Christmas is near. It seems like only yesterday that we were celebrating the new year. Teams have begun making plans for their holiday vacations, and members of those teams are looking forward to the opportunity to spend more time with their friends and families during the upcoming holiday seasons.

What about you? Do you plan to take a break from your podcast over the holidays, or will you keep putting out new episodes as usual?

In this article, I will discuss what you need to know about podcasting during the holiday season. This is especially important if you are debating whether or not to pause your podcasting so that you can focus on getting ready for the holiday season, which is drawing closer all the time. I also talk about a number of things you can do to make sure your audience doesn’t forget about you during the holiday break, such as using holiday-themed content and repeat episodes.

Let’s dive right in!

Below are three basic things you need to know about podcasting and the holidays.

Important Fact No. 1: Audience members keep listening

Some podcasters are under the impression that nobody will tune in and listen to their show during the holidays because everyone will be away from their homes spending time with their families and getting ready for the new year.

On the other hand, while everybody is driving from one state to another—or even from one country to another—what are they doing to pass the time? 

On that eight-hour flight to the Florida Keys, what are they listening to on their headphones? 

Once they’ve arrived at their destination, what are they listening to as they take in the breathtaking sight of the sun rising over a snowy horizon in the wee hours of the morning?

Obviously, there are some people who will be listening to their preferred radio station or looking at the local news and weather report. 

However, for a large number of people, listening to their preferred podcast is one of the most enjoyable activities that can be done while sipping hot chocolate on a chilly morning in December or while filling the silence while traveling to their holiday destination.

If you take the time to prepare something for your audience while they are away for the holidays, do you think your efforts will be in vain?

Definitely not!

Important Fact No. 2: Podcasters take breaks, too.

It is wonderful that you want to provide your listeners with some new episodes; however, you need to get started working on those Christmas episodes as soon as possible in order to ensure that you will meet the deadlines set by your production team (and to guarantee that you will air something during the holidays).

Producers of podcasts frequently collaborate with production teams.

Audio is edited, stitched, and split by production teams so that episodes can have great sound and be prepared for broadcast.  

It’s important to remember that the production teams also get time off during the holidays, just like you do when you interview guests and talk in solo episodes. 

Does this have any bearing on your show?

You are obligated to share your holiday show plans with the production team.

Are you planning to record anything special for Christmas, perhaps something with a holiday theme? 

Will you be re-airing some encore episodes and audience favorites? 

You can inquire with your team about which episodes are rated the highest and then put those episodes on the holiday schedule. Even if you rebroadcast good content, your audience will still be able to enjoy it, and you can take a break before starting a new podcasting year feeling refreshed and ready to go.

Or do you plan to take a total break and go deaf and silent?

In the event that you are not going to be airing previously recorded episodes or recording new ones, you should let your audience know in advance that you will be taking a much-needed break. Your audience will be kept up to date, and they will be left wondering what happened to their favorite podcast if you do this.

Important Fact No. 3: It’s okay to try special episodes

Aha! You decided to take on the challenge and air fresh content during the holidays. Congratulations!

The holidays are a unique opportunity for you to experiment, break from your routine, and put that idea into action that you’ve been itching to start.

Below are some creative ideas to prepare for your holiday series:

Holiday Traditions 

You can either share yours with the audience or solicit theirs. You can compare your favorite and worst holiday customs to see which one you like best. 

This is a fantastic way to interact with your audience, get to know them better, and, in the end, highlight those who support you no matter what.

Christmas-Related Stories

Anyone can tell a story. When something important happens on a special day, like a holiday, it makes it even more important. You should use this opportunity to invite some important people into your life. They can be your family, friends, or people whose stories inspired you. 

Do you want to go one step further? Inquire about the stories of your audience, and either invite them to the show or read the stories aloud. This particular touch will definitely help you connect with your audience and add something special to your performance. 

Crazy Concept

Do you have a wild podcasting concept that has been percolating for some time? Have you ever wanted to tell your audience a remarkable story that isn’t related to your area of expertise? The best time to use them is during the holiday season. 

Why? simply When you do something different from your usual podcasting style, like a holiday special, be sure to let your listeners know quickly in your intro, title, and show notes. because it’s the holidays. 

When you do something different from your usual podcasting style, like a holiday special, be sure to let your listeners know quickly in your intro, title, and show notes. 

When planning your holiday episodes, keep the following in mind before you get overly enthusiastic and begin asking people for their stories:

Holiday-themed episodes of your favorite podcasts can serve as inspiration.

Since podcast episodes for the holidays don’t follow the usual format, it’s fine for them to be shorter.

Have fun! You now have a chance to exhale and reveal more of “you” to your audience. 

Whether to air or not to air

That, my friend, is your decision to make, and you should make it quickly.

Remember that listeners tune in even during the holidays, podcast production teams take time off, and that you can experiment with a holiday special this year as you consider what to do with your show during the holidays.

Everybody, let’s face it, needs a break. Nobody is holding it against you if you choose to disconnect from the grid in order to recharge. Rerunning encores is one of the best ways to keep your audience interested if you don’t have the time to work on new episodes for the holidays. 

But keep in mind that the pandemic that the world has been dealing with for a few years now is likely to make this year’s holiday season one that is stressful on a financial, physical, and emotional level.

Take advantage of the chance to show sympathy for those who are suffering or who have lost loved ones and to spread joy. Give your listeners a way to escape their suffering or even inspire them to confront their phobias.

This could be the most appreciated gift your listeners receive this holiday season.

Make the most of those 30–60 minutes.