Once the leaves start to change, you know what that means? The season of holidays is right around the corner! 

This time of year is full of fun and relaxing, but at the same time it can be extremely stressful. For some industries, this is a busy time of year. Therefore, attempting to balance time with family and friends, travel, and holiday events can be exhausting. Especially when you are also managing projects for your freelance business. 

In this blog, we will discuss how to effectively prepare for the holiday season to ensure it is enjoyable!

Taking Time For Yourself and Your Family

Work-life balance is so important, especially during the holiday season. 

It is imperative to take a break from freelancing, zoom calls, and emails to  spend time doing whatever you enjoy doing. Spending time with family and friends, relaxing, cooking and baking, and traveling will give your mind a much needed break. 

Chances are your clients will be taking a break during this time as well. Take advantage and make time for yourself. 

 

Communicate

You’re probably tired of hearing this, but the most important skill a freelancer should have no matter the skill set is clear communication

Communicating efficiently with your clients during the holiday season will save you both from a lot of stress. 

What should you communicate to your clients during the holiday season? 

  • Time off: when are you taking time off? How often should the client expect to hear from you if at all? 
  • The status of projects before taking vacation 
  • Update your email to a vacation auto responder 
  • Put the dates you will be off on any shared calendars with your clients

 

Take Care of Loose Ends 

Knowing that the holiday season is coming up, you should be cognizant of making sure your projects are at a good stopping point. 

Depending on your industry, you can make returning to work after vacation easier by: 

  • Using a scheduling software to send out marketing emails and social media posts 
  • Write your to-do list before you log off for a few days so you don’t forget what tasks you need to complete when you return
  • Notify the client of the status of their projects by updating any project management software you use, email, or message with through FreeUp’s messenger system

 

Enjoy Yourself 

Not to sound cliche, but you do only live once. So make sure you are truly enjoying a break from freelancing.