How to manage a busy work/social diary at Christmas
“‘Tis the season to be busy, la la la la laaaa, la la, la la.”
Christmas is a notoriously challenging time. Not only do you have your work schedule to contend with in the run-up, you also have to find time for all the preparations as well. After all, it’s not like you can just pop out to the shops on December 25 if you forget something!
If you’re pulling your hair out, wondering how the heck you’re going to manage your work and social diary this year, we’re here to help. This post will turn your seasonal angst into festive joy.
Go Shopping After Hours
Fitting all the shopping you need to do into a packed pre-Christmas schedule seems impossible. So many people wandering around can slow things down tremendously.
To avoid this, go shopping after 3 pm. You’ll notice that the traffic thins out a lot, allowing you to make more efficient use of your time.
Shop While You Work
If your job allows it, you can also try shopping while you work. Fire up your favourite eCommerce app on your phone and start browsing for gifts, food, decorations, booze and whatever else you need at this time of year. Get it delivered to your door in advance.
Block Your Time
If you’re one of those people who thinks that having a schedule is oppressive, you’re missing a trick. Blocking time over the Christmas period is downright essential. Don’t allow anyone to stop you.
The trick here is to focus on one thing at a time. Avoid organising a weekend trip to aunt Mary’s place while managing your client portfolio at the same time. Instead, do one task after another, in sequence and in order of priority.
Use A Timesaver App
If you’re not using an app to organise your time yet, you should be. These show you precisely how you’re spending your time (and let you know if you’re using it wisely or not). Some are more work-focused while others let you see more generally where all your hours are going. Better yet: most are free.
There are several you’ll want to consider. These include:
- Rescue Time
- Remember the Milk
- Focus Keeper
- Toggl
Enlist A Helper
Is there somebody in your life – say, a spouse – who has a little spare time on their hands (perhaps because they got off work early for Christmas)? If so, then put an end to their insufferable lethargy and enlist their help. Get them to:
- Put up the decorations
- Invite guests to your parties and gatherings
- Buy all the food you need in advance
- Prepare snacks, drinks and other festive items
- Go shopping for gifts for your friends and family
Put It Off Until Next Year
Lastly, ask yourself whether you really have to get everything done before Christmas. Can you put some stuff off until next year?
Remember, clients tend to be less demanding at this time of year,. Most won’t expect you to complete projects until the season ends.
