Can you believe Christmas is this coming Sunday?!? (And Hanukkah will begin Saturday evening!) While the year has flown by, December goes even quicker due to all things holiday related.
There are gifts to buy, cards to send and parties to attend. (And let’s not mention goal setting for the new year.) As a small business owner, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by your to do list this time of year. Today I’m sharing a few easy tips we can employ to help survive the holidays as small biz owners.
- Put up an away email message – Let your clients know you are taking some time to celebrate the holidays with family and friends. Even if you are in the office and checking email, decide what emails are highest priority and leave the rest until after the holidays.
- Remember that everyone else is celebrating too – This is a busy time of year for everyone, not just you. Most are not sitting by their computer waiting for you to respond to their email or crank out the next design proof.
- It’s okay to say no – To the client that is standing by, waiting for you to fast-track a new project over the holidays, just say no. As difficult as saying no might be, consider how you will feel if you have to work on a new project instead of spending time with family and friends.
- Don’t over do the holiday cards (or whatever your holiday vice may be) – Every year, this is me. I put together a never ending list of clients and fellow biz owners to send cards to and I feel obligated to handwrite each and everyone. Instead, select the clients and biz owner that have truly impacted your year and send them a card. Send an online cards to all the rest from a classy site like Paperless Post.
- Brain dump – I am a huge fan of brain dumps. When you have ideas, to do lists and more swirling in your head, it can be hard to get anything done. Instead, take 5 minutes and get it all out of your head.
- Prioritize – Once you have everything on paper, take an honest look at your list and decide what needs to be completed right away and what can wait.
- Cultivate gratitude – When you feel overwhelmed, it can be so easy to remember all of the amazing things in life. Start a gratitude journal like The Five Minute Journal to reflect on the good in your day.
- Step away from the computer – When you work from home, it easy to get stuck behind the computer all day. Take a break to grab a cup of coffee, wrap a few gifts or walk around the block.
- You don’t need to do #allthethings – Look at your to do list and see what you can cut out over the holidays. Take a social media hiatus for the holidays. Swap a long holiday newsletter for a quick greeting and image. Be honest with yourself and decide what really matters.
- When all else fails, have a cocktail!
Pom Sparkler, Twin Stripe | Peppermint White Chocolate Martini, Feast + West | Ginger Pomegranate Mules, The Speckled Palate | Mistletoe Punch, A Beautiful Mess | Hot Buttered Rum, jojotastic
If you are looking for a mocktail, check out this frozen peppermint hot chocolate. YUM!
Before you start stressing out about everything that has to be done, decide what really matters and say no to rest. Emails and client projects will be there when you return from the holidays. In order to survive the holidays, it is essential that you take time to rest and enjoy the season (with a cocktail in hand!).
Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season filled with joy, rest and good health! See you all in 2017!