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Taking time off during the holiday period means returning to an overflowing inbox that creates immediate overwhelm. Everyone tries to squeeze in one last request before Christmas, your inbox fills rapidly, and the temptation to reply when you should be resting undermines your break. Without proper boundaries and systems, you either sacrifice your time off responding to emails or face hundreds of messages demanding attention the moment you return.
In this episode, Charly covers:
✅ Setting up auto-responders with clear boundaries and response timeframes
📌 Using filters and folders to automatically sort incoming messages by priority
🔗 Creating smart email forwarding rules for genuinely urgent matters
✅ Unsubscribing from newsletters and archiving old threads before you leave
📌 Turning off push notifications for a genuine break from constant pinging
🛡️ Managing your inbox strategically when you return rather than chronologically
The inbox explosion happens because clients see the calendar approaching Christmas and want tasks completed before the break. This creates a surge of last-minute requests that would be manageable individually but become overwhelming collectively. Setting boundaries using technology prevents this problem. Auto-responders that clearly state when you will return and point urgent issues to specific contacts manage expectations. Filters that automatically sort messages by sender domain or subject keywords ensure priority items are visible whilst newsletters and notifications are filed appropriately. The critical element is turning off push notifications entirely during your break so you are not tempted to check email constantly. When you return, resist the urge to process messages chronologically. Instead, mark genuine priorities and handle those first, then work through the remainder knowing the urgent items are already addressed.
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Music and Credits to:
Paradise Found is covered under Creative Commons.
"Paradise Found"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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https://rumble.com/v72529o-how-do-you-stop-your-inbox-exploding-over-christmas-2025642.html
Life is busy and there's just so many things to remember. What tools do you use to help you keep on top of ALL the things?
It's easy to react or respond quickly to messages and the like. It's better to do that mindfully. That's why I try to Practice The Pause.
December cash flow becomes problematic when clients shut down early, accounts teams disappear on holiday, and payments stall. Your expenses increase from holiday stock and staffing whilst income slows dramatically between mid-December and late January. Waiting until payment problems occur leaves you scrambling to chase invoices during the busiest time of year. Setting up automated reminders and recurring billing now prevents the cash flow crunch that catches many businesses off guard.
In this episode, Charly covers:
✅ Using recurring invoices to ensure billing happens automatically
📌 Setting up polite automated payment reminders before invoices become overdue
🔗 Sending invoices earlier with extended payment terms during December
✅ Configuring holiday-friendly wording in automated reminder templates
📌 Checking CRM and accounting system connections before the rush
🛡️ Scheduling thank-you messages that double as subtle payment nudges
Most payment delays during holiday periods are not intentional ...
Heading into the holiday period without confirming your critical systems are working creates unnecessary risk. Discovering your website is down, your payment processor has stopped working, or your contact forms are routing to deleted email addresses whilst you are trying to enjoy time off forces stressful emergency responses. Running systematic tech checks now means you can actually take your break knowing your business systems will function reliably without constant monitoring.
In this episode, Charly covers:
✅ Setting up website uptime monitoring and email delivery verification
📌 Testing payment systems, contact forms, and automation workflows
🔗 Creating proper backup systems with off-site storage before you leave
✅ Checking SSL certificate expiration dates to prevent website errors
📌 Ensuring team members have appropriate access to critical systems
🛡️ Configuring auto-responders, email forwarding, and calendar blocks
Small oversights compound during holiday periods when response times are ...
Heading into the holiday period without confirming your critical systems are working creates unnecessary risk. Discovering your website is down, your payment processor has stopped working, or your contact forms are routing to deleted email addresses whilst you are trying to enjoy time off forces stressful emergency responses. Running systematic tech checks now means you can actually take your break knowing your business systems will function reliably without constant monitoring.
In this episode, Charly covers:
✅ Setting up website uptime monitoring and email delivery verification
📌 Testing payment systems, contact forms, and automation workflows
🔗 Creating proper backup systems with off-site storage before you leave
✅ Checking SSL certificate expiration dates to prevent website errors
📌 Ensuring team members have appropriate access to critical systems
🛡️ Configuring auto-responders, email forwarding, and calendar blocks
Small oversights compound during holiday periods when response times are ...
