How to unplug this Christmas

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.)