You could start with a character. Say, a Christmas tree farmer who discovers a very special tree on his farm. This tree has a strange glow and seems to have a mind of its own. As he tries to figure out what to do with it, all sorts of magical things start to happen around the farm. Or think about a family that has lost the meaning of Christmas due to a recent tragedy. Then, something or someone comes along to help them rediscover the joy of the holiday. You can also draw inspiration from the weather. A story about a huge snowstorm that traps a group of strangers together in an old inn on Christmas day, and they end up sharing their stories and forming unexpected friendships.
Base your ideas on the idea of giving. For instance, a story of a young boy who saves up all his pocket money throughout the year to buy a present for a homeless person he often sees on the street. But when Christmas comes, he realizes that the best gift he can give is his time and friendship. Also, consider the different settings of Christmas. A story set in a far - off land where Christmas is not well - known, but a traveling missionary brings the concept of Christmas and the story of Jesus' birth. This causes a change in the community as they start to embrace the new ideas of love, hope, and giving during the holiday season.
Think about the feelings that Christmas evokes. It's a time of joy, but also of reflection and sometimes loneliness. You can base a story on a character who is feeling lonely during Christmas, like an old man in an old - age home. Then, a group of carol - singers come and bring some cheer into his life. This not only creates a heart - warming story but also shows the true meaning of Christmas.
Look at different Christmas traditions from around the world. For instance, in some countries, there are unique Christmas foods or ways of decorating. Incorporate these into your story. Also, think about the emotions associated with Christmas like joy, hope, and giving. Maybe create a character who has lost their Christmas spirit and then something happens to bring it back. You could also think about a modern take on a traditional Christmas story, like if Santa used modern technology to deliver presents.
Mix different horror elements. For instance, combine a supernatural entity like a demon with a scientific experiment gone wrong. The demon could be unleashed during a top - secret experiment in a laboratory. The scientists are now at the mercy of the demon as it starts to possess them one by one, causing chaos and death in the lab.
Look at your own experiences. Maybe that time you got lost in a new city can be turned into an adventure story. You just need to exaggerate some parts and add fictional elements.
You can start by observing the absurd things around you. For example, if you see a dog wearing a funny hat, think about what kind of story could come from that. Maybe the dog is a secret agent on a mission and the hat is part of his disguise. Another way is to mix up different genres or concepts. Take a western setting and add some aliens to it. A cowboy fighting aliens with his lasso could be a really funny story. Also, think about giving inanimate objects personalities. A grumpy old toaster that only toasts bread on Tuesdays could be a great character in a story.
Think about your fears. If you're afraid of heights, you could create a story about a skyscraper that has some sort of malevolent force on the top floors. People who go up there start to experience vertigo even more intensely and see strange apparitions that make them lose their balance and fall.
You can start by looking at real - world mythology. For instance, Greek mythology has all kinds of gods, monsters, and epic quests. You can take elements from it and twist them into your own unique fantasy idea. Say, take the concept of the Minotaur and place it in a modern - day city underground where it has been forgotten for centuries and is now awakened by an accidental excavation.
You can start by observing the world around you. People you meet, places you visit, and things you do can all be sources of inspiration. For instance, if you notice an old, abandoned building, you could create a story about the secrets it holds or the people who used to live there.
Read a lot of urban fantasy works. This will expose you to different concepts and ideas that you can build on or twist in your own way. You can also take elements from different mythologies and blend them into an urban setting. For example, take the concept of Norse Valkyries and make them motorcycle-riding warriors in a modern city. And don't be afraid to play with the rules of magic. Maybe in your story, magic is powered by recycled materials.
Read a lot. Reading different types of fiction exposes you to various storylines, characters, and settings, which can inspire your own ideas. Also, observe the world around you. Everyday events, people's behaviors, and even the environment can give you ideas. For example, if you see an old, abandoned building, you could imagine a story about what happened there in the past or what secrets it might hold.