In my entire professional life, my favorite week of the year has always been the seven days between Christmas and New Years. Work life collectively slows down, and I have permission to take a deep breath and gather my thoughts. It’s the one time each year that the world collectively checks out of the office. Holiday celebrations, vacations, and trips take over our calendars from meetings, deadlines, and projects. The interruptions slow to a trickle as urgent deadlines are pushed into the next calendar year. I can do some planning, thinking, and gain perspective.

I don’t spend the week setting professional goals for the next year. Instead, I use it as a strategic reset, preparing myself and my space for what’s coming in the new year.

I love this feeling of calm; it’s the best week of the year.