Business Owner’s Holiday Survival Guide

Because your to-do list shouldn’t look like Santa’s.

Ah, the holidays. That magical time when your inbox doubles, your staff disappears, and your accountant gently reminds you that December 31 isn’t just New Year’s Eve…it’s the last day to fix your books. Before you dive headfirst into peppermint mochas and office potlucks, let’s make sure you (and your business) survive the season without losing your sanity or your receipts.

1. Review Your Books Before the Cookies Hit the Oven

You know that box of receipts you’ve been meaning to sort since July? Yeah, it’s time. Go through your bank reconciliations, make sure all income and expenses are categorized, and double-check that every account in QuickBooks Online is up to date. Need help spotting issues? Try our free 10-Minute Stress Test for Your Books. It’ll flag any bookkeeping red lights before year-end hits.

2. Prep for Tax Season Now, Not After the Ball Drops

December is your last chance to make strategic tax moves. Review estimated payments, run a tax liability projection (we teach how in our Know What You Owe Tool), and schedule a tax strategy session if you haven’t already. Think of it like brushing your teeth before the holiday candy—prevention is always cheaper than cleanup.

3. Plan Your Team’s Time Off (and Yours!)

If your staff’s PTO calendar looks like a jigsaw puzzle missing half the pieces, now’s the time to organize it. Decide who’s working when, automate as much as possible, and clearly communicate deadlines. And don’t forget your year-end numbers! Our Tax Preparation Services can help you get those wrapped up smoothly before the new year hits.

4. Set Boundaries with Your Business and Your Inbox

Your business doesn’t need to come to Christmas dinner. If you’re constantly checking emails between bites of pie, it’s time for a gentle intervention. Set “office closed” auto-replies, delegate tasks, and trust your systems (or your AdminBooks team). Use our Clean Books Checklist before you unplug. It’ll give you peace of mind while you’re sipping that well-earned hot cocoa.

5. Treat Your Business Like a Gift That Keeps on Giving

Take an hour to reflect on what worked this year and what didn’t. Maybe you finally delegated bookkeeping (applause) or realized your current system is a lump of coal (we can fix that). Our Year-End Checklist for Business Owners walks you through key steps like reviewing financial reports, updating W-9s, and prepping 1099s so you start the new year on solid ground.

6. Give Yourself the Gift of a Head Start

Want to kick off January ahead of the curve? Download our Know What You Owe Tool to learn how to calculate your year-end tax liability using our custom Excel tool. (Spoiler: it’s easier than untangling holiday lights.) And if you’re ready for a clean slate in 2026, book your Get Connected Consultation with us now so your onboarding starts before the January rush.

Last But Definitely Not Least: You Deserve a Break!

Running a business during the holidays is no small feat, but with a little preparation (and maybe a few AdminBooks resources), you can close the year with confidence and enjoy the season. So go ahead…gobble the turkey, bake the cookies, wrap the gifts, and actually take that long weekend. We’ll make sure your books behave while you do.