That pre-holiday rush always feels a bit manic, doesn’t it? You’re in a mad dash to finish projects, but you’re also trying to wind down for some much-needed time off.

A little preparation can make the difference between a truly restful break and one spent worrying about your return. That’s why having a clear list of things to do before Christmas is so helpful. This simple to do list before Christmas covers what you need to handle at work and at home, ensuring you can sign off with confidence and come back refreshed.

It’s easy for things to fall by the wayside as you reprioritise your workload. However, before you morph into the holiday version of yourself (ours features sunscreen, sunglasses and a cold beer), make the most of your last week with these quick to-do items. They’ll help you clear your space, refocus your mind, and do some quick forward planning for your business.

1. Organize Your Digital Files

Now is a great time to take a metaphorical feather duster to your file system. We recently wrote about how you can spring clean your file system, which has tips on how to review, purge, and organise your documents.

If you’re using SuiteFiles, why not include clearing out old users and updating user permissions as part of your clean up process.

2. Reach out to your clients

It might be too late to send out a Christmas card to your clients, but you can still send festive greetings via email. Include a quick survey to ask clients how they find your services, what advisory help they’d like, or what their core business concerns are. This can feed back into your planning for 2017.

We use Typeform as a quick and easy way to create surveys (they have a free tier!).

3. Get feedback from your staff

Staff satisfaction and happiness is the cornerstone of any thriving business. Either organise one-on-one sessions or use a survey tool to ask staff how they find their work, environment and professional development opportunities. Staff will appreciate the effort and the positive changes or opportunities it leads to in the new year.

4. Do an informal audit of your office

Your environment has a big impact on your productivity. A clear and well organised space is good for your brain and your work. Use your last week as an opportunity to:

  • Check what needs replacing, like stationary, printers or chairs.
  • Ensure that staff have the correct ergonomic setup at their desks.
  • Rearrange your office space and/or introduce some plants to liven up an area.

5. Give Your Website a Quick Polish

You’ve spent time and energy on making a great website, and for good reason! Your business website will likely be the first port of call for prospective customers who are trying to discover what you do and who you are.  Don’t leave it to stagnate with irrelevant or not up-to-date info.

Ask yourself – Does your website still reflect your business, its brand and services? Have you changed address or have staff details that you need to update on your About page? Check and update to keep your website feeling fresh.

6. Reflect on This Year’s Goals

Whether your goal was to grow your business, improve your processes, or to give back to your community, think about what resolutions you had for 2016 and, most importantly, how close you got to achieving them.

7. Set Your Goals for the Year Ahead

Maybe you didn’t quite hit the mark when it came to goal-setting in 2016. Not a problem, that’s what the new year is for! Brainstorm what you’ve always been meaning to do when it comes to your business and marketing, and make a list of the top 3 your want to tackle in January.

Write these goals on a post-it or piece of paper and leave it on your keyboard on your last day. You’ll see it when you get back and thank past you for the handy reminder.

If you need help, Xero have written some good, short marketing guides for businesses, including this one for accountants.

8. Celebrate Your Team (and Yourself)

Shout the team afternoon tea or head to your local for a drink on the last day of work. Even if you’ve just had your staff Christmas party, it’s another informal chance to sit and chat, to build team morale, and to finish the year on a high.

What do you do at the end of the year? Is it a scramble to be productive or do you give in to the holiday spirit and blast that one Mariah Carey song for all to enjoy? Let us know in the comments below!

 

 

Planning Your Personal Holiday To-Do List

Now that you’ve wrapped up your work tasks and organized your digital workspace, it’s time to shift focus to your personal life. The holidays are meant for relaxing and connecting with loved ones, but they can quickly become overwhelming without a plan.

Creating a personal to-do list helps you stay on track and ensures you have time for what truly matters.

Create a Holiday Budget and Timeline

A little structure goes a long way in reducing holiday stress. By mapping out your spending and scheduling key tasks, you can avoid last-minute scrambles and enjoy the season more.

Map out your holiday spending

Before you start shopping, decide on a total budget. Break it down into categories like gifts, food, decorations, and travel. This simple step helps you stay on track and make intentional spending decisions.

Organize your gift shopping

Make a list of everyone you need to buy gifts for. Jotting down ideas in advance prevents that last-minute panic buying. Starting early also gives you time to find more thoughtful presents.

Plan your holiday meals

Decide on your menus for big holiday meals about two weeks ahead of time. This gives you plenty of time to gather recipes, make a grocery list, and even prep some ingredients in advance.

Schedule your Christmas cards

If you send holiday cards, block out time to write them. It’s a great way to connect with friends and family, and it feels much more personal than a quick text.

Plan your decorations

A clear, organized space can do wonders for your mindset. Before you pull out the decorations, take some time to declutter. This makes the process more enjoyable and helps your home feel festive, not chaotic.

Prioritize Well-being and Connection

The holidays are more than just tasks and events. They’re an opportunity to recharge and connect with the people who matter most. Make sure your to-do list includes items that nurture your well-being.

Focus on what truly matters

It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure of creating a “perfect” holiday. Give yourself permission to let go of that expectation. Focus on creating meaningful moments rather than flawless decorations or elaborate meals.

Schedule time to relax

Intentionally schedule downtime. This could be as simple as reading a book, meditating, or writing down a few things you’re grateful for. Protecting your peace is just as important as any other holiday task.

Practice mindfulness

Amid the hustle, take moments to be present. Pay attention to the sights, sounds, and smells of the season. This simple practice can help you feel more grounded and appreciative of the small joys.

Connect with loved ones

Make specific plans to connect with people. This could be sharing a meal with someone who might be lonely or spending an evening looking through old family photos and sharing memories.

Give back to your community

The holidays are a powerful time to support others. Look for opportunities to volunteer or contribute to a local charity. Giving back can be a deeply rewarding way to connect with your community.

Make Time for Festive Fun

Don’t forget to schedule activities just for the fun of it. Building festive traditions and enjoyable experiences is what makes the holiday season memorable.

Try a creative holiday project

Get hands-on with a festive project. You could bake cookies, make homemade gift tags, or try a new holiday recipe. Creative activities are a great way to de-stress and get into the holiday spirit.

Experience the season around town

Explore what your local area has to offer. Take an evening drive to see the holiday lights, visit a local market, or attend a community event. It’s a simple way to soak up the festive atmosphere.

Create a holiday bucket list

A holiday bucket list is a fun way to keep track of all the activities you want to do. List things like “watch a classic holiday movie,” “drink hot chocolate by the fire,” or “go ice skating.” Checking items off the list adds a sense of accomplishment and fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I manage both my work and personal to-do lists without getting stressed? The key is to focus on what will give you the most peace of mind during your break. Instead of trying to do everything, pick a few high-impact items from each list. At work, this might be organizing your main project files and setting a clear out-of-office reply. At home, it could be setting a gift budget and planning one special meal. The goal isn’t to finish everything, but to handle the tasks that will keep you from worrying while you’re away.

I’m really short on time. What are the absolute must-do tasks before I sign off? If you can only do a few things, prioritize tasks that ensure a smooth handover and a calm return. Make sure your team knows the status of key projects and who to contact in an emergency. On the personal side, focus on what reduces future stress, like ordering gifts online or making a simple grocery list. Think of it as doing a favor for your future self.

Is it really worth the effort to organize my digital files right before a holiday? It might seem like a low-priority task, but tidying up your digital workspace is one of the best ways to mentally disconnect. It creates a clear endpoint for the year’s work. When you return, you won’t be met with digital clutter. Instead, you’ll have a clean, organized system ready for a fresh start, which makes getting back into the swing of things much easier.

Why is it so important to reflect on the year and set new goals before the break? Taking a moment to reflect helps you acknowledge your accomplishments and find closure on the year. It allows you to fully switch off, knowing you’ve processed what happened. Setting just one or two simple goals for the new year gives your brain a clear direction for when you return. It replaces that feeling of “where do I even start?” with a sense of purpose.

My clients and team are already in holiday mode. How can I still connect with them meaningfully? You don’t need a grand gesture. A simple, genuine approach works best when everyone’s attention is divided. For clients, a short, personal email wishing them well for the holidays is more effective than a last-minute survey. For your team, a casual coffee or just taking a few minutes to chat in the kitchen can build connection without adding another meeting to the calendar.

Key Takeaways

  • Set yourself up for a successful return: Tidy up your digital workspace, connect with clients and staff, and set a few clear goals for the new year so you can fully disconnect.
  • Avoid holiday overwhelm with a simple plan: Map out your budget and schedule key tasks like shopping and meal prep to prevent last-minute scrambles and enjoy the season more.
  • Prioritize connection over perfection: Intentionally schedule downtime and focus on creating meaningful moments with loved ones instead of striving for a flawless holiday.

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