This Christmas special explores what it really takes to get through the festive season while working in hospitality. The Talking Hospitality hosts come together for an open, honest conversation about pressure, resilience, wellbeing and community at one of the most demanding times of the year.

The episode blends humour and reflection with serious discussion around mental health, sobriety, burnout and support. It features contributions from the Hospitality Choir in support of Hospitality Action, alongside practical guidance and resources shared by Kelly’s Cause for anyone struggling during the festive period.

Rather than pretending Christmas is easy, this episode acknowledges the reality of long hours, emotional labour and exhaustion — while offering reassurance, perspective and practical support. It’s a reminder that you’re not weak for finding this time hard, and you’re not alone in getting through it.

Show Notes:

1. The realities of working through Christmas in hospitality
2. Why festive pressure hits hospitality teams differently
3. Mental health, anxiety and recognising when support is needed
4. Sobriety, self-care and celebrating in different ways
5. The Hospitality Choir’s Christmas single supporting Hospitality Action
6. Support available through Kelly’s Cause during the festive period
7. Practical mental health resources available 24/7 over Christmas
8. Leadership, responsibility and looking ahead to the new year

Featured contributors & organisations:

1. The Talking Hospitality hosts
2. Hospitality Choir – Always Open at Christmas
3. Hospitality Action
4. Kelly’s Cause
5. Samaritans, Shout & NHS mental health services

Big Thank You to our sponsors:

Hospitality Jobs UK

Graphic Kitchen

Piss'd Game

Links referenced in this episode:

1. https://thehospitalitychoir.org/
2. kellyscause.com
3. Tech on Toast Podcast
4. We Recover Loudly
5. Hospitality Action

Companies & Individuals mentioned in this episode:

1. Cadbury
2. Greene King
3. Phil Street
4. Jeff Black
5. Mecca Ibrahim
6. Dawn Lawrence