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- 🔕 Holiday Boundaries, Habit Tracker, 35 Festive Office Games - Dec 23, 2025
🔕 Holiday Boundaries, Habit Tracker, 35 Festive Office Games - Dec 23, 2025
How to say no when called to work out of hours, your habit-tracking worksheet, fun office party ideas, plus more holiday gems...
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Hey, Working Pros! ⛄️ As the US holiday rush meets year-end asks and PTO juggling, we’re tackling Holiday Boundaries: how to say no without burning bridges, protect your energy, and keep goodwill.
On today’s agenda:
💡 60 Claude hacks
 | WEEKLY GOODY |
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
🔕 Holiday Boundaries: The Art of Saying “No” (Without Career Fallout)
The holidays bring cheer… and last-minute asks, “quick favors,” and calendar creep.
This season, the real power move isn’t doing more—it’s setting holiday boundaries that protect your energy and your reputation.
🎯 Why boundaries are a professional skill - Saying no well shows clarity, priorities, and respect—for yourself and others. Leaders trust people who can manage capacity, not martyrs who burn out quietly. Boundaries signal reliability, not disengagement
🗣️ Scripts that say “no” without slamming doors
Use calm, clear language. No over-explaining. No guilt spirals.
“I’m at capacity this week, but I can revisit this after the holidays.”
“I won’t be able to take this on, but here’s someone who might help.”
“That timing doesn’t work for me. Can we plan this for January?”
“I’m offline during PTO, but I’ll respond when I’m back.”
Tip: Appreciation + clarity beats apologies every time.
🔋 Protect your energy, keep the relationship
Boundaries work best when they’re predictable and proactive.
Set expectations before you log off (OOO messages matter).
Offer alternatives instead of overextending.
Be consistent—mixed signals invite repeat pressure.
Remember: urgency isn’t always an emergency.
You don’t need to disappear or people-please. A respectful “no” today builds trust for tomorrow”and lets you return recharged, not resentful.
TOGETHER WITH THE HUSTLE DAILY
The Hustle: Claude Hacks For Marketers
Some people use Claude to write emails. Others use it to basically run their entire business while they play Wordle.
This isn't just ChatGPT's cooler cousin. It's the AI that's quietly revolutionizing how smart people work – writing entire business plans, planning marketing campaigns, and basically becoming the intern you never have to pay.
The Hustle's new guide shows you exactly how the AI-literate are leaving everyone else behind. Subscribe for instant access.
TODAY’S TASK
🔌 Unplug with intent - Before your holiday break starts, set an out-of-office message, mute work apps, choose a return date, and tell key contacts. Real rest needs clear edges.
THE WORK PULSE
👩💼 Aid Hiring Crunch – Devex
What’s unfolding: The U.S. State Department is urgently rebuilding its foreign aid workforce after dismantling much of USAID.
Why it matters: Shifts in government staffing affect global project funding, contractor opportunities, and international operations planning, and staying aware helps you anticipate changing contract landscapes or career openings.
🔄 Workforce Re-Seg — TPM
What’s unfolding: Analysis suggests recent federal policy moves may be undoing workplace inclusion efforts, potentially leading to a less diverse and more segmented U.S. workforce.
Why it matters: Workplace composition and policy shifts can influence hiring norms, team dynamics, and employer expectations, and proactive upskilling or networking can help navigate these evolving environments.
🔧 Trade Skills Push — ABC News
What’s unfolding: U.S. companies, including retail giants, are teaming up to build a pipeline of skilled tradespeople, addressing shortages in roles like maintenance and technical support.
Why it matters: For working professionals, this trend highlights growing demand beyond traditional office roles, signaling opportunities for reskilling or diversifying career paths, plus broader implications for labor markets and compensation norms.
JOB BOARD
Trending job titles and searches
WORKPLACE
🎉 35 Festive Office Games to Ignite Holiday Cheer
Get your office party from ho-hum to holly jolly with this roundup of 35 creative Christmas game ideas that break the ice and get everyone laughing, mingling, and bonding—whether you’re together in person or connecting virtually over Zoom. From lively gift swaps and goofy team challenges to fun virtual scavenger hunts and karaoke sessions, these activities are designed to make your end-of-year celebration memorable and inclusive for all.
If you’re in charge of the holiday bash and want to spark genuine fun (and maybe a little friendly competition), this list has you covered with options for every group size and event style.
WEEKLY GOODY
✅ Build Better Days, One Checkmark at a Time with the Habit Tracker
Big goals don’t happen overnight—they’re built through small, repeatable wins. That’s why our Habit Tracker is designed to keep your focus sharp and your momentum going. Write down the habits that matter, keep the tracker within sight, and enjoy the simple satisfaction of checking off progress as it happens. It’s an easy, motivating way to turn intention into action—and action into lasting results.
Download link available to email subscribers
BREAKROOM
SMART READS
🎅🏼 Secret Santa Rules in the Workplace
👗 Christmas Party Attire: 30 Ideas
FEEDBACK
Which section did you enjoy most? |
📬 Missed the previous issue on ‘2026 Skills Forecast’? Read it »