Holiday Time Off Tips: 3 Tips to Prepare for the New Year
We’ve made it to the second-to-last Friday of the year! YAY!
I know we’re all itching to shut down our computers, looking forward to the slow week between now and January, and longing to de-prioritize our workloads. But before you clock out for the weekend or the holiday break, let’s talk about how you can set yourself up for success when you return in January. Here are three simple but impactful steps to take before you officially log off:
1. Prepare Your Out-of-Office Message
One of the easiest ways to enjoy your time off and manage expectations is by crafting a clear and friendly out-of-office message. Let your colleagues and clients know when they can expect to hear from you—and then stick to it. It’s a small step that helps you manage your inbox while signaling that you’re taking well-deserved time off.
Here’s a template you can steal:
Subject: Slow to respond - enjoying the holidays!
Hi there,
Thanks for reaching out! I’m currently away from my desk and will be slow to respond to emails this week and next week. I hope your holiday season is filled with joy and rest! I’ll be back online and operating at full capacity on January 6th. If it’s urgent, please contact [backup contact]. Otherwise, I’ll respond as soon as I’m back.
Warm wishes,
This message does double duty: it informs people when to expect a response and gently reminds them to embrace the holiday season themselves.
2. Respond to Outstanding Emails
We all have those lingering emails we’ve been procrastinating on—and now it’s the last week of the year. Let’s get ahead of that dreaded January inbox explosion by tying up as many loose ends as possible before you sign off. Here’s a quick, no-pressure response you can use:
Subject: Following Up
Hi xx,
Thanks for your patience on a response here. With the chaos of December, I’ve been a bit delayed. I’ll be able to provide a full update by [insert a realistic date in January]. Thank you again for your understanding, and I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
Best,
This acknowledges the delay, sets clear expectations, and conveys a touch of warmth—all while keeping things professional.
3. Write Down a Top 5 List for January
Returning to work after a break can feel overwhelming, especially when your brain is still in holiday mode. Give your future self a gift by jotting down a short list of your top five priorities for your first day back. This way, you’ll know exactly where to start and can hit the ground running—no need to waste precious time wondering, “What was I working on again?”
Bonus Tip for Those Working During the “Dead Week”
If you’re one of the few who will be working during the corporate “dead week” (December 24th to January 1st), make sure to set clear follow-up expectations in your emails. For example:
Subject: [Project/Task Name]
Hi xx,
I hope you’re having a wonderful holiday season! I wanted to touch base on [project/task]. If I don’t hear back, I’ll follow up with you during the second week of January. Wishing you a joyful and restful break!
Thanks again,
This ensures your message doesn’t get lost in the shuffle while giving people the space to enjoy their time off.
A Final Thought
You deserve time off. The best way to fully disconnect and recharge is to set clear boundaries and prepare yourself for a smooth re-entry into work. By communicating expectations and organizing your return, you’re not just helping your colleagues—you’re also showing yourself the respect and care you deserve.
Happy holidays, my friends. This is my first holiday season where my daughter has a winter break. We plan to bake lots of cookies, hang out with grandma, grandpa, and all the cousins, and probably navigate a few sibling rifts along the way. Cheers to making memories and embracing the joy of the season!
