Is your laptop part of the family?'

That question from my client’s daughter changed everything—for her and, maybe, for you too. (Not me, though. I scheduled this newsletter ahead of time because even I know when to step away.)

As the wrapping paper settles on this Boxing Day and holiday dishes await, I bet many of you are already sneaking glances at your phones, mentally calculating how many client emails piled up during your Christmas break.

Holidays often reveal the cracks in our business systems. If your inbox feels like a ticking time bomb right now, here’s why: reactive processes create overwhelm. The good news? It doesn’t have to be this way. With the right systems in place, you can actually enjoy your holidays without guilt—or chaos.

• Automate repetitive tasks: Use tools like Zapier or HoneyBook to handle client onboarding and scheduling.
• Simplify communication: Create a set of email templates for common responses.
• Establish boundaries: Set clear client expectations with an auto-responder or holiday email in advance.

I watched a client, Britney, go through this same pattern during the holidays last year.

• 847 unread emails.
• 23 "urgent" client requests.
• 3 missed family photos because she was "just handling one quick thing."

That moment with her daughter became her turning point.

"I'm not doing this anymore," she told me, tears in her eyes. That simple statement became the catalyst for transformation.

Today, as we all emerge from our Christmas celebrations, Britney's story feels more relevant than ever. Her business has grown 37% this year. She has automated systems handling 80% of her client onboarding. Her email responses are templated and scheduled. Her team runs like clockwork.

And this Christmas? Her laptop stayed closed the entire day. This Christmas, she laughed over board games with her kids, joined every family photo, and let her systems handle the rest.

If Britney’s story resonates with you, here are three small steps to get started today:

1. Audit your workload: Make a quick list of recurring tasks. Which ones could be automated or delegated?
2. Create templates: Start with your email—draft a simple out-of-office message or a canned response for FAQs.
3. Set a boundary: Schedule an hour this week to map out what “time off” could look like in your business.

None of this needs to be perfect right away—progress beats perfection. But these small tweaks could turn next year’s holiday chaos into calm.

Here's what I want you to know, sitting there with your post-Christmas anxiety and mounting inbox:

• Your business didn't collapse during your day off
• Those "urgent" emails survived 24 hours without you
• Your family needs YOU more than your clients need a response

The tools you dream about—automations, schedules, and processes—aren’t just about efficiency. They’re your ticket to reclaiming your life.

In 2025, you don't have to choose between a thriving business and precious family moments.

The holiday bustle is winding down, but before you dive back into work mode, take a moment to imagine...

What if next Christmas could be different?

What if 2025 became the year your business finally worked for you instead of the other way around?

When you’re ready, I’ll show you the exact steps Britney used to create systems that let her business thrive while she finally got her life back. Let’s make 2025 the year your laptop stops being a ‘family member.’

Your inbox will still be there tomorrow. Your family’s holiday moments won’t be. Choose wisely.

Originally posted on LinkedIn.