@Moho
I agree it could be boring, but as one who often takes months between chapters I find the boredom is mostly a product of playing style. I like the long breaks because it gives me time to really upgrade everything, time space to use in the FA, and get ready for the next chapter. AND, I've always got at least one chapter to look forward too, as I take long enough for Inno to provide the next chapter...the one after the one to which I'm looking forward.
On the other hand, I think the OP meant a break from things other than building his/her city. If there were a period of time...a few weeks... once a year where everybody knew there would be no FA, event, Spire or tournament, maybe they would feel a bit like working more on their cities. Of course, this wouldn't work well, I don't think, since the events, tournaments and, especially Spire, provide a lot of things you need to build your city. Without them you'd probably slow down a bit rather than speed up.
In the end then, for me it's not the threat of getting bored, but, if such a "community vacation" were implemented I think most players would just get more frustrated. And that would drive some to leave, no doubt.
So the best course, as you and Alram suggest/say, is to simply take a break between chapters when you want a break, and to ignore all the extra things you wish to ignore.
AJ