The end of the year marks a perfect time to reflect on creativity and capture the essence of the season through a special photography project. Whether you are a seasoned photographer or a beginner, taking part in a photography challenge can be an inspiring and rewarding experience. This final challenge for the year is a delightful one, the December Daily, a project that encourages you to take a photo every single day leading up to Christmas.
If you’re new to this concept, no worries—this project is simple, fun, and flexible. This will not only allow you to capture precious holiday moments but also offer an opportunity to improve your photography skills over the course of the month. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to document the holiday season and create lasting memories that can be revisited in the years to come. Whether you plan to share your images with loved ones, create a photo book, or simply enjoy looking back on your photos, the December Daily is a great way to end the year with a creative bang!
What Exactly is a December Daily?
A December Daily is an engaging and flexible photography project that invites you to capture one photo every day for the 25 days leading up to Christmas. This project, initially popularized by the scrapbooking community, has become a beloved tradition for those looking to document the essence of the holiday season. It’s a way to celebrate the small moments and special memories that unfold throughout December. It’s not about crafting polished, highly-styled shots. Instead, it’s about embracing the authentic, raw, and unscripted moments that make this time of year so unique and magical.
At its core, the December Daily is about creating a visual story of your holiday season. From the first winter snowflakes to the warmth of family gatherings, each day provides an opportunity to capture the joy, the stress, and the beauty of the season in your own way. What makes the project truly special is its focus on personal storytelling, allowing you to document your experiences as you see and feel them, without the pressure to fit into any particular mold or follow a set of rules.
The Beauty of Freedom in December Daily
Unlike many other structured photography projects that dictate the types of photos you should take, the December Daily offers total creative freedom. There’s no prescribed theme, no specific subject matter, and no pressure to capture “perfect” holiday moments. Instead, you’re encouraged to photograph anything that feels meaningful to you on any given day. Perhaps one day you might capture a moment of joy, like your children’s excitement as they open their stockings, while another day could focus on something quiet, like the comforting glow of candles on a snowy evening.
This creative flexibility allows you to focus on the small, often overlooked details that make your holiday season special. Whether it’s the texture of wrapping paper, the scent of pine needles, or the sound of holiday music filling the air, these moments can all be captured and preserved in a way that’s uniquely yours. The December Daily is about embracing the mundane, finding beauty in the everyday, and celebrating those fleeting moments that come and go without us fully noticing them. The project encourages you to observe your surroundings with fresh eyes, allowing the ordinary to become extraordinary through the lens of your camera.
A Personal Story Through Photography
The power of the December Daily lies in its ability to tell a personal story through images. As you capture each day’s moments, you begin to weave together a visual narrative that reflects not only the festivities of the season but also your emotions, traditions, and experiences. Whether you’re photographing a bustling Christmas market, the quiet serenity of a snowy day, or a favorite holiday recipe being shared with loved ones, each photo adds depth to the overall story of your December.
By the time you’ve completed the 25 days, you will have a collection of images that tell a complete story of your holiday season—your version of the most wonderful time of the year. These photos can serve as a powerful reminder of what made this season special, and when revisited in the years to come, they’ll bring back memories of all the little things you might have otherwise forgotten. The December Daily encourages you to capture your emotions, not just your surroundings, allowing you to document how you felt during this festive time.
The Flexibility of Themes and Subjects
One of the best aspects of the December Daily project is its openness to a wide variety of subjects. There are no restrictions on what you can photograph. You might be at a family gathering, baking cookies with friends, shopping for gifts, or simply enjoying a quiet moment by the fire. Every day offers a new opportunity to capture a fresh perspective, and the project can be as personal or as public as you choose. You could focus on documenting family traditions, the decorations in your home, or the atmosphere of the season in your community.
You might photograph the twinkling lights on your tree, a snowy street, or a joyful family dinner. Alternatively, you can choose to document your personal experiences—like the stress of holiday shopping, the calm of a solo walk through winter’s crisp air, or the satisfaction of creating a handmade gift. The December Daily doesn’t dictate what constitutes a valid or worthy subject. The goal is to capture what speaks to you on any given day.
The Role of Spontaneity and Imperfection
A significant aspect of the December Daily is its embrace of spontaneity and imperfection. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that every photo needs to be perfectly staged or edited, but this project challenges that notion. Instead, it celebrates the beauty of unposed, real moments. After all, it’s the unplanned and unscripted moments that often hold the most meaning. Perhaps you capture a blurry photo of your child laughing, or a shot of a half-eaten plate of cookies. These imperfect, authentic images are what truly represent the season.
This project is a reminder that perfection isn’t the goal—genuine moments, the feelings you experience during the holidays, are what matter most. The December Daily allows you to let go of the idea of flawless photographs and instead encourages you to embrace the raw, candid, and unscripted moments that make your holiday season uniquely yours. It’s a celebration of your personal narrative, in all its joyful messiness.
Turning Photos Into Lasting Memories
Once you’ve completed your December Daily, you’ll have a collection of images that hold both emotional and aesthetic value. These photos are more than just memories; they are visual representations of how you experienced the holiday season. Whether you choose to keep them in a digital album or turn them into a physical photo book, these images can be cherished for years to come. There’s something incredibly special about having a tangible reminder of your experiences.
For those who enjoy scrapbooking, your photos can be turned into a beautiful keepsake album, where each photo is paired with personal reflections, notes, or even keepsakes like holiday cards or ticket stubs. These physical albums can serve as time capsules, capturing your unique holiday season in ways that photos alone may not. If you prefer digital formats, you can easily create an online gallery, a slideshow, or even a digital photo book, where your photos are organized into a visually appealing format that can be shared with family and friends.
The beauty of these memories is that they’re not just about the grand moments—they’re about everything that made your December special. The December Daily ensures that no moment, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, goes unnoticed.
A Yearly Tradition or a One-Time Project
While the December Daily is a month-long project, it can easily become an ongoing tradition that you return to each year. Once you’ve completed your first December Daily, you may find that it’s something you want to continue, documenting your holiday season each year and reflecting on how your life has changed. Each year will bring new experiences, new people, and new moments to capture, making it a beautiful way to track how your life evolves while still celebrating the familiar traditions and memories that make the holiday season so special.
This project can also serve as a bridge to other photography projects. If you find that you enjoy documenting your life this way, you might decide to take on a Project 365—where you take a photo every day for an entire year. The December Daily can serve as a practice run for larger projects, helping you develop your photography skills and hone your ability to capture the everyday moments that make life beautiful.
Why Take Part in a December Daily?
Participating in a December Daily offers numerous benefits that go beyond simply capturing festive moments. This project has the power to enhance your creativity, help you develop a consistent photography habit, and encourage mindfulness during a time that can often feel overwhelming. It's about more than just taking pictures—it's about creating a meaningful record of the season, preserving memories, and connecting more deeply with your surroundings and loved ones. Here’s why you should consider taking part in a December Daily and how it can be a transformative experience for your creativity and well-being.
Stay Engaged with Photography During a Busy Time
One of the primary reasons to engage in the December Daily is the opportunity to stay connected with photography during a busy and often chaotic time of year. The holiday season brings with it a whirlwind of activities—shopping, decorating, cooking, family gatherings, and more. Amidst all this hustle, it can be easy to overlook the subtle, yet profound moments that truly define the season. By committing to taking a photo every day, you create a reason to slow down and pay attention to what’s happening around you.
The beauty of this project is its ability to help you observe the present moment. Whether you're photographing the stillness of a snowy morning, the excitement in a child's eyes as they unwrap a gift, or the soft glow of Christmas lights on a tree, these simple moments are treasures that are easy to overlook in the busyness of life. When you take a step back and consciously document these moments, you are not only capturing memories but also reinforcing your connection to the present. This project allows you to hold on to the feelings, sights, and sounds of the season long after it has passed, making your memories feel richer and more tangible.
Build a Consistent Photography Practice
Another great reason to take part in a December Daily is that it helps build a consistent photography practice. Many people struggle to take photographs regularly, often feeling overwhelmed or unsure of what to shoot. The December Daily offers a structured, yet flexible, framework that encourages you to practice photography each day. Even on the busiest days, you can take a moment to snap a photo of something meaningful, no matter how small it may seem.
Developing a daily photography habit is not only a great way to improve your skills but also an opportunity to get out of your creative rut. You don’t need elaborate setups or perfect lighting every time. Instead, you’ll learn to find beauty in everyday moments and experiment with different angles, lighting, and compositions. It allows you to think on your feet, adapting to the natural elements and environments around you. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a creative slump, this challenge can be a breath of fresh air, offering inspiration at every turn.
Create a Personal Story of the Season
One of the most powerful aspects of the December Daily is the ability to create a personal, visual story of your holiday season. While many people take photos during the holidays, the December Daily encourages you to document your personal experience rather than just following generic photo trends. You’re not just capturing decorated trees and gifts; you’re telling the story of your own unique December.
Through this process, you’ll reflect on the emotions and experiences that make the holiday season meaningful to you. Perhaps it’s the joy of sharing a meal with family, the serenity of a quiet night by the fire, or the thrill of finding the perfect gift. Each day’s photo serves as a snapshot of the larger narrative of your December. By the end of the month, you’ll have a beautiful visual diary that represents your own version of the holidays, showcasing the small, often unnoticed moments that make the season feel so special. These photos can be a personal treasure, allowing you to relive the holiday memories for years to come.
Experiment with Photography Techniques
The December Daily project isn’t just a way to document memories—it’s also an excellent opportunity to experiment with different photography techniques. If you’ve ever wanted to improve your camera skills, this project provides an ideal environment to try new things. Whether it’s playing with different types of lighting, experimenting with various angles, or mastering the art of candid photography, you’ll have the space to push your creative boundaries.
For instance, capturing the twinkling lights of a Christmas tree might challenge you to experiment with long exposure techniques, while taking photos of holiday meals can give you the chance to practice food photography. You could experiment with black-and-white photos to add mood or try creative compositions to make your photos stand out. The goal isn’t to take perfect shots every time but to experiment and learn through the process. The more you practice, the more your skills will improve, and the more confident you’ll become in your abilities as a photographer.
Capture the Emotions of the Season
The December Daily goes beyond just capturing the physical aspects of the holidays—it allows you to photograph the emotions that come with the season. Whether it’s the joy of spending time with family, the calm of a quiet evening at home, or the excitement of holiday shopping, these are the moments that make the season memorable. Capturing these emotions through photography requires a different mindset than simply taking pictures of people or objects. It’s about feeling the moment and expressing it visually.
For example, you might photograph the laughter of children playing in the snow or the quiet reflection of a loved one gazing at the tree. These emotional snapshots will help you remember the feelings that were present in those moments, not just the events themselves. In years to come, these images will evoke the same warmth, joy, or nostalgia that you experienced when the photos were taken. The December Daily offers a way to preserve the intangible qualities of the season—those moments that can’t be expressed through words alone.
Preserve Your Holiday Memories
Finally, the December Daily is a wonderful way to preserve your holiday memories in a personal, tangible format. In the age of digital photography, it’s easy to take thousands of photos and forget about them on your computer or phone. By committing to this project, you’re not just taking random snapshots; you’re carefully selecting moments to document and preserving them in a way that tells the story of your December.
At the end of the project, you may choose to create a physical photo book or scrapbook that compiles your daily photos. This gives you a beautiful, tangible way to revisit the memories you’ve captured over the month. Alternatively, you can keep a digital archive that you can look back on at any time. Whether physical or digital, having a collection of photos that capture your emotions and experiences is a powerful way to preserve the essence of the season. These photos won’t just be snapshots of events—they’ll be lasting reminders of how you felt, what you experienced, and the people you shared those moments with.
A Creative Tradition for Years to Come
The December Daily can easily become a cherished tradition that you return to year after year. As you develop your photography practice and learn to capture your personal holiday story, you may find that you want to keep going, documenting your December every year. Each year brings new experiences, new people, and new moments, making it a beautiful way to track how your life changes while still celebrating the consistent traditions of the season.
As you continue with this project over time, you’ll see how your photography skills improve and how your personal story evolves. You might look back at old photos and see how things have changed—the way your family has grown, new traditions you’ve created, or different ways you’ve celebrated. This ongoing project not only captures memories but also helps you appreciate the small changes and growth in your life. The December Daily becomes a beautiful way to celebrate the passage of time and the many things you have to be thankful for.
What Should You Photograph for Your December Daily?
The beauty of the December Daily project is that it offers complete creative freedom. There are no strict rules or limitations about what you can capture, and that flexibility is what makes the project so special. This is your personal journey, your holiday season, and your memories, which means your photos should reflect what is meaningful to you. Whether it's the grand, festive moments or the quiet, everyday occurrences, everything can play a role in telling the story of your December.
Capture the Everyday Moments
Often, the smallest moments are the ones that get overlooked, but they carry the most emotional weight. The December Daily project is an opportunity to capture these fleeting instances that might otherwise go unnoticed. Maybe it's a shot of your wrapping station, with ribbons, gift tags, and wrapping paper scattered around in a beautiful mess. Or perhaps it’s the warm glow of your favorite holiday candle flickering on a quiet evening, or a close-up of your dog curled up on the couch, enjoying the coziness of the season.
These everyday moments don’t need to be perfectly styled or staged; their beauty comes from their authenticity. A simple moment of peace, like enjoying a hot drink by the fire or watching the snow fall outside, captures the essence of the season. You don’t need extravagant events to create beautiful memories—it's the small things that make up the story of your December.
Document the Holiday Traditions
Holiday-themed moments are of course central to any December Daily project. Capturing the traditions and customs that define your holiday celebrations can create a beautiful and personal record of the season. One day might focus on decorating your tree, with ornaments hanging from every branch and the first few lights twinkling against the darkness. Another day might feature your holiday baking—cookies, pies, or whatever sweet treats are part of your family’s traditions.
These moments will help you look back on the traditions that have been passed down through generations, or new ones you’ve created with your own family. Capture candid moments of joy and togetherness, like your children opening gifts or your friends laughing during a holiday dinner. These are the images that will evoke strong emotions in years to come. Your December Daily doesn’t have to be a series of posed pictures—those spontaneous, unguarded moments can be the most meaningful.
Focus on the Atmosphere
In addition to capturing moments with people, it’s important to photograph the atmosphere of the season. The sights, sounds, and smells of December are as much a part of the holiday experience as anything else. Look for unique lighting opportunities. For example, you might photograph the glow of Christmas lights as the sun sets, or the reflection of twinkling lights in a window. The soft golden glow from a fireplace, the flickering of candle flames, or the way light shines through your kitchen window as you bake cookies are all atmospheric shots that evoke the warmth and coziness of the season.
These photos might not feature people or even obvious holiday symbols, but they’ll add a rich layer to your December story. When you look back on them, the atmosphere will bring back memories of how it felt to be in that space—the warmth of home, the peace of the evening, or the excitement of anticipation in the air. Even capturing the mundane tasks, like making a cup of hot cocoa or pulling out the Christmas cards to send, can highlight the little moments that create the ambiance of December.
Explore Outside Your Home
While December Daily photos often focus on activities at home, don’t forget to capture the world outside. There’s something magical about the crisp winter air, especially if you live in a region that experiences snow. Take a walk in your neighborhood and snap a picture of snow-covered trees, your local holiday decorations, or people out shopping in their winter coats. Maybe you visit a local Christmas market or a public event that’s part of your family tradition. The winter wonderland outside your door offers plenty of opportunities for stunning photography.
You could capture the sparkle of fresh snow, the busy energy of holiday shoppers, or the quiet stillness of a park covered in frost. Take note of the small details—a snowflake on a jacket, the icy surface of a frozen pond, or the glow of streetlights reflected in a puddle. These outdoor moments often have a unique charm and can add depth and variety to your December Daily collection.
Use Creative Photography Techniques
If you find yourself looking for ways to make your December Daily project more exciting, try experimenting with creative photography techniques. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your shots. Try capturing close-up details—such as the texture of a wrapped present, the fine details on an ornament, or the steam rising from a hot cup of coffee. Close-up shots bring focus to textures and patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed.
You can also experiment with different photography styles, such as black and white photography, which adds a timeless and moody touch to your photos. Or, if you enjoy playing with light, try using long exposure to capture the shimmering glow of Christmas lights. You could also play with reflections—photograph the lights in a shiny surface, or capture a reflection of your holiday decorations in a window or mirror. Different perspectives and angles can make even the most common moments feel fresh and exciting.
Be Flexible and Stay Open to Inspiration
One of the key elements of the December Daily project is flexibility. There are no set rules about what you should photograph, so don’t feel restricted. Allow yourself to be inspired by the moments that unfold throughout your day. While it’s easy to focus on holiday-specific images, don’t forget that your daily life is just as important to document. A walk in the park, your daily routine, or even an unplanned moment of joy can all become meaningful photos.
If you find yourself stuck, remember that inspiration can strike at any moment. The reflection of holiday lights in a window, a cozy blanket draped over the couch, or a quiet moment with a good book can all become beautiful photographs. Sometimes the best photos are the ones you don’t plan for—they’re the spontaneous moments that reflect how you feel in the moment. So be open to what presents itself and let the project evolve naturally.
Tell Your Story Through Your Photos
The December Daily is about more than just a collection of holiday photos—it’s about telling a story. As you document your days, try to focus on the emotions behind the moments you capture. Consider how each photo contributes to the bigger picture of your holiday season. Whether you’re photographing a quiet moment of reflection, a spontaneous burst of laughter, or the joy of a holiday tradition, each image serves as a chapter in your December story.
By the end of the month, you’ll have a rich, diverse collection of photos that reflect not only the activities you’ve participated in but also how you’ve felt. Your photos will tell the unique story of your December, capturing the sights, sounds, and emotions that made this season memorable. As you revisit these images in the years to come, they will continue to evoke the warmth and beauty of the holidays, serving as a lasting reminder of the special moments that made your December unique.
How to Approach the Project: Tips and Ideas
To make the most of your December Daily, here are some practical tips and ideas for capturing meaningful photos every day:
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Set a Routine: Although this is a flexible project, it helps to set a specific time each day to capture your photo. Whether it’s in the morning, during your lunch break, or in the evening, having a set time can help you stay consistent and ensure you don’t forget to take your photo.
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Use Natural Light: During the winter months, natural light can be limited, but it’s always worth making the most of it. Take your photos near windows or doors where light flows in, or experiment with different times of the day to catch the most flattering light.
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Focus on Small Details: Don’t feel pressured to capture grand, sweeping shots. Sometimes, the most meaningful photographs are the smaller, quieter moments—a close-up of your coffee cup, the soft glow of a candle, or your child’s hands as they decorate a gingerbread house.
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Experiment with Composition: Try using various techniques to make your photos stand out. Use the rule of thirds, capture reflections, or explore creative angles to create visual interest.
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Be Authentic: The goal of the December Daily is to document your holiday experience authentically. Don’t worry about making everything perfect. Embrace the imperfections and capture your genuine emotions, moods, and moments.
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Mix Up Your Subjects: While your project might naturally focus on holiday-related subjects, don’t forget to include shots that capture your day-to-day routine. Simple moments, like reading a book by the fire or cooking a meal, can bring depth and warmth to your photo collection.
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Get Creative with Edits: If you enjoy post-production work, don’t hesitate to enhance your photos with editing software. Play with exposure, contrast, or even add a holiday-themed filter to give your images a festive touch. But always remember that less is often more—don’t overdo the edits.
Turning Your Photos Into Lasting Memories
Once you’ve completed your December Daily, you’ll have a rich collection of images that tell the story of your holiday season. While you can simply enjoy looking at these photos, you may also want to turn them into something even more special. One option is to create a photo book. With modern tools and platforms, it’s easier than ever to design and print high-quality photo books that showcase your best images. A photo book is a tangible way to keep your memories alive, and it makes a great gift for loved ones as well.
If scrapbooking is more your style, the images you’ve captured can also be transformed into a beautiful scrapbook album. Each photo can be paired with a thoughtful caption, mementos, or even holiday-related embellishments to create a keepsake that’s as meaningful as it is creative.
Both options provide an opportunity to preserve your photos in a way that goes beyond just viewing them on a screen. A photo book or scrapbook will allow you to relive the magic of your December Daily year after year, making it a treasure for you and your family.
Final Thoughts:
The December Daily project is more than just an exercise in photography—it’s an opportunity to embrace the full experience of the season with an open heart. While it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, decorating, and preparing for family gatherings, this project invites you to slow down and pay attention to the small, meaningful moments that define the month of December.
What makes this project truly special is its ability to create a visual story that’s uniquely yours. Each photo you capture represents a slice of your life—your emotions, your experiences, and your reflections on the season. Whether you photograph the soft glow of the Christmas tree lights, the laughter of family gathered around the table, or a quiet moment alone with a cup of hot cocoa, you are crafting a collection of images that serve as a beautiful reminder of your holiday memories.
The power of the December Daily lies in its simplicity. You don’t need to worry about perfect lighting, elaborate setups, or capturing “picture-perfect” moments. Instead, you can focus on the joy of the process—paying attention to what’s in front of you, looking for beauty in the everyday, and finding inspiration in the world around you. It’s a reminder that creativity doesn’t need to be complicated to be meaningful. In fact, sometimes it’s the simple things—the soft light of winter afternoons, the messy pile of wrapping paper, the spontaneous laugh shared with a loved one—that make for the most memorable photographs.
If you’ve ever found yourself feeling overwhelmed by the idea of daily photo challenges, the December Daily offers a perfect entry point. It’s a low-pressure project that allows you to take one photo each day, with no expectation to create a masterpiece. The aim is to capture your version of the holidays, with all the emotions, traditions, and imperfections that come with it.
As the days pass and you continue capturing your December, you'll find that your collection of images tells a richer, fuller story than you might have anticipated. At the end of the month, you will have a beautiful visual record of your holiday season—a collection of photos that reflect not only what you experienced but how you felt during this special time. Whether you create a photo book, a scrapbook, or simply keep your images stored for personal enjoyment, these photos will become cherished reminders of a December well-spent.
Ultimately, the December Daily is about more than just photography; it’s about celebrating the holiday season with intention and mindfulness. It’s about embracing creativity, documenting memories, and taking time to appreciate the simple joys that make this time of year so meaningful. So, grab your camera or smartphone, let go of any pressure to be perfect, and start capturing your version of the holidays. No matter how big or small, every photo will be a testament to the love, joy, and magic of the season.
