5 Good Reasons to Take a Christmas Break from Writing

By Lori Hatcher @LoriHatcher2

With the Christmas season upon us (are you reading this while Black Friday shopping?), many writers struggle to create content amidst the pull of holiday activities. I mean, which would you rather do, write a blog post or watch It’s a Wonderful Life? Edit an article or make Peanut Butter Temptations? Write a newsletter or decorate with the newest nativity set you found at Hobby Lobby? 

Even the most disciplined writer feels the pull to ditch writing and do Christmas.

I say, “Why not?”

Obviously, if you have a contract deadline or you’ve committed to submit an article, blog post, or devotion somewhere official, you must honor these commitments. But if you have some flexibility, taking time off from writing might not be a bad idea.

5 Reasons to Take a Christmas Break from Writing

1. People don’t read as much during December. 

Readers are busy with Christmas, too. Most blogs register their lowest number of pageviews in December. People are on the internet to shop, not read. If you’d like to take a break from blogging, December’s the best month to do it. If you don’t want to stop posting entirely, consider doing a Best Of series by sharing some of your most popular posts.

2. Many agents, editors, and publishing houses take extended time off during the holidays.

If you’re working on a book proposal or pitch, recognize that publishing professionals, like the rest of us, take vacation time during the month of December. They have kids on break from school and college students home for the holidays, too. Publishing houses are unlikely to schedule Pub Board and Editorial Board meetings when key decision makers are out of the office. How sad would you feel if you missed your grandkids’ Christmas recitals to submit a book proposal in December, only to have it languish in someone’s Inbox until January?

3. Distracted minds seldom create engaging content. 

Let’s face it. If our hands are on the keyboard but our mind’s in the kitchen baking cookies, we’re gonna find it hard to write something wonderful. If our bottom’s in the chair but our heart’s at the Christmas parade, give it up. Nothing beautiful’s coming out of those fingers. Set your computer aside and go celebrate.

4. Time off can refill and refresh us. 

When we savor the season, dive deeply into family and church events, and spend time with friends and loved ones, we get filled up. We experience things that can inspire innumerable future posts, articles, and chapters. Savor the sights and sounds of the season. You’ll use it later, I promise. Give yourself permission to take time off without guilt, then come back renewed. 

5. Jesus celebrated. We can, too.

The gospels bulge with stories about how Jesus attended weddings, festivals, and feasts. He honored holy days and celebrations. His wholehearted and holy participation reminds us that God in the flesh set aside His daily work to join with others to celebrate God’s goodness, so we can too. In the spirit of Jesus, go celebrate His birthday. Then come back, happy, holy, and ready to write for His glory.

Merry Christmas!

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5 Good Reasons to Take a Christmas Break from Writing from @LoriHatcher2 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Lori Hatcher loves to inspire and equip others through the written and spoken word. A popular women’s ministry speaker and writing/speaking instructor, Lori is an Advanced Communicator Gold and Advanced Leader Bronze with Toastmasters International. She writes for Our Daily Bread, Guideposts, Revive Our Hearts, and Crosswalk.com. Check out her latest devotional, Refresh Your Hope, 60 Devotions for Trusting God with All Your Heart, from Our Daily Bread Publishing. Connect with her at LoriHatcher.com or on FACEBOOK, TWITTER(@lorihatcher2) or PINTEREST(Hungry for God).