Stumped for what you can tweet in December or say in your email newsletter? We have you covered!

These ideas come from our Monthly Nonprofit Writing Prompts email newsletter*. If you would like these ideas sent to your inbox a month in advance, sign up for our Monthly Nonprofit Writing Prompts. I send this email newsletter the first week of every month with prompts for the following month. For example, I will email the prompts for January next week. Sign up now to get prompts emailed to you in advance monthly.

*Please double-check any events to see if they have changed due to the pandemic or other current events.

On the Calendar

12/4: Santa’s List Day. This is the day Santa makes his “Naughty or Nice” list. Highlight those that advocate for your cause and those that are against it.

12/7: Letter Writing Day. Write an open letter to your supporters, volunteer, clients, etc. Or write your own letter to “Santa” asking for gifts.

12/10: Hanukkah begins. Reflect on the joy and renewal of Hanukkah or share what you have overcome this year despite great odds.

12/15: Bill of Rights Day. Highlight one of the first 10 amendments of the US Constitution that relates to your cause and how our country would be different without it.

12/18: Bake Cookies Day. Have your staff share their favorite cookie recipes or have a contest with supporters sending in theirs.

12/21: Winter Solstice. In the Northern Hemisphere, this day is the shortest day of the year. How are others “in the dark” about your cause?

12/23: Festivus. A completely made-up holiday popularized by Seinfeld. One of its traditions is the “Airing of Grievances,” so take this time to vent about something that is frustrating you — hopefully in a humorous way!

12/23: Roots Day. If Festivus doesn’t appeal to you, use this day to trace the history of your organization’s founding.

12/25: Christmas. Make a wish list for Santa and his elves asking for things your organization needs. Highlight some of the little miracles you bring to your clients.

12/26: Kwanzaa begins. Relate each of the 7 day’s principals to what your organization is doing. (Unity, self-determination, responsibility, family, purpose, creativity and faith).

12/31: New Year’s Eve. Share your resolutions, trends for 2021 or a “Top Ten” list from 2020.

Other dates in December:

• 01: World AIDS Day
• 01: #GivingTuesday
• 03: International Day of People with Disabilities
• 03: International Volunteer Day
• 05: World Soil Day
• 09: International Anti-Corruption Day
• 10: International Human Rights Day
• 18: International Migrants Day
• 26: Boxing Day

Metaphor of the Month

This month’s metaphor is Faith and Spirituality. Think about angels, revival, prayer, church, temples, mosques, meditation, values, reincarnation, salvation, miracles, sins, devotion, spirits, pagan, religion, belief, and worship.

How can you relate these things to your organization?

Pop Culture, Events, and News

Football (both college and the NFL) will be winding down with teams jockeying for better bowl games (if they happen) and the playoffs. And hockey and basketball may be getting back into things as well.

One thing not cancelled? The moon! There will be a total solar eclipse on the 14th.

Movies (maybe) coming out this month include Free Guy, Death on the Nile, Peter Rabbit 2, Coming 2 America, Wonder Woman 1984, and Soul.

In TV news, Seal Team, Blue Bloods, The Great British Baking Show: Holidays, MacGyver, Magnum PI, Selena: The Series, 90 Day Fiance, Shameless, The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Your Honor, Nurses, Pennyworth, The Stand, Dr. Pimple Popper, The Masked Dancer, and The Chilling Adventures or Sabrina will premiere this month.

Hallmark movies and other Christmas specials will also be very popular.

You’ll see plenty of “best” and “worst” gift idea lists, as well as holiday sales reports from retailers dominating the news. Can you make a list of your own?

Source of the Month

Highlight local events. There are lots of things happening this time of year. Even if your organization isn’t holding an event, be a helpful friend and share what’s going on in your community. Let people know where they can go to help or where people can go to get help. Share any holiday parades, tree-lighting ceremonies or other events.

Remember to sign up for our Monthly Nonprofit Writing Prompts if you would like ideas like these sent to your inbox a month in advance.