Closed for the Holidays?
The lead up to the holidays is one of the busiest times of the year for most designers. Indeed, many a designer has spent the last few hours before the beginning of the holidays putting the finishing touches on a project so that everything will be perfect for their client’s celebration with family and friends. All the more reason why the end of the year is a great opportunity for you and your team to enjoy some much-deserved downtime.
For most of us, the period between Christmas and New Year’s Day is pretty quiet. Nonetheless, I know many designers choose to keep their businesses open and their team close at hand just in case. Some use this time to catch up on administrative tasks, tidy up the office, and do their business planning for the coming year.
Those are all worthwhile endeavors. However, consider the personal cost of remaining open during the holidays. Very likely you and your team have been putting in a lot of extra hours. Kids are out of school. Family and friends have time off and look forward to getting together. You and your team will be feeling the strain of trying to keep up with your personal obligations and sustaining the holiday spirit. Who can function effectively when they’re burned out?
Closing your business during the holidays is a great way to say thank you to your team and give them—and you—the gift of personal time. Very likely you will not lose or fall behind on any important business, and your entire team will be able to rest and come back refreshed, ready to give their best. You’ll still have plenty of time in early January to get the office and your plans in shape to begin another year.
It’s admirable to be dedicated and motivated. It’s also critical to your health, your well-being, your creativity, and your productivity that you take some time off regularly to recharge and get a different perspective on your work and life. This is an optimal time to relax, savor all the joy and good things the season has to offer and make some quiet time to reflect.
Warmest wishes for a very happy holiday season!
Gail Doby & Erin Weir & the GDCC Team
