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The holiday season is a time to unwind and celebrate, but it often comes with its own set of challenges when it comes to balancing work and personal time. Instead of the usual reminders about planning time off, here are some less obvious strategies to make the lead-up to Christmas—and your return—much smoother:
1. Create a Pre-Holiday Workflow Audit
Take a step back to evaluate how your current workflows and systems are running. The holiday season is an ideal time to identify inefficiencies and adjust, especially if the workload slows down for some teams. Streamlining now can set you up for a more productive start to the new year.
Suggestions:
Identify recurring challenges in tasks or approvals and implement quick fixes.
Automate any repetitive processes to save time during and after the holidays.
Use quieter periods to experiment with new productivity tools or methods.
2. Group Tasks for repetitive responsibilities
If your role involves repetitive or routine responsibilities, group those tasks ahead of time. This allows continuity while reducing the likelihood of piling up work for when you return.
Suggestions:
Pre-schedule emails, social media posts, or reports where applicable.
Group similar tasks together for efficiency, such as scheduling meetings or updating databases.
Delegate ongoing responsibilities (e.g., weekly check-ins) with clear instructions.
3. Prepare a Knowledge Hub for Colleagues
Instead of relying on individual conversations or emails, create a central resource where team members can access important information that might be needed in your absence.
Suggestions:
Compile FAQs, templates, or step-by-step guides into a shared document or platform.
Record short explainer videos for complex tasks.
Use task management tools like Asana or Trello to visually map out workflows.
4. Set Clear Expectations for Post-Holiday Communications
The post-Christmas catch-up is often as overwhelming as the pre-Christmas rush. Establishing boundaries about how and when you’ll handle follow-ups can help you ease back into work.
Suggestions:
Create a “priority inbox” folder for pressing emails to address on your first day back.
Pre-block time in your calendar for catching up to avoid overloading your schedule.
Draft an “after the break” action plan before you leave, listing key priorities.
5. Use Visual Cues for On-Hold Projects
If you’re pausing a project until after the holidays, ensure it’s easy to pick up where you left off. Create clear visual markers or summaries for each paused task to avoid confusion or rework.
Suggestions:
Label paused tasks in project management tools with specific tags (e.g., “Resume Jan 3”).
Write a brief status summary for each incomplete project, outlining what’s done and what’s next.
Leave visual reminders on your desk or workspace (e.g., sticky notes or whiteboard highlights).
6. Anticipate Common Interruptions During the Break
While it’s great to disconnect, certain roles may require occasional check-ins. Prepare for this in a way that doesn’t disrupt your personal time.
Suggestions:
Set specific times during your break when you’ll check emails or respond to messages, if absolutely necessary.
Pre-brief colleagues or clients on what constitutes an “urgent” issue and ensure they understand your availability.
Use a “VIP filter” in your email to highlight critical senders while ignoring non-essential ones.
7. Invest in End-of-Year Reflections
Take time to reflect on your achievements and challenges from the year. This mindful exercise can provide clarity and motivation as you head into the new year.
Suggestions:
Write down three professional wins and three lessons learned from the past year.
Identify one process or habit you’d like to improve and create an action plan.
Celebrate your progress with your team, even if informally, to foster a positive year-end atmosphere.
8. Embrace Non-Work Routines for Recharge
The holidays are also about personal renewal. Shift your focus from work tasks to activities that enrich you mentally and physically.
Suggestions:
Commit to one meaningful non-work activity during the break, like reading, hiking, or reconnecting with friends.
Use the time to experiment with a morning or evening routine that you can carry into the new year.
Disconnect digitally by limiting screen time, especially from work devices.
By focusing on these practical and often overlooked strategies, you’ll not only reduce holiday stress but also set yourself up for a more seamless transition into the new year. Enjoy the festive season—and return recharged and ready to tackle 2025!