Blogmas 2024 Day 2: The Art of Crafting Holiday-Themed Features

The festive season is one of the most magical times of the year, filled with nostalgia, warmth, and togetherness. For journalists and content creators, it offers an unmatched opportunity to connect with audiences on a deeper level. Holiday-themed features are not just about showcasing the holiday spirit—they’re about telling stories that resonate universally.

But how do you create a feature that stands out in a sea of festive content? Let’s break it down.

What Makes a Great Holiday Feature?

A truly memorable holiday feature isn’t just a collection of words; it’s an experience. Here are three pillars that define great seasonal writing:

1. Emotional Resonance: The holidays are all about feelings—whether it’s the joy of a family reunion or the bittersweet nostalgia of traditions long past. Your writing should evoke these emotions and make readers pause to reflect or smile.

2. Timeliness: Tying your story to a current event, trend, or cultural movement keeps it relevant. For example, a piece on the rise of eco-friendly Christmas decorations speaks to today’s growing emphasis on sustainability.

3. A Unique Angle: Let’s face it: the holidays have been written about from every conceivable perspective. To stand out, focus on niche topics or overlooked traditions, like how small towns keep their unique customs alive or the origins of quirky holiday traditions like “ugly sweater parties.”
   

Tips for Crafting Memorable Holiday Features

1. Start with a Strong Hook: Your opening lines should grab attention immediately. A vivid anecdote or surprising statistic works wonders. For instance: “As the first snowflakes of December fell, little did Sarah know she was about to revive her grandmother’s long-forgotten cookie recipe and bring the entire town together.”

2. Incorporate Real Stories: Features with a human element are always more impactful. Interview locals about their holiday traditions, or spotlight unsung heroes like delivery drivers who work tirelessly to make the season brighter.

3. Use Sensory Details: Engage your readers’ senses by describing the smell of fresh-baked gingerbread, the twinkle of Christmas lights, or the chill of frost on a winter morning. This makes your feature immersive and memorable.

4. End with Impact: Wrap up your story with a thought-provoking quote or a takeaway message. For example: “In the end, the holidays aren’t about the gifts or the glitter—it’s about the love we share and the memories we create.”
   

An Example from My Experience

One of my favourite holiday features was about a small-town Christmas market. On the surface, it was just another festive event, but digging deeper, I uncovered incredible stories. There was the elderly couple who had attended the market every year since their first date, and a young artist who sold ornaments to fund her art school dreams. These stories brought the feature to life, turning a simple event recap into an emotionally resonant piece.

Why Holiday Features Matter

Holiday-themed features are more than just festive fluff—they’re an opportunity to connect with readers on an emotional level. By blending journalistic integrity with the magic of the season, you can create stories that stay with your audience long after the holidays are over.