🎄Top Hacks for a Stress-Free Festive Period

Your guide to a peaceful, productive week before festivities.

The week before Christmas can feel like a whirlwind, but it doesn’t have to be. As a UGC creator, staying on top of your work while enjoying the festive season is all about smart planning and giving yourself the space to breathe (we know it’s hard sometimes!)

Here are our top tips to help you wrap up the year with ease:

🏁 Finalise your UGC videos early this week. Whether it’s content submissions or approvals, aim to close out your projects by midweek. This gives you time to address any last-minute feedback without cutting into your holiday plans!

How to do it:

  • Set a “final submission” deadline for yourself a few days before your client’s due date. This gives you more time for revisions and less chances for stress.

  • Communicate early - send a quick email or message confirming timelines and deliverables, you cannot over-communicate.

  • Don’t overcommit! If new opportunities arise, politely let clients know you’re available after the holidays, if your timeline doesn’t allow enough production time.

  • Use a task management tool like Trello or Notion to keep track of what’s due and when.

📅 December is packed with events, to-dos, and distractions. Protect your time by cutting out unnecessary tasks, prioritising existing campaigns, and setting out dedicated focus blocks.

How to do it:

  • Block off “focus time” in your calendar for work. Use this time to wrap up tasks without interruptions - and enjoy the time off!

  • Identify tasks that can wait until January and reschedule them.

  • Make sure brands you work with are aware of your deadlines before festive period starts, there is nothing worse than miscommunication!

📒 We know it sounds like a cliche - New Year New Me! But, a cluttered workspace can lead to a cluttered mind. Take some time to organise both your physical and digital environments before the end of the year to make the most of the focus-time and set the stage for a fresh start in January.

How to do it:

  • Spend 15 minutes tidying your desk - file away any documents, throw out trash, and wipe down surfaces. It sounds simple - but makes all the difference for the mindset!

  • Organise your digital files into folders (e.g., “2024 Projects,” “Archive”) and make online cloud copies. This makes all the difference. Clear files - clear mind!

  • Clear your email inbox by sorting messages into categories or archiving old threads. And make sure no Clip messages are left unread or unresponded!

🎄 The holidays are a time for giving, but don’t forget to give yourself the gift of rest. Taking care of your mental and physical well-being will help you stay creative and energised throughout this busy period.

How to do it:

  • Build small self-care rituals into your day: a morning walk, a 10-minute meditation, or a cosy tea break.

  • Prioritise what you spend your screen time on - perhaps less social media scrolling and more productive tasks :)

  • Treat yourself to something festive after completing important tasks - watch your favourite holiday movie, bake cookies, or light a seasonal candle. Rewarding yourself for accomplishments prove to boost productivity!

🏆 Before you dive into the festivities, take a moment to celebrate your wins from the year - and celebrate YOU! Reflection not only embraces gratitude but also gives you clarity on what you want to achieve in the new year.

How to do it:

  • Write down three things you’re proud of from 2024 - big or small. They could be your favourite projects or collaborations (make sure you update your portfolio with them!)

  • Set one UGC intention for 2024 that excites you. Perhaps manifest a brand you’d like to work with?

  • Make sure you update your portfolio with all the best pieces from 2024 - it will give you a fresh start in the busy January!

As a UGC creator, you’ve worked hard all year, balancing creativity, deadlines, and personal growth. This week is your chance to tie up loose ends, step back, and give yourself the space to breathe 🎬✨

By clearing your schedule, setting boundaries, and organising your space - you’ll not only wrap up the year with peace of mind but also set the stage for an even more successful 2025!

Take a moment to celebrate how far you’ve come. Whether it’s creating your first piece of UGC, landing a dream collaboration, or simply staying consistent, every step matters. This season, give yourself permission to pause, reflect, and enjoy the magic of the holidays.

Here’s to a stress-free week, a peaceful holiday season, and a new year full of fresh opportunities and creativity. You’ve got this! 🎄✨

In case you do have some time cleared out for more exciting projects still this year, check out the latest Clip Opportunities below. Brands always need content, even throughout the festive break - so if you’re available, your chances are bigger than ever to be accepted!

🎧🎙️ Discover the secrets to successful collaborations in the latest episode of Clip Collective Podcast! Learn how brands and creators come together to craft impactful campaigns and foster authentic connections. Don’t miss out!

MEET OUR CREATOR!

👋 Meet Ally, a talented content creator and social media consultant based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. With nearly a decade of experience, she’s passionate about creating content that tells a story, builds authentic connections, and delivers real results for brands. Ally’s unique approach ensures every project resonates with the right audience💡💬

See you next week - and let’s wrap up those final 2024 videos!

Team Clip