Ah, December! A magical time of year, with twinkling lights, the scent of cinnamon in the air… and a stack of files teetering precariously on your desk. You’ve probably already got one foot in your slippers, hot chocolate in hand, but before fully embracing that cozy scene, there’s one last mission: prioritizing your tasks at work to prevent everything from collapsing during the holidays. Don’t panic! Here are some practical (though not foolproof, we admit) tips to help you navigate this period with ease—or at least with minimal stress.
Make a To-Do List (But a Realistic One This Time)
We’re all guilty of creating those three-mile-long to-do lists. However, right before the holidays, it’s better to stay realistic. Focus on what REALLY NEEDS TO BE DONE before your break. Ask yourself: “If I don’t do this task now, will the world fall apart?” Spoiler: the answer is usually no.
Bonus Tip: Sort your tasks into urgent ones and those that can wait. If a file can sit patiently on your desk until January without catching fire, let it stay there. It’ll greet you with either love (or dread) when you return.
Communicate with Colleagues (Before They Disappear Too)
We all know the week before the holidays feels like a game of musical chairs. Before everyone vanishes for a few days of peace (or family chaos, let’s be honest), make sure to touch base with those who might need you—or whom YOU might need. Ensure everyone is on the same page about priorities.
This avoids those dreaded December 24th emails at 11:45 p.m. with the subject line: *“URGENT – Can you review this report before tomorrow morning?”* Answer: No, Nicole, no one is working tomorrow morning.
Delegate Smartly (Or at Least Try)
If you have a team, now’s the time to master the subtle art of delegation. Be careful not to dump all your files on someone else at the last minute! Prioritize what MUST be done and ask for help with tasks that can be shared. If you don’t have a team, well… delegation doesn’t really apply here. A good festive playlist might be your best companion instead.
Don’t Start New Projects Three Days Before Vacation
Let’s be realistic: this is not the time to initiate new projects or tackle groundbreaking ideas. Save those good intentions for January. Any ambitious new endeavor started mid-December is likely to get lost in the holiday whirlwind. Focus on wrapping up ongoing projects and let creativity take a break too.
Accept That Not Everything Will Be Perfect (And That’s Okay)
Ah, perfection! That desire to have everything tied up in a neat bow before walking out the office door. Here’s the truth: sometimes it’s perfectly fine to leave with unfinished business. The key is to let what can wait remain in limbo without guilt. After all, everyone is human, and January will welcome you back with open arms to pick up where you left off.
Finally, Breathe—You’re (Almost) Done!
Before collapsing on the couch with a mug of mulled wine, remember that the holidays are meant to be a time of rest. Prioritize wisely, communicate with colleagues, and, most importantly, accept that you’re not a superhero. Your mental health is just as important as those pending files. So take a deep breath, finish what you can, and leave the rest to your January self.
Happy Holidays!
