What To Do Before the Christmas Break as a Small Business Owner
- johnry8
- Nov 21
- 2 min read
Updated: 11 hours ago
As the year winds down, many small business owners are preparing for a well deserved Christmas break. But before you switch off and enjoy some time with family, there are a few important tasks that can make your January return smoother and less stressful.
Preparing early helps you:
Protect your cash flow
Avoid compliance headaches
Stay visible even while you are away
Reduce last minute stress and rushed decisions
Step into the new year organised
Tighten Your Cash Flow Before You Clock Off
Keeping your cash flow healthy during the holiday period is essential, especially when payments slow down.
What to do:
Send out all outstanding invoices
Follow up overdue payments
Review which expenses can wait until the New Year
Check your cash flow forecast for December and January
Tip: Give clients a reminder about your closure dates and payment cut offs. This sets expectations early and helps keep money flowing.
How we help: Rise Accountants can review your cash flow, set up automated reminders and help you plan for seasonal slowdowns.
Complete Jobs You Can Finish Now
December tends to bring urgent last minute requests. Finishing what you can now, helps you avoid a stressful final week.
Steps to take:
Bring forward any projects or tasks you can finish early
Let clients know your turnaround times
Set clear boundaries to avoid late urgent work
Tip: Clients appreciate transparency. Proactive communication reduces misunderstandings and protects your time.
Sort Your BAS, Payroll and Super early
The earlier you finalise your compliance tasks, the less you will have to worry about while offices are closed.
Your checklist:
Process payroll early
Finalise superannuation contributions
Prepare your BAS while support teams are still available
Reconcile your accounts before the new month
Schedule Your Social Media Posts Before You Take Time Off
Your business should stay visible even when you are enjoying the holiday break.
To do before closing:
Pre schedule social media posts
Prepare email newsletters
Update your Google Business Profile
Plan January content so you start the year strong
Tip: Use December to share holiday hours, promotions, end of year reminders or helpful tips for your audience.
Set Closure Dates and Update Your Out of Office
Make it easy for clients to know when you are available.
Remember to update:
Website announcement bar
Google Business Profile hours
Social media pages
Email out of office
Client messages or group chats
Setting expectations early prevents confusion and protects your downtime.
If you want help getting your business ready for the Christmas break or need support with BAS, payroll, bookkeeping or cash flow and tax planning, our team is here to help.