Working Over Christmas – 5 Top Tips 

How to enjoy your festive season whilst staying productive

 

It’s time to think about Christmas

Do you feel ready to be working over Christmas? If you’re like most people, festivities might not mean letting your work go completely. That’s why, in this brief article, we will provide you with five useful tips to help you balance work and pleasure this holiday season. 

 

1. Preparation Is Necessary

How well do you know your working patterns and behaviours? How do you manage your workload during a busy time? By answering these questions, you will be on your way to creating a more sustainable and balanced work ethic throughout the festive season, with its many special moments and short days. A working Christmas might be a totally new experience for you, or perhaps you’re a veteran – either way, this part is key.

It is important to note how much of the work you have to handle during this period and what you can do to improve your performance without hindering your time with the people you love the most. First of all, inform them of your responsibilities and do that in advance. This will allow you to schedule time out of socialising without putting others off. Secondly, figure out what kind of a working pattern you would like to sustain. Whether it’s working in the mornings to enjoy the afternoons, or cranking as much work in one day and taking the next one off, you have to make these decisions, before you jump into the celebratory mood. If working to deadlines is often a challenge, learn how always meet your targets with our guide – here.

 

So, figure out your plan and make sure your loved ones know about it! 

 

2. Connect Work With Celebration

It might sound rather silly, but believe us, it will make a difference. Decorate your workspace a little and give yourself some special treats as you get on with your work. By keeping up the festive spirit, you will be more likely to feel motivated when working and aware of the specialty of the occasion. 

Respect your off-peak downtime and prepare for the New Year by really being present, when the job is not in front of you. Have a meal with your friends, family, or work colleagues, engage in after-work activities with passion, and do not forget to switch off your notifications whenever work isn’t a priority. By tending to this Christmas spirit whilst working, you will feel more satisfied with the time, as it comes and goes. 

 

So, tie your work with the celebration and make the most of the time with others! 

 

3. Loosen Up A Little  

Do you feel like you have to make those targets like you do every other week? Well, this time it is different. Remember that. Give yourself a break and recognise that there is no need to grind constantly as if there was no tomorrow. Enjoy the festive time and be flexible with your work hours. Every boss or client is different, but often you’ll find there is a bit more flexibility afforded to those working over Christmas.

Taking longer breaks, leaving the non-urgent matters for later, and easing off with your workload during these special days will allow you to feel the difference without self-loathing and disappointment. You wouldn’t want to miss spending time with your loved ones, would you? 

 

So, let go a little, loosen up your work ethic, and enjoy these unique days! 

 

4. Celebrate Regardless Of Where You Are

Are you unable to go back to your family this year? How are you going to spend the festive season? Due to the current state of affairs, some of us might not be able to go home during Christmas. And that’s okay. It is important, however, that you still do celebrate it! 

Make sure you dedicate one of the days to fully immerse in the Christmas spirit and organise your own Eve if you cannot join others to do so. During those special days, turn off your social media, connect with your loved ones on a video call, and give yourself a present, even a little one. By having such a celebration, you will feel less overwhelmed with your circumstances, and you’ll be more likely to enjoy this time, regardless of its difference from the previous years. 

So, make sure you celebrate, regardless of your situation! 

 

5. Reflect Whether It Was Worth It 

Like in any situation, it is necessary you recognise, analyse, and review your performance. Whether you’re self-employed, own a business, or work for someone else full-time, understanding the advantages and disadvantages of this unique Christmas period will allow you to make a more informed, a.k.a better decision, in the future. 

So, as yourself – how did it go? How did you feel working over this period? How did you like the way things went? Decide on the benefits and their counterparts and consider whether you would want to experience such a feat again. By doing so, you will bring up self-appreciation, come up with potential changes for the future, and feel the difference even more, which is a good way of settling the score with oneself. Now might also be a good time to consider whether your current position is right for you, our article ‘How to Tell If You’re in the Wrong Job‘ might be handy.

 

So, reflect on your performance and think of the potential future.

 

Put Yourself First

With the tips above, you are likely to make the most of the festive period and take care of the important things without missing the celebration. Remember, however, to put yourself first. Your wellbeing is of the utmost importance, so take care of yourself consciously and recognise the amazing work you’ve done. 

Many people will experience a similar work-loaded holiday, so do not hesitate to reach out for help and ask us anything you’re uncertain of. After all, this time is to be savoured and enjoyed, not to be missed. 

Before You Go

If you’ve enjoyed this article, check out the one about setting next year’s goals. And if you’re interested in freelance work and want to be supported with your work, join Revolancer today!

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Freelance marketplace: Revolancer