So it is getting to that time of year again. Yes, the holidays, but I’m referring to the time where life is pretty much events, events, events. With an event that occurs the first week in January, inevitably there are sacrifices to ensure its success.
For instance, we have a registration deadline on December 3, right after Thanksgiving break. Students will likely need help with their registration until this date, and of course we want them to attend. So that means frequent email checks while my family is preparing our traditional Thanksgiving dishes and getting the house decorated for Advent/Christmas.
I need to get all of the program content organized and to our graphic designer in the time between the deadline for teachers to turn in their material (the day before Thanksgiving) and our graphic designer’s deadline (the day after Thanksgiving). I will likely make Friday an early morning of work to see this project through.
And of course, with our event opening January 3, I will spend the time around Christmas doing last-minute prep and New Year’s Eve checking into our hotel onsite.
Does this rigorous holiday schedule sometimes cause emotionally trying moments when I get down about the amount of time I have to give to my family and friends? You bet. But with this year being my second go-around with crazy event schedules I have learned a few ways to keep that guilt at a minimum and be able to feel more accomplished.
1. Time management—this may seem like a second nature item to discuss around the holidays, but for me, it is non-negotiable. I have planned out everything that needs to get done between now and when I get on a plane on Tuesday, and I have allotted the time to do it all. Not only that, but I have time planned out for personal tasks too, like prayer, working out, wedding planning, and social engagements. Just because an event is fast approaching, it doesn’t mean personal time is eliminated. And that brings me to…
2. Boundaries—it is inevitable that I will be working over holidays and times when the office is closed. But I set those times. I allot enough time for me to get the work done that I know needs to be complete, and I give myself enough time to give due diligence to those projects. I plan time in my calendar that is strictly work-related in order to give some necessary separation between work and home life. And the boundaries work both ways. When I am with my family and fiancé, work is off the table and they come first. Having firm boundaries has freed my life of much undue stress over the past few months. I am able to enjoy both my career and my personal life.
3. Dying to self—while probably unexpected, this point is the most important. Even with schedules set, when work time rolls around during times when I would rather be participating in Thanksgiving and Christmas festivities, I will need to buckle down and log into my email. It is never easy to sacrifice precious time with loved ones over the holidays, but it is for the good of our work, our conferences, and ultimately, our students.
The moment our conference opens and I look out over the ballroom filled with students anticipating the five days to come, I am peaceful, and I am glad for the time I invested. Despite the sacrifice, there is no other career I would rather have, and no other organization I would rather be investing myself and my time. In the end, it all works out. And I am still able to enjoy breaks to savor holiday prayer time and time at home.
For instance, we have a registration deadline on December 3, right after Thanksgiving break. Students will likely need help with their registration until this date, and of course we want them to attend. So that means frequent email checks while my family is preparing our traditional Thanksgiving dishes and getting the house decorated for Advent/Christmas.
I need to get all of the program content organized and to our graphic designer in the time between the deadline for teachers to turn in their material (the day before Thanksgiving) and our graphic designer’s deadline (the day after Thanksgiving). I will likely make Friday an early morning of work to see this project through.
And of course, with our event opening January 3, I will spend the time around Christmas doing last-minute prep and New Year’s Eve checking into our hotel onsite.
Does this rigorous holiday schedule sometimes cause emotionally trying moments when I get down about the amount of time I have to give to my family and friends? You bet. But with this year being my second go-around with crazy event schedules I have learned a few ways to keep that guilt at a minimum and be able to feel more accomplished.
1. Time management—this may seem like a second nature item to discuss around the holidays, but for me, it is non-negotiable. I have planned out everything that needs to get done between now and when I get on a plane on Tuesday, and I have allotted the time to do it all. Not only that, but I have time planned out for personal tasks too, like prayer, working out, wedding planning, and social engagements. Just because an event is fast approaching, it doesn’t mean personal time is eliminated. And that brings me to…
2. Boundaries—it is inevitable that I will be working over holidays and times when the office is closed. But I set those times. I allot enough time for me to get the work done that I know needs to be complete, and I give myself enough time to give due diligence to those projects. I plan time in my calendar that is strictly work-related in order to give some necessary separation between work and home life. And the boundaries work both ways. When I am with my family and fiancé, work is off the table and they come first. Having firm boundaries has freed my life of much undue stress over the past few months. I am able to enjoy both my career and my personal life.
3. Dying to self—while probably unexpected, this point is the most important. Even with schedules set, when work time rolls around during times when I would rather be participating in Thanksgiving and Christmas festivities, I will need to buckle down and log into my email. It is never easy to sacrifice precious time with loved ones over the holidays, but it is for the good of our work, our conferences, and ultimately, our students.
The moment our conference opens and I look out over the ballroom filled with students anticipating the five days to come, I am peaceful, and I am glad for the time I invested. Despite the sacrifice, there is no other career I would rather have, and no other organization I would rather be investing myself and my time. In the end, it all works out. And I am still able to enjoy breaks to savor holiday prayer time and time at home.
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