Making the Most of Your Holiday Down Time

Your holiday appeals have been sent.  Giving Tuesday has come and gone.  The hectic pace of preparing for the season is starting to slow.  You finally have a few moments to catch your breath.  I am hopeful this season has been positive for you and your organization and I commend you on making it through this busy time.  As the year comes to a close, here are a few ideas to help your 2017 start on a positive note.

First and foremost, take some time away. 

Whether you have plans to travel or simply plan to stay home during the holidays, I encourage you to take at least some time away from the office – which includes your email and voicemail.  By completely “unplugging” you will find renewed energy and will be ready to begin the year anew.

Take advantage of a quiet office. 

On those days when you are in the office, enjoy the peace.  Clear off your desk and clean out your files.  Arriving into the office after the New Year and finding your space “clutter-free” (or at least “clutter-reduced”) will feel awesome.

Take advantage of a quiet office, part 2.

If you are in the office, take time to connect with a colleague – perhaps someone you don’t often spend time with during the work day.  Invite a coworker out to lunch.  Learn something interesting about your organization from another perspective.

Take advantage of a quiet office, part 3.

Use this time to write a few personal notes or place “thank you” calls to donors or other friends of the organization.  Consider reaching out to someone you normally don’t correspond with or see very often, just to let them know you are thinking of them this holiday season.

Give thanks.

In this wonderful, yet hectic, time of year, it is easy to forget to say thanks…thanks to donors, volunteers, coworkers, friends.  Each day, take a few minutes to think about those who make your life joyful; then, be sure to let those people know how they are special to you.

Wishing you a wonderful, peaceful and joyous holiday season.