5 Productive Things To Do For Your Career Over The Christmas Break

The Christmas break offers a valuable opportunity to recharge while investing in future career success. Rather than letting these quieter days slip by, using this time strategically can set you up for a strong start in the new year. Here are five productive things to do over the festive break that focus on career development and personal growth.

Update your CV

The start of a new year often brings fresh career opportunities, making Christmas the ideal time to refresh your CV. As someone with years of experience, your CV needs to demonstrate leadership, results, and recent achievements. Reflect on the past year—what projects did you lead, what measurable successes did you achieve, and what skills did you develop? Reframe these into clear, impactful statements. Ensure your professional profile is tailored to your current aspirations, highlighting your unique value in today’s competitive market.

Take time to remove outdated information, such as roles or skills from over 15 years ago, and ensure the design is clean, modern, and ATS-friendly. Include keywords relevant to your desired roles to ensure your CV is visible to recruiters. This is a chance to ensure your experience reflects who you are as a candidate today, positioning you for your next big challenge.

Learn a new skill

In a rapidly evolving workplace, continuous learning is essential to stay ahead. The quieter Christmas period is a great time to focus on upskilling. Consider exploring online courses, webinars, or certifications in areas that align with your career goals, such as leadership, data analysis, or emerging technologies. Platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, or Udemy offer flexible learning options to suit your schedule.

If you’re looking to future-proof your skills, explore digital tools relevant to your sector or delve into high-demand areas like AI integration or sustainability strategies. For those in leadership, soft skills like emotional intelligence or conflict resolution are equally valuable. By dedicating time to learning now, you’ll return to work armed with knowledge and skills that showcase adaptability and a forward-thinking mindset.

Reflect on your achievements

Amid the hustle of daily work, it’s easy to overlook the accomplishments that define your career. Christmas provides a quiet space to reflect on the past year’s successes and identify how they contribute to your overall professional narrative. Think about significant milestones, challenges you’ve overcome, and the value you’ve delivered to your organisation.

Documenting these achievements is not only motivating but also useful for performance reviews, networking conversations, and job applications. Consider keeping a record of these accomplishments, highlighting metrics, results, and key contributions. This process helps identify areas where you excel, while pinpointing opportunities for growth in the year ahead. Recognising your achievements reinforces professional confidence and ensures you’re ready to articulate your value clearly in future opportunities.

Network with key contacts

Networking is crucial for career progression, yet during busy periods it often falls to the bottom of the priority list. The Christmas break offers a perfect chance to reconnect with industry peers, mentors, and professional contacts. A simple, thoughtful message wishing them well for the festive season can reopen lines of communication and strengthen relationships.

Leveraging platforms like LinkedIn to engage with thought leaders or industry groups can help you stay visible and connected. Take the time to identify individuals you’d like to build connections with in the new year and consider attending virtual networking events or sharing insights on relevant industry trends. Maintaining and expanding your network during quieter periods can open doors to opportunities and collaborations in the months ahead.

Review and set new goals

The end of the year naturally invites reflection and goal-setting. This is a key time to evaluate career priorities, reassess long-term ambitions, and set clear, actionable goals for the year ahead. Start by reviewing your current position—are you where you want to be? Identify areas for growth, whether that’s advancing to a higher leadership role, transitioning into a new industry, or achieving greater work-life balance.

Once you’ve established your goals, break them into smaller, achievable milestones with clear timeframes. Whether it’s pursuing a promotion, developing a skill, or expanding your network, having a structured plan gives you direction and purpose. Use this period to ensure your goals align with your broader career aspirations, creating momentum that drives you towards success in the new year.

By investing time in these productive activities over the Christmas break, you can return to work refreshed, focused, and ready to tackle new opportunities. Balancing reflection, growth, and forward planning ensures you’re positioned for a successful and fulfilling year ahead.