A line of a song says it well – “Christmas is definitely the most wonderful time of the year”. The weather may have been pretty cold, but this does not really stop people from feeling warm and fuzzy all over. Everyone anticipates family reunions, gift openings, shopping, and even out-of-town trips.

So just imagine how grim it’s going to be if you find out you are actually doing some work during the holidays. Before you fret, know that there are things you can do to cope up and beat the seasonal blues. Here are some of them:

1. Ask your boss or HR manager if you can work at home.
Surprisingly, some companies would permit their employees to just work at their respective houses during the holiday season. After all, bosses would also love to spend more time with their families. There are two possible arrangements. It can be — you work at your home the whole time or you spend a couple of days in the office and the rest at your house.

Make sure you can be proactive on this one. Discuss the most suitable arrangement with your boss and / or HR manager.

2. Keep yourself healthy.
A lot of people do get sick during the holidays. The weather can sometimes become unpredictable. There are rain, thunderstorm, and snow to beat. Most of the time, work, personal, social, and family responsibilities are too heavy during the Christmas season. You go to parties, attend family reunions, and meet-up with long lost friends. You never knew, you’ll end up losing your health. The secret here is to balance and manage your time well so all holiday activities will not affect your health.

Run whenever the weather is good. Check your level of vitamin D and C. Eat properly and have a quality sleep.

3. Spend your time wisely.
You really do not want to get stuck at your desk after 5, do you? Thus, see to it you spend your limited time properly. Focus on the most important tasks at hand. Spend less time chitchatting and other unnecessary activities.

4. Know the schedule ahead.
Even if the company does not announce it yet, ask the management if there is a possibility that you’re going to work during the holidays. Do this at least two months in advance. This way, you can schedule your holiday plans and work very well.

5. Inform your family and friends about it.
It’s not only you who has to deal with the busy working schedule during the holidays. Your family and friends have to deal with it too.

Tell them in advance that your boss might assign you some work during the Christmas season. This is essential especially if you have a very important role in the gathering, such as being the host, the cook, the party planner, or the financier. Telling your family and friends ahead will squeeze-in some adjustments and allow some responsibilities to be assigned to others.

6. Let your boss and co-workers know you don’t want to be disturbed.
On the Christmas day itself, activate your automatic email vacation reply and turn off your company mobile phone. This way, everyone can respect your personal time. Control the e-mails you want to reply. Determine which among them are urgent.

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