Editor's note: This story first appeared on PR Daily last December. We figured the topic is more relevant than ever. 

Current or former journalists know that Christmas can be just another day at the office. The news never stops—even on the holidays—and someone needs to cover it.

Many of you reading this story have probably spent a Christmas in a newsroom.

Nowadays, it’s not just journalists (or police officers, or firefighters, or doctors) who log some hours on the holidays, it’s almost everyone whose job involves social media. But wouldn’t it be nice to unplug for at least one day this December?

At the 12 Most blog, Jeremy Powers, principal at Winding Staircase, offers a dozen ways to “limit electronic interference this Christmas.” We pulled five of those tips to help the social media and gadget addicts unplug—whether that be mom and dad, or the kids. To see Powers’ full list, visit the 12 Most blog.

Establish expectations

Make the effort to communicate your desire for a “smartphone free” Christmas dinner (or whatever your ideal scenario is) before your family gets together. An engaged conversation requires engaged participants, and you should make your desires clear. (Also, in case you haven’t told them already, remind your teenagers that using the phone at the dinner table is never acceptable.)

Leave ’em in the car

What do you really need to bring with you to Grandma’s house? Here are a few things you should leave in the car: Blackberry, iPhone, Droid, iPad, Kindle, laptop, nook, and so on.

Silent mode

Vibrate mode is for cheaters. Silence your phone for the day.

Print some pictures

There is a certain tactile satisfaction from a professionally printed picture. Plus, pictures can be passed around throughout the evening; it is difficult to pass around your phone if you leave it in the car.

Even folks that see pictures of your children on Facebook every week will “ooh and ahh” at developed pictures of the family.

Unplug the WIFI router

Bwahahahaaa! When your pleas for everyone to come join the game of Monopoly go ignored, there is always the nuclear option. A long list of activities is eliminated if “the Internet is out.” Unplug the router and hide the power cord.