Time Management for the Holiday Hustle
The holiday season: a whirlwind of parties, endless to-do lists and everyone needing everything yesterday. If you’re drowning in deadlines, here are five quick time management tips to help you breathe — and hopefully enjoy the season.
1. The Four D’s: Do, Delegate, Defer and Delete
When it feels like everything is urgent, it’s time to prioritize with ruthless efficiency. Use the “Four D’s” method:
- Do it if it’s important and needs immediate attention (like ordering that last-minute holiday gift).
- Delegate it if someone else can take it off your plate. (Looking at you, holiday potluck duties.)
- Defer it if it can wait until after the holidays.
- Delete it if it’s not worth your time — yes, you’re allowed to say “no” to that 10th white elephant gift exchange.
Remember: Your time is a finite resource, so guard it.
2. Tame Your To-Do List
The problem with holiday to-do lists is that they often look more like novels than sticky notes.
Instead of staring down a daunting list of 42 tasks, break it into smaller, realistic chunks. Start with 3-5 “non-negotiables” each day — tasks that will move the needle forward in work, home or personal joy. Finish those first, and then tackle the “would be nice” list if you have the time (or the energy).
3. Time Block Like a Pro
Ever feel like you’re jumping from one task to another like a hyper-caffeinated elf? Time blocking can help. Set specific times for tasks and stick to them. For example:
- 9-10 a.m. | Knock out emails
- 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Tackle that big report
- 2-5 p.m. | Plan for your year-end meetings
- 5-6 p.m. | Wrap up open tasks for the day
- 6-7 p.m | Shop for last-minute gifts
- 7-9 p.m. | Wrap said gifts while watching your favorite Christmas classics.
By batching similar tasks together and protecting chunks of focused time, you’ll feel less frantic and more productive.
4. Embrace the Magic Word: “No”
The holidays have a sneaky way of making us think we can be everywhere, do everything and please everyone. Spoiler alert: You can’t. Give yourself permission to politely decline things that don’t align with your priorities or energy levels. “No, I can’t attend that third holiday happy hour, but I’d love to grab coffee in January!” It’s amazing how freeing those two little letters can be.
5. Don’t Sacrifice Self-Care
It’s easy to think you’ll sleep after the holidays, but skipping rest, hydration and movement is a recipe for holiday burnout. Build self-care into your schedule as non-negotiable “me-time”:
- Going on a brisk 10-minute walk before diving into the chaos
- Saying “yes” to a full night of sleep
- Taking 5 minutes to breathe and regroup when you’re overwhelmed