It is a strange time of year. The build-up and excitement of Christmas is over, and we are stuck waiting for New Year’s Eve and the start of 2026.
For many of us it is a busy time, visiting friends, family and relatives. For others it can be a lull, a change of pace from the frenetic run-up in December.
For me, this year, it is undoubtedly the latter.
For some reason December seemed particularly busy this year, so much so it felt like a giant inbox exercise having to prioritise to get everything in. Which by default meant some things did just not get done in time.
- Sending cards on Christmas Eve – check
- Use festive greetings in emails – rather than action-orientated “Many thanks” – 23 Dec (sorry about this one!)
- Watching a Christmas movies – not even started!
The only thing that I did seem to be successful at was munching through a significant number of boxes of mince pies. A strategy which in hindsight was not a wise move either for my waistline or blood sugar level!
But with all this activity, the post-Christmas doldrums have now arrived.
Now, I have not been anywhere and some days not even ventured out, but I seem to have gradually evolved to a very strange sleeping pattern.
Awake at 5am, and then by the end of the day, so tired, so off to bed at 9. It is as if I have moved to the Middle East or somewhere, but without the sunny weather, warmth and food. It is a very strange effect – Christmas Jet Lag.
I mean, it has been useful: setting 2026 goals, reviewing 2025, writing blogs and of course answering that RFP that always comes out just before the break!
But this is not what the holidays are for. They are for resting, relaxing and most importantly, sleeping in a bit.
Of course, these doldrums are not new, and have been seen as a good time for that more relaxed engagement that can be fun too. Think of all the year end reviews and roundups that frequent at this time… my favourite being Saxo banks outrageous predictions… (RO-AR’s version to follow 🙂 ).
This year with with AI, they seem to be getting even more personalised and sophisticated too. It seems I have…
- Had a reflective year (ChatGPT)
- Have had an affinity with rollercoaster videos (YouTube)
- Demystifyed regulation and tech (LinkedIn) (secretly pleased with this one – lol)
- All whilst listening to alternative rock (apparently – Spotify)…
- …. and spending disturbing amounts at my local Pret and Starbucks (Bank) (not quite so happy with this !)
Interesting yes… disturbingly accurate… most likely… reflection for change in some areas.. definitely!
So with a few days left before we all return to the office, a focus on trying to relax, reset the bodyclock to holiday time… and get in the zone for 2026
Now I just need to mow the lawn and put away the garden furniture first!
Have a good year end everyone!
