Every year around mid-November, as inboxes fill with Black Friday offers and offices start winding down, a familiar myth returns: "No one pays attention to press releases over the holidays." That assumption couldn't be more wrong.

While many businesses shift into cruise control, the savviest marketers recognize that the period between U.S. Thanksgiving and New Year's is one of the most strategically powerful windows for visibility. It's not just about pushing sales — it's about shaping perception, staying visible when competitors go quiet, and setting the stage for the year ahead. Here is one more thought – News outlets and newspapers don't stop the press, they still require stories, read on.

The Myth of the Holiday Slowdown

Many small and midsize businesses believe the media industry grinds to a halt in December. In reality, journalists, bloggers, and news curators are still working — often looking for uplifting, community-focused, or feel-good stories to balance hard news cycles. Newsrooms are quieter, yes, but that's exactly why your press release can stand out.

At 24-7 Press Release, we regularly see strong engagement across our press release distribution network through late November and December. In fact, because many companies wait until January to issue releases, those who publish during the holidays often benefit from less competition for attention.

When your release appears in Google News or within our partner syndication network, you're not competing with hundreds of other corporate updates — you're one of the few brands still telling a story during the holiday time.

A quieter news landscape means more open space for your announcement to breathe. Journalists scrolling through wires in December aren't just covering year-end financials — they're looking for human-interest stories, holiday-angle features, or timely data that fits seasonal narratives.

Why Timing Works in Your Favor

Holiday news distribution timing can actually amplify your impact if handled correctly. Here is why:

- Less noise, more reach. With fewer press releases being published, editors and search engines alike give more attention to what's live.

- Emotional resonance. People are more receptive to messages of generosity, gratitude, or hope. The whole emotional core of the season.

- Ideal for "soft news." Announcements that might not make headlines in busy months can shine during the slower December cycle.

- Early positioning for January. A late-December release continues to circulate well into the new year, setting up momentum for Q1 launches.

Think of your press release as both a message and a marker — it tells your story today but also builds your digital footprint for the year to come. 24-7 Press Release's lifetime hosting ensures that your release continues to deliver value long after the lights and tinsel come down. Our clients still have people reaching out to them about stories they published years ago.

The Seasonal Advantage Few Businesses Use

Many organizations overlook the fact that news consumption doesn't stop during the holidays — it merely shifts in tone. Audiences look for reflection, inspiration, and a sense of connection. That gives small businesses and nonprofits a unique opportunity to humanize their brand through press releases.

Here are just a few types of announcements that perform especially well in late November and December:

- Charity and community initiatives: Highlight partnerships, fundraisers, or acts of giving back.

- Holiday product launches or limited-time offers: Frame them as part of a bigger story — a family tradition, local sourcing, or craftsmanship.

- Year-end reflections: Share milestones, lessons learned, or outlooks for the coming year.

- Customer appreciation stories: Announce loyalty program updates, contests, or thank-you campaigns.

- New Year previews: Tease upcoming innovations, openings, or events for early 2026.

How to Write a Holiday-Themed Press Release That Stands Out

The key to writing a great holiday press release is relevance with restraint. A strong release ties naturally to the season without leaning on overused phrases like "'Tis the season" or "deck the halls." Your goal is to create a connection — not to sound like an ad. Advertisement-style press releases like "20% off all Widgets Until the end of November" are sure to bomb.

Lead with Real News, Not Just Festivity

Start with something genuinely new or valuable to your audience. Are you introducing a special holiday edition product? Donating a portion of sales to a local charity? (Talk about the charity and engage the readers). Hosting an event that benefits the community? The holiday tie-in should enhance your news, not replace it.

Make the Emotional Connection Clear

The best seasonal releases make people feel something. Gratitude, hope, nostalgia — these are powerful drivers. Write in a way that taps into the emotional rhythm of the season, but stay grounded in facts. Here is an excellent example of a story that took off because the airline was giving back. Although old, it is still a great story that had the media in a frenzy then. The press release announced their official holiday video.

Use Quotes That Sound Human and are Human

Your spokesperson quote should sound like something you'd say, not a boardroom statement. During the holidays, a touch of sincerity goes a long way.

Don't Over-decorate Your Headline

Resist the temptation to load your headline with holiday puns. Keep it informative, clear, and concise — with just a hint of seasonality. And make sure you keep it SHORT!

Include Visuals That Reflect the Season

If possible, attach a photo, logo, or infographic. 24-7 Press Release allows image and video attachments on many of our distribution tiers, and during the holidays, visuals help tell your story more powerfully than words alone. Want to know more about how important visuals are for a press release? Check out our recent article "Why Visuals Aren't Optional in Press Releases Anymore—they're Strategic Essentials"

Publish at the Right Time

For holiday-related stories, aim for distribution Tuesday through Thursday in the two weeks leading up to the event or date. For example, Thanksgiving-related content should go live before Thanksgiving, no later than Tuesday. For 2025, Thanksgiving is on Thursday, November 27. Year-end reflections are ideal between December 26 and January 2, when readers catch up and plan for the year ahead. Ensure your press release is distributed before the 22nd or 23rd.

How to Tie Holiday Relevance Without Forcing It

If your business doesn't have an obvious holiday story, you can still connect to seasonal context by focusing on:

- Customer gratitude: "We're thankful for your support this year."

- Community engagement: "Supporting local this holiday season."

- Year-end milestones: "A look back at 2025 and what's ahead for 2026."

- Trend insights: "How consumers are shifting spending this holiday season."

Using Press Release Distribution to Maximize Seasonal Reach

Even the most compelling story needs distribution behind it. Choosing a press release service with both a broad and targeted reach ensures your message finds its audience.

A platform like 24-7 Press Release Newswire provides several key advantages for holiday timing:

- Flexible release scheduling: Prepare now and schedule your distribution to hit exact days.

- Access to major news outlets: Your release can appear across top-tier news sites and within Google News.

- Permanent hosting: Every release remains live indefinitely, which is excellent for online visibility and long-tail holiday search traffic.

- Integrated analytics: Measure engagement even during slower months to inform your 2026 strategy.

What are Some Common Holiday PR Mistakes?

Because many brands rush to "be festive," some holiday releases fall flat or backfire. Here are pitfalls to avoid:

- Sounding overly promotional. I know we mentioned this earlier, but we must stress that editors will skip it if your press release reads like an advertisement. It does not help with online visibility; if anything, it could be potentially damaging.

- Ignoring relevance. Don't stretch to make a connection that isn't there. Forced holiday angles hurt credibility.

- Publishing too late. Once the calendar flips to Christmas Eve, most media coverage windows close for the next several days.

- Neglecting follow-up. If your release mentions an event, cause, or milestone, plan a January update with results.

Real-World Examples That Work

Some of the most successful holiday press releases we've seen share a few traits:

1. Local Impact Stories: A small-town bakery announcing free cookie deliveries to nursing homes.

2. Year-End Reflection Pieces: A SaaS company summarizing "Five Trends That Defined Our Clients' Growth in 2025."

3. Customer Appreciation Announcements: A retailer uses its release to thank customers and announce donations to charity.

Turning Holiday PR Into Long-Term Visibility

You're not just seeking immediate attention when you issue a press release through a trusted distribution network like 24-7 Press Release. You're creating digital proof of your credibility — the kind of third-party coverage that continues to appear in search results and AI summaries for months or even years. Check out our article about "The Echo Effect: How Strategic Press Releases Create Waves Long After Publication"

Final Thoughts: Make the Season Work for You

The holidays are more than a time of giving; they're a time of attention. People are reading, reflecting, and reconnecting — and journalists are looking for stories that fit that emotional rhythm. Instead of waiting for January to restart your communications, use the next few weeks to own the quiet.

The most innovative brands don't take the holidays off. They use the press release to connect, to stand out, and to build momentum that lasts well beyond the season. That's the real gift of strategic PR — and it keeps giving long after the lights come down.

Check out more of our articles in our Knowledge Base.