It’s been quite a year, hasn’t it! For many of us, the Christmas break is something we’re not only looking forward to but also something we really need this year, more so than any other year.

It’s the time to relax with a few friends and loved ones, as we reflect on and appreciate the end of 2020 and plan ahead for 2021. It’s going to be a little quieter than usual for many of us this festive season, no parties or meeting up with friends at a Xmas market. We may feel like we have more time on our hands.

However, If you want to make the most of your time off during the Christmas period, you still need to plan ahead. And the sooner you start planning, the better.

But if you feel like you’ve left it a little late to plan, don’t worry! Here’s a quick rundown of what you can do now, to ensure you get to relax during the Christmas festivities.

Let people know when you are and aren’t available

Schedule your time off and let everyone know what that looks like. Email your mailing list and your clients, letting them know when you’re available during the Christmas break and when you’re back in the new year. It’s worth also pinning a post with your schedule on your social media and on your website.

Plan to clear the decks before you go on your break

There’s still time to adequately schedule out your outstanding tasks, prior to closing for Christmas. But also think about your personal plans here, too. What do you want to get completed and out of the way, before you close for the holidays? Sit and schedule it all out, so you can clearly see what is outstanding and the timescales involved, to ensure you clear the decks before you go on your break.

Ensure you take a break and relax!

If you want to make the most of the Christmas break, planning ahead is only part of the equation. The other part is ensuring that you actually switch off and relax! For many small business owners this is the difficult part. So have a think about what you can do, to help you to achieve the rest and relaxation you need. 

It’s easy to cram lots of family visits and activities during the Christmas break. However, if you’re looking to relax, is this best for you? It may be better to be more selective with what you plan, so you have time to sit down and relax. Plan in a little downtime so you can do what relaxes you. Whether it’s reading a book, watching Christmas films, or going for a walk, spend the time doing something that will truly enable you to switch off.

If you’re looking to make the most of the Christmas break, it isn’t too late to get organised. Just take the time now, to plan out what you need to do, to communicate when you’re available, clear the decks of outstanding work and ensure you take the break you deserve. That way, you’ll be able to hit the ground running, at the start of the new year.

And if you’re looking to get some freelance administrative support in the new year, why not get in touch? I can offer you PA/administrative support on a flexible basis, as well as lifestyle PA support. So reach out and let’s discuss your needs and how working with a PA could be just the solution you need.