This is my annual post about blogging in December, and it’s also my eleventh December in the blogging world. As I’ve discovered previously, December in the blogging world differs from any other time of the year. Why? Read on for more details.
I see a familiar path. As December arrives and the days tick by, the blogging world grows quieter.
I’ve already had the pleasure of witnessing bloggers saying farewell to their blogs and followers for Christmas, joyfully extending warm wishes to their readers for a Merry Christmas while eagerly expressing their intention to return promptly in the New Year. Some have published their final posts of 2024, while others have happily shared their anticipated dates for a well-earned blogging break.
And who can blame them? Blogging is enjoyable, but all bloggers need a break from the blogging world.
However, just because the blogging world gets quiet, it doesn’t mean you have to stop blogging. Instead, it’s the perfect time of year to focus on the behind-the-scenes blogging tasks you may have meant to do throughout the year but never quite got around to.
Embrace this opportunity to make progress on all that behind-the-scenes work and watch your efforts flourish in the New Year.
1. Fix broken links.
It can be daunting if you’ve never checked for and fixed broken links on your blog, but don’t be put off doing it.
I use the free version of Brokenlink.com to check and fix broken links on my blog.
Fixing broken links helps improve your blog’s SEO score and reduces spam.
Your readers will also be happier once those broken links are fixed because they won’t be taken to pages and posts that no longer exist. No more ‘404-page not found’ errors!
Top Tip: Don’t try to tackle your list of broken links in one go. Do a few each day. Before you know it, you’ll have smashed it.
2. Update your ‘About’ page.
Every blogger should definitely have an ‘About’ page on their blog! Why? Well, not only do most readers enjoy getting to know the person behind the blog before deciding to follow, but it also happens to be one of the most visited sections of any blog. Therefore, it’s a win-win situation for bloggers and their readers alike!
It’s just as essential to keep your ‘About’ page updated. When did you last update the ‘About’ page of your blog? I updated mine a few days ago.
Not sure what to put on the ‘About’ page? ‘How to Write the Perfect About Me Page For Your WordPress Blog‘ by blogger and writer James Lane has excellent recommendations.
Top Tip: Tell visitors when you last updated your ‘About’ page by inserting the month and year you updated it. For example, mine reads, Meet Hugh – updated November 2024.
3. Do some blog housekeeping.
December is perfect for performing behind-the-scene blog housekeeping.
From sorting out the tags and categories on your blog to updating the menu bar, maintaining your blog is vital to keeping it fit and healthy for the New Year.
Blogs where little or no housekeeping is performed lose more followers and readers than well-maintained blogs. Why would anyone want to follow a poorly maintained blog or website full of broken links? They can also appear spammy and unsafe to visit.
Prepare your blog for the New Year by performing some housekeeping during December.
Top Tip: Blog housekeeping may seem daunting, but doing a little each day will significantly improve your blog.
4. Explore the WordPress Editor.
Are you still terrified of the WordPress (Block) Editor? As the number of bloggers using the WordPress Editor continues to skyrocket, now is the perfect time to explore the WordPress Editor and join all those already using it.
The WordPress editor isn’t complex to use; it’s just different!
WordPress has excellent tutorials on how the editor works and how to use it. Check out Using the WordPress Editor: Video Tutorials and more.
Remember that you can use the Classic editor via the ‘Classic’ Block. Soon, this may be the only option available to gain access to the Classic editor, so start using it today rather than panicking when the old Classic editor is removed.
Top Tip: Create a free WordPress blog to test the WordPress editor. That is what I’ve done, and it has helped me greatly.
5. Declutter the blogs you follow.
Following too many blogs is not good for your mental health. It can cause some bloggers stress and guilt from being overwhelmed by too many posts they feel obliged to read and comment on. Why follow a blog if you feel compelled to read and leave uninspiring comments?
Take control of your time rather than lose it on blogs you are not interested in.
Check which blogs you are following by clicking on the ‘spectacle (glasses)’ icon at the top of your blog. Click on ‘Manage’ (next to ‘Subscriptions’). You will be presented with a list of blogs you are following. Go through them and unfollow the blogs you are no longer interested in.
Top Tip: Set yourself a limit on how many blogs you follow. When this limit is reached, do not follow any more blogs unless you unsubscribe from some first.
6. Choose a new theme for your blog.
December is the perfect time to change the theme of your blog.
If the WordPress theme you are using has been retired, you are likely (or soon will be) having problems with your blog. This can result in being unable to leave comments on other blogs and not being able to draft and publish posts without encountering issues.
Once WordPress retires a theme, it removes support for it. Don’t waste your time trying to find workarounds. I have witnessed many bloggers give up blogging because they are trying to work around problems with their retired themes.
To choose a new theme, go to your blog’s dashboard and click Appearance—Themes. You’ll be presented with a selection of current themes. As soon as you find one you like, select it.
Many of the themes on offer are Full Site Editing themes. However, Classic themes are also available that still come with full support from WordPress.
The current theme I’m using is Toujours. It’s a Classic theme and is still fully supported by WordPress.
Top Tip: To find fully supported Classic themes, type ‘Classic’ in the search box of the themes page and click on ‘Classic theme.’ A complete list of Classic themes will appear.
7. Delete old blog posts.
Did you know that keeping old, out-of-date posts can damage the health of your blog? These outdated posts are often the source of many broken links and errors that attract spammers.
Not convinced? My post, ‘Are Your Old Blog Posts Damaging Your Blog? How To Stop It From Happening,’ gives full details.
Top Tip: Deleting old blog posts will also free up storage space in your media library (if they contain images or photos). However, you must manually delete photos and images from your media library to free up space.
Conclusion:
Although all the above tips can be performed at any time of the year, make the most of December by undertaking these tasks.
Remember, doing a little daily goes a long way, rather than doing nothing to look after your blog.
December is often a busy time outside blogging, with holidays and festivities. Taking a break from blogging allows you to recharge, relax, and fully immerse yourself in the holiday spirit. It enables you to step away from the computer and focus on spending quality time with family and friends, as well as doing other fun things.
For those who do not celebrate Christmas, taking a break from blogging while other bloggers do the same will help improve their well-being. Whenever I have returned from a blogging break, I have come back refreshed and full of new ideas for blog posts.
While taking a blogging break in December is a personal choice, finding a balance that suits your needs and goals is essential. Whether you decide to take a break or continue blogging, ensure to prioritise your well-being and enjoy the holiday season.
Am I planning a blogging break?
Yes, I’m taking a blogging break in December. This year, I’ll recycle some Christmas-themed posts and publish a Wordless Wednesday post on December 4th, 11th, and 18th. I also have a book promotion post planned, which may happen in the new year.
My monthly round-up post will go live on December 31st.
I won’t be reading and commenting on blog posts during the Christmas period. However, I will respond to comments left on my blog posts.
What will you be doing with your blog during December? Are you planning a blogging break, or will you continue to blog?
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Great tips…I just recently redid my entire author website, removing the blog and moving to a single Latest Update page. Why? I have so few followers and it was getting cumbersome. I moved all the old blog posts to PENDING but will delete them all soon. They are so outdated. Of course this had the cascading event of bad links (I use a different free tool). Next I will clean out my media file. Thanks for the push!
You’re welcome. It’s good to hear that you are doing housekeeping with your blog. Keep up the great work.
Nice tips Hugh. Thank you very much for sharing them sir. I like the updating the About page and deleting old blog posts. In January, I will be adding a new theme, well maybe not because I like the theme I have but will decide later. Happy holidays man
Are you changing your blog’s theme to a Full-Site-Editing theme, Mthobisis? If so, I’d love to hear how it all goes.
I love this post, Hugh. I’m definitely including a link in my next blog post.
Thank you, Marsha. I hope it helps many of those who read it. I’ve already seen a decline in blogging, and it’s only the 6th.
I have, too, but that’s fine. Like you say, we have a lot to do on both our blogs and in real life, as they say. I’m working on getting a book of poetry out by the end of January. I have 194 poems written and collected into categories. I’m putting them into chapters, eliminating some, and writing more as needed. I’ve been wanting to do this for years! I’ll have some for Story Chat Digest, too. I’m excited to see your new story! January will come quickly.
These are GREAT suggestions! May I repost?
Yes, please do.
I would be nice to take some time off from everything in December, including blogging, haha. For me, this month never means anything differently regarding the blog. But…
Because our three-year webhosting fee is due and it has tripled in price and is therefore way above our budget, we will be changing Roaming About over to another hosting service, which will most likely not come without issues.
So, that’s what Mark and I will be doing the next few weeks. I’m behind with my posts, but I’m worried things will get lost during the move, so I’m forced to stay quiet for a bit. I’m not complaining! :)
Change can often be a good thing, Liesbet. I wish you luck in moving providers and will keep my fingers crossed that the switch goes smoothly. Whatever you do, do not allow it to stress you out. Your readers will all still be there when the switch takes place. I’d see it more as a mini-blogging break.
Deleting old blog posts is a good idea, Hugh. As is limiting the number of blogs to follow. I looked at my list a few months ago, and it seems some on the list are no longer around.
It’s always sad when people stop blogging, and we don’t know why. I usually go with that if they’ve not published any new material for at least six months, I’ll unfollow them.
Thanks for the suggestions, Hugh. I have been using the same theme since I started my blog in 2019. Perhaps it’s time to switch things up. I’m not sure I understand the difference between Classic themes and full site editing themes. And I have no idea which one I have, although I think it’s Classic. And I believe the site I just launched for my retirement coaching business is a full site theme because it’s VERY different to manage than my blog.
Anyway I’m rambling. 😂 To answer your question, I do plan to continue to blog through December.
I wish you all all the best for Christmas and the new year and look forward to more insightful posts from you in 2025!
If I’m not mistaken, you have a self-hosted blog, Michelle. The themes may be different from those seen on WordPress.com. Classic themes are still available to WordPress.com users, but I’m unsure if they are available on self-hosted blogs. Your new blog sounds very much like a Full-Site Editing theme.
I’m still blogging in December and plan to take a mini-blogging break during the last two weeks of the year.
Thank you for the season’s greetings.
Best wishes to you and your family for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Your small break is important. My 2-week SS cycle allows me to enjoy the week between Christmas and New Years. I hope you consider joining me for the 2024 year in review, Hugh. Starts Dec 29 for 2 weeks. Meanwhile I will enjoy your posts over the next couple of weeks. I can’t believe Christmas eve is 3 weeks from today! 😳🎄
Time flies fast when we are enjoying ourselves, Terri. 2024 seems to have flown by. I’ll certainly be checking all your posts out. There are a few bloggers whose posts I always check out (including yours), even if after a week or two after publication.
Excellent advice, Hugh. I don’t plan on taking a hiatus during the holidays, but I am going to slow down on # of posts published. I’ve been using the Block editor since the beginning and it’s not hard, just different. I just deleted 2023 wrap-up posts because no one goes back to open all of those links, plus any broken links are eliminated in the process. I try to do blog maintenance little by little so the task won’t be overwhelming. Have a wonderful holiday season, Hugh.
I agree with what you say about the Block editor (now called the WordPress editor), Eugi. Like anything new, it just needs a little time to get to know it. The more you use it, the more you learn.
During my blog housekeeping this month, I’ll delete many posts, including many monthly roundup posts (with all those links).
I’m still blogging this month, but I will take a mini-blogging break during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Season’s Greetings, Eugi.
This should be a very quiet Christmas season for us – my husband is too ill to travel or entertain. So maybe I’ll be able to get some maintenance done on the site. I’ll generally rerun some oldies from Christmases past. Thanks for the suggestions Hugh!
I’m sorry to hear about your husband’s health, Jan. Some of the best Christmases I’ve had were when it was just my partner and me. I hope you and your husband have a lovely time together over Christmas.
I’m also recycling some past Christmas posts. This is great, especially because some people will not have seen them before.
I’m glad the suggestions in this post have been helpful.
December is a great month for blog administration tasks, Hugh! I’m on a 2-week posting cycle for Sunday Stills through the end of January. Takes the pressure off creating a weekly post, but still reading and commenting. My WW post schedule will be a bit like yours. All bloggers need small breaks.
Creating a free practice blog is a great idea, too. The block editor gets better each week it seems. And thanks for the hint about using classic themes. Even if I don’t change my theme for a bit, I do like changing the header image and background colors seasonally. I’m always surprised when people notice and ask.
Enjoy the magic of the Christmas season, Hugh. 🎄 Once we’re in Arizona, I plan to visit some local bloggers in person. That is the special benefit of blogging to me, making real life friends and supporting each other.
Thanks for all the excellent how-to posts this year. 👏
This time of year can be stressful, Terri. I think it’s a great time to take a blogging break, spend more time with family and friends, or do other things we enjoy.
I have just discovered that WordPress now refers to the Block editor as the WordPress editor. Given that it has been the only option available to those new to WordPress for a few years, I wonder what took them so long to change the name? I have just changed my blog to give it a more festive feel. I’m glad the Classic theme I use allows this. It certainly helps to refresh the look of the blog.
I always enjoy this time of year, so I plan my mini blogging break during the last two weeks of the year. I don’t plan to meet any bloggers during that time. I hope you have a great time meeting the bloggers you’re meeting. You’ll all have plenty to talk about.
Good suggestions, Hugh. I’ve thought about updating my theme (it’s several years old now) but I’m a bit worried that I’ll do something that I can’t easily fix. Maybe December is a good time to do that since fewer people are paying attention. :)
I also need to update my follows… some are no longer blogging, and others just don’t float my boat anymore.
Have a lovely December!
The good thing about changing themes is that you can preview any changes before hitting the ‘publish’ button, Janis. The downside, however, is that you won’t be able to return to the theme you were using if it’s retired. I’d recommend checking before making any changes.
I’m still blogging for the next few weeks, but I am taking a mini blogging break during the last two weeks of December.
Season’s Greetings.
Great advice, Hugh. Last year, I changed my blog’s theme. I am happy to say I plan to tackle some of the lighter tasks on your agenda.
I will suspend the challenge I host for the two weeks around the major holidays.
I remember you changing your blog to a FSE theme, Dan. I was going to do the same this year, but while my current theme is supported by WordPress, I’ve decided to stick with it as I like it a lot. I may change it to an FSE theme, but we shall see. If WordPress retires my current theme, I’ll do it. Although I may still change it to an FSE theme, we will see.
It was a lot of work for me, Hugh. Mainly, trying to get a gallery that my readers all liked. You reach a point where people have expectations. Maybe that’s not what blogging is supposed to be like, but…
I hear it’s easier now to change to an FSE theme, Dan. I haven’t tested that theory yet, but I may.
‘Who do we blog for?’ is a great question that is open to much discussion and debate. I tend to go more for what I like and prefer, although I’m always open to friendly, honest feedback. I must say that the photo galleries on your blog always look great.
The problem was finding a gallery that looked good on mobile devices as well as in a browser.
As always, excellent advice. Much of which I use throughout the year. This year I am adding a new content stream to the blog, which means new pages, a new look. The theme is getting old but that change is destine for next December.
That sounds great, Danny. And it’s good to hear that you maintain your blog throughout the year.
I’ve had my theme for a couple of years. I like it, and since it is currently supported by WordPress, I’ll stick with it until I upgrade to an FSE theme.
This is a fabulous post, Hugh. Have wonderful holidays!
Thanks, Colleen. I hope it’s helpful to everyone who reads it. Maintaining the backstage of our blogs is so important, yet many seem to ignore it, resulting in disorganised blogs.
I’m still blogging for the next few weeks, but thank you for the early seasonal wishes. Season’s Greetings.
Thanks very much, Hugh. I appreciate your kind wishes. xxx
Thank you for this, Hugh. You make several very good points here, one of which is to update the ‘About’ page. I’ve been meaning to do that for some time, but then something happens and I don’t do it. You’ve made me think about a few things here.
As the blogging world gets quieter and we approach Christmas, it’s the perfect time to update that page, Esther.
I’m glad this post acted as a reminder.
Excellent advice, Hugh. I have a question about deleting old blogs. How old is old? Five years, Ten years? I tried cleaning up my media files one time and found that when I deleted a graphic off the blog post so I stopped doing that. And yes, blogging will be hit and miss for me in December.
It depends on whether the posts are still relevant and not outdated, Jan. I recommend deleting any outdated posts that cannot be updated or that contain incorrect information. Likewise, delete posts with no new views or engagement over the last few years, especially those with links that may no longer work. They tend to be the posts that cause problems.
When deleting old posts, remember to go to your blog’s media library and delete the images from your deleted posts. Only do this after deleting the post. You will save yourself some media space by doing so.
Thanks, Hugh!
Great tips, as per usual 😊.
I will not go on any hiatus, but I need to find topics to keep the blogging streak going. I do this because I want to, not because it’s a chore. I think this blog I have now is a bit too new to use some of your tips, but countless others could most likely benefit from them, so thanks for sharing!
Providing it’s not a chore, then keep enjoying the blogging experience.
I recommend that the owner of any blog over six months old does some blog housekeeping at least once every six months. That way, the housekeeping jobs do not become daunting or seem like a chore. I’ve witnessed quite a few blogs where no housekeeping is ever done become a mess. Many go on to become abandoned by the owner.
Yeah, I’ve seen that too. I have done some “remodeling” sort to speak 😂 lately. I’m not 100% satisfied, though…
I recommend doing a little a day. That way, it won’t seem overwhelming.
Good idea!