How to Organise Yourself as a Self-Employed Professional to Take Time Off at Christmas

As a self-employed professional, taking time off over Christmas can feel like a daunting task. But with December just around the corner, there’s still time to get organised! With a clear plan, good communication, and some smart tools, you can enjoy a proper festive break while keeping your business running smoothly. Here’s how:

1. Start Planning Now

There’s no time like the present to start preparing for your Christmas break. With December almost here, review your workload and block out your holiday dates now. Use a tool like Google Calendar to schedule your time off, and include reminders to tackle priority tasks in the coming weeks.

Pair this with a planning tool like Trello. I love using Trello for its simplicity and versatility—it’s brilliant for breaking down your to-do list into manageable chunks. For example, you could create a “Christmas Prep” board with lists for:

• Deadlines: What absolutely needs to be finished before your break?

• Client Communication: Who needs updates about your availability?

• Automations & Delegation: What can you automate or hand over while you’re away?

Getting started now will save you stress later in December when things inevitably get busier!

2. Communicate Clearly with Clients

Don’t leave your clients guessing. Let them know about your holiday plans as soon as possible—send out an email, include a note in invoices, or post an update on your website or social media. Be clear about when you’ll be unavailable, and set deadlines to complete ongoing projects before your break begins.

For example:

• “I’ll be taking a festive break from 23rd December to 2nd January. If you need anything before then, please let me know by [insert date].”

An out-of-office email is another great way to manage expectations. It can include your return date, an alternative contact if needed, or a note on how you’ll handle inquiries during your time off.

3. Use Automation and Delegate Where Needed

Don’t underestimate the power of automation! Schedule social media posts in advance using tools like Later or Buffer. Set up email autoresponders to handle customer queries. If you run an online store, consider using your e-commerce platform’s tools to automate stock updates or send delivery notifications.

If automation isn’t enough, consider delegating tasks. Whether it’s hiring a virtual assistant, working with a freelancer, or asking a trusted friend to keep an eye on things, having support in place can make all the difference.

4. Stick to Your Boundaries

Setting boundaries is one thing; sticking to them is another. Once you’ve communicated your holiday plans to clients, honour them.

Turn off notifications, avoid checking emails, and give yourself permission to enjoy your well-deserved break. If you absolutely must stay available, schedule short, specific times for work check-ins—but only for urgent matters.

5. Financially Prepare for the Break

For many self-employed professionals, taking time off means pausing income. To ease this, set aside extra funds now to cover personal and business expenses during your holiday.

Another option is to run a festive promotion in early December to boost income before your break begins. For example, a special Christmas offer or last-minute deals can give your business a seasonal boost while you prepare for time off.

6. Reflect and Build a Better Plan for Next Year

As you organise your Christmas break, take note of what works and what doesn’t. Use Trello to document your process so you can tweak it for next year. Having a system in place will make future breaks even easier to manage.

Taking time off at Christmas is essential for your well-being—and it’s entirely possible with the right preparation. By starting now, communicating clearly with clients, and using tools like Google Calendar and Trello, you can enjoy a stress-free holiday season.

How do you plan for Christmas as a self-employed professional? I’d love to hear your tips—share them in the comments!💜