There are many ways that we can share holiday love and greetings with family and friends. One common method is by using our words, whether they are written in a card or a holiday newsletter.

We can also use our own words as gifts. How? We can gift to others our short stories, as well as encouraging others to write their own. This article shares some ideas about literary ways you can gift words this holiday season to short story readers and writers.

Short Story Jars
Share your own short stories or recommend your favorite titles from other authors. You can rewrite or print your own stories, roll them up and tie them with ribbon. You can do the same with any short story titles and authors you would like to share. You can then place your story rolls in any type of glass jar. If you wish, you can decorate the jars with glitter, ribbon, paper or paint.

Stuffing Stockings With Short Stories
While you are stuffing those stockings with all kinds of goodies, why not slip in one of your own stories. A seasonal story would be great and you could even cast the recipient as a character.

Short Story Index Card Sets
Index cards are a great resource for readers and writers.

Readers can make their own notes about stories they read, as well as authors they would like to follow.

Writers can use index cards for ideas, notes, and maybe even a micro story.

You can either buy pre-packaged index cards, or make a set out of card stock. You can find white and colored index cards as well as a variety of colored card stock.

Blank Journals for Readers and Writers
Journals are another wonderful gift for both readers and writers.

Many readers keep journals to track the books and stories they read. They might even use a journal to write a synopsis of stories, or even their personal impressions of the plot and characters. This is often useful for readers who are involved in book clubs.

Writers can use journals to flush out new plots, create characters, and draft their stories. Another idea would be to gift a writer on your list a story starter journal. You can get a blank journal and either write one word or one complete sentence that might inspire a story.

Short Story Bookmarks
A bookmark is a great gift. You can either make your own, or buy a package of blank bookmarks. On one side, you can pen your short story, and decorate the other side with your own doodles, bits of fabric, or festive stickers.

Readers always enjoy book marks and you could decorate with the names of their favorite authors and story titles.

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Please let me know if you try one of these gift giving ideas. You can also share any other ideas you may have in the Short Stories forum. This forum is friendly and safe. It’s a place for you to post your questions, suggestions, comments and ideas.

I wish you a great week, and hope you read or write some great short stories.