Planning Ahead for the Holidays: How to Actually Take Time Off as A Business Owner
Let’s be real—running a business can feel like you’re constantly juggling flaming torches. Add the holidays to the mix, and suddenly you’re trying to balance gift shopping, endless emails, and making memories with your family.
The good news? With a little planning, you can take time off without your business falling apart. Here are 7 practical (and slightly funny) tips to help you enjoy your holidays stress-free.
Tip #1: Automate Like Your Business Depends on It (Because it Does!)
If you’re manually sending every email, posting on social media in real-time, or updating invoices by hand, we need to talk. Automation tools are your best friend during the holidays (and all year, really). Use tools like email autoresponders such as Flodesk to let clients know you’re out, social media schedulers to keep your accounts active, and invoicing software to keep payments rolling in.
Imagine sitting by the fire while your business hums along without you—sounds magical, right? That’s automation in action. Plus, your clients will think you’re superhuman for being so “on it” even when you’re not.
Need more Tips on Systems and Automations? Download my Free Guide Here.
Tip #2: Set Boundaries (And Actually Stick to Them)
The holidays are the time to be clear with your clients and customers about your availability. Post your holiday hours everywhere—your website, email signature, social media profiles—and don’t be afraid to remind them multiple times. For example, “I’ll be out of the office from [date] to [date], but I’ll get back to you as soon as I return. In the meantime, here’s a candy cane emoji for your patience! 🎄”
And here’s the kicker: turn off notifications. Yes, even the ones for that one needy client who always emails “just a quick question” on Christmas Eve.
Tip #3: Delegate Like a Boss
Speaking of needy clients, you don’t have to handle everything yourself. This is the perfect time to hire a virtual assistant (like me!) to handle your admin, marketing, or creative tasks. Need someone to manage your inbox, schedule your social media posts, or organize your client files? I’ve got you covered.
Delegation isn’t just about saving time—it’s about saving your sanity. Trust me, outsourcing those repetitive tasks will make your holiday season feel a lot more like a holiday and a lot less like a workday.
Tip #4: Plan your Content Like a Pro
No one wants to be stuck writing Instagram captions on Christmas morning while their family is tearing open gifts. (If this is you, we need to talk.) Batch your social media content in advance and schedule it using tools like Later.
Think festive: share holiday tips, post a heartfelt thank-you to your customers, or even schedule a New Year’s countdown. Your audience will stay engaged while you’re busy building gingerbread houses and pretending not to eat half the candy decorations.
Tip #5: Make a Holiday Checklist and Check It Twice
Who says Santa has to be the only one with a list? Write down everything that needs to happen before you take your break—finalize invoices, ship products, schedule any meetings, and update your team (or your virtual assistant). There’s something ridiculously satisfying about crossing off tasks one by one.
A solid checklist helps you avoid those “Did I forget something?” panics when you’re supposed to be relaxing. Plus, it makes you feel like a legit superhero when everything is done ahead of time.
Tip #6: Be Transparent with Your Team and Clients
Clear communication can solve a world of problems. Let your clients know what to expect while you’re out of the office. Whether it’s an automated email letting them know when you’ll be back or a quick heads-up in your last meeting of the year, people appreciate knowing where things stand.
For your team, set clear expectations about who’s handling what. No team? No problem! That’s where delegating to a virtual assistant (ahem, hi again!) comes in handy.
Tip #7: Prioritize Rest- Seriously!
Here’s the thing: burnout doesn’t take holidays off. If you’ve been running on fumes all year, now’s your chance to recharge. Block out time to relax, connect with your loved ones, and actually enjoy yourself. Yes, your business is important, but so is your mental health.
Resting isn’t slacking—it’s smart business strategy. A well-rested you is more creative, focused, and ready to tackle 2025 like a boss.
Take Back Your Holidays
Running a business doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the joy of the season. With a little planning, a sprinkle of automation, and a dash of delegation, you can enjoy time with family, sip that spiked hot cocoa, and laugh at your uncle’s terrible holiday jokes without worrying about work.
So, are you ready to take the holidays back? If you need help getting organized, batching content, or automating your business, let’s chat. I specialize in helping business owners like you make the most of their time—and that includes holiday breaks.
Here’s to a stress-free holiday season (and maybe a nap or two). 🎄
Comment below what your plans on for the Holiday’s or your big goals for 2025!
Thanks for reading! - Kalin
