Christmas has come early in our house this year, and so have my new year reflections

Which is why I’m thinking about how to prepare for 2025 without the stress.

The good thing about documenting your thoughts and feelings (on here) is that you have something to refer back to and reflect on. With Christmas arriving early in our house this year - getting our tree up and our festive vibe on just felt right. But with the end of the year in sight, it’s led me to do some soul searching, and I curiously looked back at the articles I’d written at the end of last year.

It’s not all doom and gloom. Looking back at the past year has helped me find clarity and focus as I prepare for 2025.

I can see now that the Faace sale was inevitable, even before Dragons’ Den - I just didn’t realise it at the time. You can tell by the way I’m writing that deep down, I knew something was off, but perhaps I wasn’t ready to come to terms with it yet. The momentum of the Den at that time was spurring me on and keeping me going.

2024 Was Going To Be My All Or Nothing Year

I claimed that 2024 was going to be my ‘All or Nothing Year’. I decided that I wouldn’t be taking certain things into the year, while other things I’d attempt to do more of. Unsurprisingly, the exercise bike didn’t get used. But I did stop saying yes to things I didn’t want to do. While I can’t claim a 100% success rate, I’ve definitely focused my time - especially in the second half of this year - on the things that bring me joy.

I’ve also said yes to things that push me out of my comfort zone. Like next month, I’m featuring in a day of inspiration for a bank – something I don’t think old me would have said yes to.

I’ve reduced my working hours, and instead of obsessing over inboxes, I’ve taken up writing this Substack, which I adore. I’m also reading more, which I love just as much.

Unfortunately, the doom scrolling has continued. Comparing and despairing and failing to reflect on my own achievements. This remains a work in progress and sits on the list of ways to be kinder to myself in 2025.

We’re going to finish up earlier for Christmas this year. Take a nice, long and chilled break. I want to fill my time with family and friends. It’s my favourite time of the whole year, as everyone is off, so you don’t have the dread of what you’re going to come back to.

Practical Steps to Prepare for 2025

To ensure I can take that time without apprehension there are a few things I’ll do between now and then, that might be helpful for you too:

Hardcore Prioritising

From November, I shift my focus from week-to-week planning, prioritising what must get done before the end of the year, but breaking it into manageable weekly and daily tasks. I’m ruthless: if it’s not essential, it can become 2025’s problem.

Preparing for The Return in 2025

Creating a detailed do list for 2025. Which means you’re not expecting yourself to remember anything. Instead you can relax over the break, knowing that you’ve cleverly left yourself important reminders and notes to read, when you return into the office, covering everything you will need to know to start the year well.

Clear Communication and Setting Boundaries

Communicating with the team, so they can also prioritise for themselves and their clients. Having more frequent check-ins than usual, so everyone can stay focused and support each other on the essential tasks and share the load.

Communicating with clients, so their expectations are met and updating them of when we will and more importantly will not, be available. Giving them ample time to prioritise their needs before the break.

During the break, providing contact details for urgent use and ensuring someone in the team (always me), is responsible for checking emails daily when the office is officially closed.

Setting Up Systems That Work In Our Absence

Creating systems that work without our presence. Being organised now, so people can still receive what they need in our absence. Specifically, in our agency that involves things like for press, creating shareable folders with all relevant press releases and images, clearly labelled by theme or client. All emailed out the week before the break, with clear subject lines and a bullet pointed email on everything its covering. For our design clients, ensuring that assets are user-friendly by converting them into accessible formats (e.g., InDesign to Canva). These systems will also make starting 2025 much easier.

What will you do now to ensure a stress-free festive break?