There’s a peculiar quietness to the office between Christmas and New Year. It’s likely that many of your team is away, emails trickle in, and you could be the only person keeping the business ticking over. This can feel very odd. Rather than feeling isolated, business owners can make this time surprisingly productive.

Here’s the Hour Hands top tips for how business owners can make the most of working during the festive period.

Change your perspective

The number one most important thing to do if you’re in work whilst others aren’t, is to acknowledge that you’re providing an essential service. Whilst some businesses can close over Christmas, many can’t – or shouldn’t. There’s genuine value in keeping the business ticking over – and you may find it extremely productive or profitable.

Make the most of the quiet

If your workplace is quiet over the Christmas period, why not tackle the projects you never have time for? We’re talking about tax returns, the contact database that needs updating, or that new project you’ve been meaning to do. You may want to write that process document, set those project meetings or even clear your email backlog. With fewer interruptions and minimal meetings, this is your golden opportunity to make real progress on tasks that require concentration.

Take the time for a strategic review

This ‘betwixt’ period offers breathing space and time to look at the bigger picture. Review the year’s performance, identify patterns in what worked and what didn’t, and sketch out priorities for January. Without the usual daily firefighting, you can have time to think strategically and set out some plans for 2026.

Tell people you’re working

If appropriate and you have time, you could let clients know you’re available and responsive between Christmas and the New Year. You may find that other business owners are also working and it may offer time to answer their questions and even secure sales.

Learn something new

Could you spend these few days learning something new? Learn about AI prompts, learn how to video with your smartphone? With fewer demands on your time, dedicate an hour each day to learning or perfecting skills or to take that online course. This time is perfect for professional development.

Establish a different routine

Without the usual pressure on your time, you could enjoy a leisurely coffee before starting work, take a proper lunch break somewhere you don’t usually go, or leave slightly earlier if workload permits. Make the day feel special rather than simply ‘less busy than usual.’

Build in a reward for working

This is something that’s good for the soul. Go for that special lunch, finish early on quieter days, or treat yourself to something you’ve been wanting. Working over Christmas may not be a sacrifice if this time of year isn’t special for you but you can still feel ‘out of it’ if everyone else is away. Make sure that you acknowledge and treat yourself.

Plan your own break

This came across very strongly from the Hour Hands elves. If you are working over the Christmas break, ensure you’ve got a clear agreement about when you’ll take your holiday and make sure you plan something that you want to do during that time so you have something to look forward to.

Working through the festive period isn’t ideal, but it does offer unique advantages, from uninterrupted time to focus, the satisfaction of knowing that you’re the one keeping things running, and often, genuine appreciation from colleagues and clients. Embrace it as an opportunity rather than an obligation, and you might find it more rewarding than you expected.

Of course, if there are tasks that you just won’t get round to even with the quieter periods at Christmas and New Year, consider giving the Hour Hands elves a call. We’re experts in bookkeeping and PA/EA services and we’re always on hand to help with one off tasks or on a more regular basis. We look forward to hearing from you!