As exciting as it is for the holiday season to be approaching once more, it can also be quite a stressful time of year for business owners and creatives alike. While it’s true that most offices are essentially empty for the latter half of December, that isn’t to say that you won’t have to tie up some loose ends before you can celebrate with family and friends.

Have no fear – I’ve rounded up your official checklist for wrapping up your year with a bang!

Determine when you’ll be OOO

Everyone’s schedule is different, that much we know. However, it’s essential that you carve some time away from your office and let yourself have a much-needed break. Consider doing this now, that way your employees and clients (and colleagues) will know exactly when they can expect you to be out-of-office.

You should also be having a team meeting where you’ll confirm your staff’s holiday time as well. Make a note of any upcoming vacations or days off and put them on your calendar ASAP. Getting ahead of this will make your life much easier, and you’ll be able to plan around your team’s absences without scrambling last-minute.

Set boundaries with clients

Start sending out reminders to clients regarding what your working hours will look like as the holidays approach. This leaves no room for surprises. I would suggest even offering a quick check-in meeting before you take your vacation, that way they know exactly where their event or creative project stands. A 15-minute Zoom meeting is worth it for everyone’s peace of mind, I promise!

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not the end of the world if you take a peek at your emails while you’re on vacation. However, I would refrain from making yourself accessible if you are truly out-of-office, that way you aren’t stretching yourself too thin. Don’t set a precedent that will haunt you by answering that client email at 10pm.

Prep for 2023

Lastly, this is the time to start making a physical list of things you’d like to address when everyone is back in the office in the new year. Going through some pain points right before a vacation isn’t setting anyone up for success, and the same goes for any new software or client-facing implementation.

Save all of your shiny, new ideas for 2023. You and your team will be refreshed and ready for a new start, so hold off until everyone is back in work mode! Focus on your holiday checklist now, get all of your prep-work in order, and you’ll be able to breathe a sigh of relief when celebrating with friends and family.