I’ll never forget my first holiday season working from home. The smell of fresh cookies coming from the hallway ( I lived in a Condo ), and my kids were hanging ornaments on the tree while holiday music played in the background. It felt magical—until my phone buzzed with a reminder for a meeting I’d forgotten to block time for. I rushed to my desk, with only my robe on and then fumbled through the call while my daughter tugged at my leg asking for snacks.
That’s when it hit me: working remotely during the holidays requires a plan. It’s so easy to get caught up in the magic (or chaos!) of the season and forget that staying productive doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the joy of the holidays. Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to strike that balance, and I’m excited to share them with you!
Tips:
Set Boundaries with Your Time: Whether it’s family, friends, or your inner perfectionist, the holidays are full of demands. Use time-blocking to dedicate hours for focused work and set “off-limits” times for yourself to enjoy the festivities.
Create a Festive Workspace: One year, I added Christmas lights and a small poinsettia to my desk, and it made such a difference! A cheerful workspace helps keep your spirits high during those end-of-year deadlines.
Say No (and Mean It): I’ve learned that it’s okay to turn down a last-minute meeting or decline hosting that 20-person cookie exchange if it interferes with your work-life balance. Practice saying “I’d love to, but I can’t this time.”
Leverage Tech Tools to Stay Organized: Apps like Trello or Asana can help you track year-end tasks. Bonus tip: Set reminders to follow up on emails before the holiday rush begins.
Embrace Flexibility: One of the best perks of remote work is setting your own schedule. Use that flexibility to attend a mid-day holiday concert, tobogganing with the kiddies or start your day early so you can wrap up by dinnertime.
This holiday season, remember: being productive doesn’t mean missing out. By setting boundaries and getting a little creative, you can enjoy the magic of the holidays while still crossing everything off your to-do list. And who knows? Maybe this year, you’ll even have time to open your own gifts, well, maybe. "Happy Holidays!"
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