A Deep Dive into December Communication Hooks and PR Angles
NOVEMBER 21, 2024
And just like that we’ve nearly arrived at the final month of 2024. So let’s dig in and help you plan your December communications calendar.
December, of course, serves as the heart of the holiday – and giving – season.
For social good communicators, December provides the perfect opportunity to reflect back on accomplishments and key issues, while also looking forward to the promise and challenges of a new year.
This framework sets the stage for the classic year-in-review messaging along with the look-ahead predictions and trends stories that endure as great ways to engage and grow your audience.
Beyond that there are plenty of milestone days and events that offer strong communications and PR hooks. Here’s a rundown of what’s ahead…
Dec. 1 – Rosa Parks Day
On this day in 1955, Rosa Parks boarded a bus in Montgomery, Ala., and refused to give up her seat to a white passenger — an act that led to her arrest. Her defiance and bravery led to the infamous Montgomery Bus Boycott, helping end the segregation of public transportation in Alabama and across the country.
Rosa Parks Day offers a chance to celebrate and recognize her great impact on the Civil Rights Movement, as well as highlight the important work your organization is doing to advance racial equity.
Dec. 1 – National Secondhand Sunday
On the Sunday after Thanksgiving we look to embrace secondhand gifting, while supporting second hand sellers and circular fashion during the peak holiday shopping season. It offers a good hook to showcase how your organization approaches sustainability.
Dec. 2 – National Special Education Day
On Dec. 2 in 1975, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was signed into law. This act reaffirmed the importance of inclusive education for students with special needs.
National Special Education Day presents an opportunity to continue sharing resources that support the ongoing implementation of IDEA, ensuring that educators and families have access to tools, training, and services that help create equitable learning environments where students with disabilities are empowered to succeed academically and socially.
Dec. 2 – Cyber Monday
On the heels of Black Friday and Small Business Saturday comes Cyber Monday. Considering how many people will be filling online shopping carts, we recommend limiting communications unless they are focused on Giving Tuesday – or include the words “60% off!” in the headline.
Dec. 3 –Giving Tuesday
Otherwise known as the Super Bowl of Philanthropy, Giving Tuesday offers the opportunity to encourage donations, along with spotlighting the impact of your work and that of nonprofits in your community.
Dec. 7 – National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
The anniversary of the attack of Pearl Harbor in 1941 presents an opportunity to acknowledge the sacrifices made by our veterans to protect our freedoms. Keep in mind that another opportunity exists on Dec. 14 National Wreaths Across America Day, which honors veterans, active duty military and their families by placing wreaths on the headstones of fallen soldiers.
Dec. 7 – SKYWARN® Recognition Day
The weather forecasters and warners had a busy 2024 – and chances are that trend will continue in the year to come. SKYWARN® Recognition Day acknowledges the contributions of public service volunteers who provide essential weather information as it’s happening and work to keep their communities safer.
With so many recent weather-related disasters, you can seize the chance to spotlight individuals and organizations who have aided in disaster relief, and let people know about disaster relief funds where they can donate to help rebuild communities impacted by disaster. It never hurts to review your internal crisis communications protocol either.
Dec. 17 – National Say It Now Day
You mean the world to us, treasured reader of our On Message newsletter! OK, so we jumped the gun on National Say It Now Day, which is a day to tell the people in your life how important they are and express gratitude for all the ways they have impacted your life. This is a great hook to express appreciation and gratitude to your supporters and partners – and anyone else who would surely appreciate hearing it.
Dec.21 – National Homeless Persons’ Remembrance Day
On the first day of winter, we remember those in the homeless community who have died the previous year. As temperatures drop, it’s more important than ever to share resources and services for food, shelter, clothing, job training, mental health support, and more for those experiencing homelessness.
Dec. 25 – Christmas Day
For those who celebrate, Christmas is a time to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, gather with family, and exchange gifts. It is also an opportunity to give back to those who need it. Consider making a donation in someone's name, donating to a toy drive, or volunteering at a local soup kitchen during this time of giving.
Dec. 25 - Jan. 2 – Hanukkah
Known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah (which means “dedication in Hebrew) is an eight-day Jewish holiday that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. This event took place after a group of Jewish fighters, known as Maccabees, successfully liberated the temple in the 2nd century BC. A candle is lit on each of the eight days to honor the miracle of oil, which burned for eight days in the temple despite there only being enough oil for one day.
Dec. 26 - Jan. 1 – Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is a celebration that honors African heritage in African-American culture. During this time, people gather together for feasts, gift-giving, and the celebration of family, community, and culture. The name Kwanzza comes from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza” which means “first fruits” in Swahili. On each of the seven nights of Kwanzaa, groups gather together and light a candle on the Kinara and discuss one of the seven principles of Nguzo Saba.
Dec. 31 – New Year’s Eve
The best resolution is one you don’t break – so choose wisely. And Happy New Year!