Five tips for surviving the pre-holiday workplace frenzy.

As we barrel toward the end of the year, there’s a certain vibe in the office. You know it: that special blend of “Let’s do this!” mixed with “Why did we agree to all of this?” Deadlines are multiplying like rabbits, emails seem to be popping out of nowhere, and everyone’s in frantic mode, working as if the world will end if we don’t get through the to-do list by December.

I’ve really started to notice this in the last couple of weeks. So, here are my five tips for handling the pre-holiday scramble without unravelling.

Break it down into “must-do’s” and “nice-to-have’s”

Ruthless prioritization is key. Ask yourself, “Will this actually matter in January?” If not, put it on hold. For instance, instead of spending hours perfecting the quarterly report visuals, focus on delivering clear, essential data that gets the job done without draining your energy.

Strategic caffeine breaks

Coffee is no longer just a beverage; it’s a strategy. Schedule your caffeine hits like meetings and maximize their impact. This isn’t the time for a leisurely latte — we’re talking about a 3 p.m. espresso shot with a purpose. The kind that gets you through one more round of budget revisions with gusto.

Implement a “Reverse To-Do List” Challenge

Also known as the Ta-Da! List, at the end of each day, team members share what they have accomplished instead of focusing on what still needs to be done. This shift lets everyone end the day on a high note, celebrating wins big and small. You could even make it fun by turning it into a quick, 5-minute “done list” huddle. It boosts morale, reminds everyone that progress is happening, and motivates them to keep pushing forward!

Create a “leave it ‘til 2025” list

Yes, it’s real, and yes, it’s lifesaving. There are projects that, let’s face it, can wait a little longer, even if they’re technically on your radar now. When your colleague asks for that “small favour” of updating last year’s training guide, gently redirect it to the 2025 to-do list. (The trick is to smile while doing it.)

Take micro-moments to breathe

It sounds counterintuitive, but stepping away can save you hours. When you’re knee-deep in tasks, it’s easy to go tunnel vision. Set an alarm every couple of hours, step away from the desk, and just breathe. Even a two-minute reset can be the difference between “panicked” and “mostly panicked.”

Here’s to making it through the end-of-year rush with humour, some caffeine, and just enough sanity to enjoy the break when it finally arrives!