December Doodles:
- Building drawing habit: By sketching every day, you strengthen your drawing skills, explore different styles, and improve your technique bit by bit.
- Creative outlet during holidays: It’s a cozy way to celebrate the season, turning the winter days into something more fun and creative.
- Community connection: When you share your work on social media (using tags like #DecemberDoodles or #DecemberDoodlesChallenge), you get to connect with others and see different takes on the same prompts.
December Doodles Challenge Alternatives
If the winter holiday theme doesn’t fully resonate, don’t worry—there are other art challenges in December! Some artists join Drawcember or other December art challenges focused on daily drawings with a December twist but offering broader themes. Some challenges even focus on nature or winter animals, giving artists flexibility to find a prompt list that inspires them most.
And for those with an extra festive spirit, we have prepared an entire list of Christmas art prompts!
Tips to stay consistent with December Doodles
Staying motivated for an entire month can be tough. Here are some tips to keep you going:
- Plan ahead: Sketch out rough ideas for each prompt in advance so you’re not scrambling for ideas each day.
- Batch drawings: Some artists like to tackle multiple prompts in one sitting, especially if they know they’ll have a busy week.
- Engage with others: Follow the challenge hashtags to see how others interpret the prompts. Commenting on or sharing others’ work can keep you inspired.
- Make it yours: If a prompt doesn’t resonate, modify it! The idea is to have fun and explore your creativity.
Conclusion
The December Doodles Challenge is a light-hearted, fun way to stay creative, connect with others, and practice drawing in a low-stakes environment. You don’t have to complete every single day to get something out of it; the main thing is to enjoy the process and maybe try something new. So grab your sketchbook, pick a prompt, and see where your winter doodles take you!
