Setting Yourself Up for the Holiday Season

The holiday season has a way of sneaking up on us. Between end-of-year work deadlines, family commitments, social events, and personal to-dos, it can feel like there’s barely room to breathe, let alone enjoy the moments that matter most. The good news? With a little preparation and intentionality, you can set yourself up to finish the year strong while still feeling present and joyful.

1. Reflect Before You Rush

Before diving into year-end tasks and events, pause to reflect:

• What do you want to accomplish professionally/personally before year’s end?

• Which connections do you want to nurture this season?

• What kind of headspace do you want to enter the new year with?

  
  

Grounding yourself in these questions helps you decide where to spend your energy—and where not to.

2. Simplify Where You Can

The holiday season is often packed with end-of-year projects, client deadlines, and networking opportunities. Instead of overcommitting, look for ways to streamline. 

• Can that meeting be an email? 

• Could you combine a few 1:1 coffee chats into one small group meetup? 

• Maybe you set clearer priorities for what must be completed by year-end versus what can wait until January. 

Simplifying your workload and commitments ensures you stay present and engaged, rather than stretched thin across too many obligations.

3. Protect Your Time

As the year closes, it’s tempting to say yes to every meeting, networking event, or coffee invite. But your time is your most valuable resource. Block off your non-negotiables now, whether that’s uninterrupted time to finalize a project, a weekly check-in with your manager or team, or even a dedicated window for networking follow-ups. Adding these to your calendar in advance makes it easier to protect them once the season inevitably gets hectic.

Just as important, schedule downtime for yourself. Protecting your time ensures you show up to both work and networking opportunities energized, not exhausted, and helps you enter the new year with confidence instead of burnout.

4. Plan Financially with Intention

The holidays can bring professional expenses, too. Client gifts, team outings, or travel for conferences and personal events. Set a clear budget so these gestures feel meaningful without adding stress. Thoughtful touches, like handwritten notes or personalized recommendations, often resonate more than high-dollar gifts.

5. Create Space for Connection

While deadlines matter, so do the relationships you’re building. Use this season as a natural opportunity to strengthen your network, whether through a coffee catch-up, attending a professional holiday mixer, or simply reaching out to say thank you. These connections often lay the groundwork for collaboration and support in the new year.

✨ The holidays don’t have to feel like a race to the finish line. By simplifying your commitments, protecting your time, and being intentional with your connections, you’ll set yourself up to close the year with clarity, and step into the new one with momentum.