For many people, the festive holidays are a chance to slow down, unplug, and sink into the comfort of roasts, pyjama days, festive films, and enjoy quality time with family and friends. But for commsy folk (especially those on call for our councils, blue light services or other public-facing organisations) December can feel like anything but a break.
When your role involves crisis alerts, public safety updates, severe weather comms, or responding to fast-moving issues, the festive period can quickly blur into another workweek. That’s exactly why carving out protected downtime matters more than ever.
Here’s why pressing pause is essential and how to do it, even when you’re technically “on”.
You can’t pour from an empty cup
Public-sector comms is demanding. You are often the calm in the storm, the voice of clarity when things go wrong, and the person everyone calls when a post needs rewriting immediately. Without intentional rest, fatigue builds silently at first then starts to take over.
Rest improves your judgement
Your talent of good communication relies on clear thinking, creativity, composure, and emotional intelligence. When you rest you become sharper, faster, and better able to respond thoughtfully during genuine emergencies.
Your family and friends deserve your presence
You give so much of your attention to your role throughout the year. The holiday period is a rare window where you can give more of yourself to the people who matter most. Being truly present by putting your phone down and switching your mind off from work is a real gift to them and to yourself.
How to press pause – without dropping the ball
Create (and communicate) a clear on-call plan
Even if you’re on call, you shouldn’t be constantly available.
- Set defined times you will check messages (e.g. once every 2–3 hours)
- Create a rota with backup contacts
- Share your organisations escalation criteria so you’re only interrupted for genuine issues
- Establish who is responsible for what, so no assumptions are made
When everyone knows the process, you avoid unnecessary calls, panicked WhatsApps, or “Can you just…?” messages.
Prep your content and channels before you switch off
A little planning goes a long way:
- Schedule non-urgent posts in advance
- Prepare “skeleton” reactive statements for common holiday scenarios (e.g. severe weather, waste collection changes, service disruptions)
- Ensure your media lines and key contacts lists are up to date
- Double check access to systems, logins and devices before the break
This reduces the need for a frantic copywriting session on Christmas Eve.
Set boundaries with your team, leaders, and yourself
Be explicit about:
- When you are reachable
- What constitutes true urgency
- When you will not respond, unless it’s a life-or-death matter
Now comes the hard part… you have to stick to it. Boundaries are only effective when you honour them.
Physically distance yourself from work mode
Even if you’re on call:
- Leave your work phone in another room
- Turn off non-critical notifications
- Use “Focus” modes to filter only genuine emergency calls
- Have specific “no work” zones at home (like the dinner table or the living room during family time)
Proximity is the fastest route back into work brain so create physical and mental space.
Plan joyful, restorative activities
Pressing pause isn’t just not working, it’s choosing something better.
- Take long winter walks
- Watch festive films
- Bake something you only make at Christmas
- Start reading a book and actually finish it
- Spend time with people who make you feel grounded
These shouldn’t be seen as luxuries. They’re tools that restore your energy for the year ahead and make you the best version of you.
A final thought
Commsy folk play a crucial role, often quietly and behind the scenes. You are the steady hand that keeps people informed, reassured, and safe. That responsibility is important, but it should never cost your wellbeing, your joy, or your family time.
This Christmas, give yourself permission to pause. Slow down. Laugh more. Step away from the screen.
Be with the people who matter. You’ll return stronger, clearer, and more resilient and ready to support your community when it really counts.
Thinking about embedding these practices across your organisation (not just during the festive period)? Give us a shout, we’d love to chat.
