​ Hi Reader, ​

December just sneaked up on us. Seems like yesterday, it was full summer (literally for some of us, as temperatures have been a rollercoaster in some places). And this morning, I did a quick count: here at SmartAlpaca, we have exactly less than 3 weeks to go before we close for the holidays 😮

Technically, we all know the end of the year doesn't need to impact our businesses in any way - but somehow, whether we're taking time off or not, it always does. If it's not us working less or being distracted, it's our readers/clients/customers who become unresponsive and sometimes close for weeks on end.

So yes, December is a month unlike any other.

Join us for the last planning session of 2024

Not everybody approaches December in the same way.

• For some, tis the season for yearly reviews. Reviewing 2024, making plans for 2025 - and not being super motivated for anything else as we slowly shuffle towards the end (of the year).
• For others, it's the most hectic time of the year: between presents and party prep, kids' and social events, and life, deadlines are drawing near.

Free up the time to get things done in December and set things up to smoothly slide into January. Only miss the beats you want to miss, and give yourself some breathing space!

Come work with us

Virtual coworking sessions take place on Tuesdays again this month; they're 1-hour "power sessions" where we mute ourselves and just get things done. It's hard to explain how efficient this actually is - so if you've never tried it, come and join us for a session.

Celebrate 2024 and kickstart 2025

We've got a couple more things planned for the busy season:

• If you can't make it to the virtual planning workshop next week, I'll be releasing a DIY planning video on Tuesday on the SmartAlpaca Slack workspace. And if the feedback's positive, I'll send it out before the end of the year. As we're skipping the January planning session... you might be able to do it solo.
• A virtual party on December 18th to check in with each other, celebrate what we did right this year, and say goodbye to the things we don't want to take to 2025
• A 2025 kickoff session on January 13th. It's not a goal-setting session; instead, we'll explore how we can better support our (mental and physical) health, make time for what's important, and still get stuff done throughout the year. Whatever shape our goals come in (or even if we don't have any big shiny objectives for 2025), and no matter what lemons and oranges as the year throws at us as it progresses.
• The first monthly planning session of 2025 is for February and it takes place on the 31st of January.

Thank you for joining me on this journey of accountability and community - I really couldn't (wouldn't) do this without you.

-- Sandrine Online business strategist and certified Storybrand guide at SmartAlpaca Marketing​ Also blogging (on and off) at sunnysimpleliving.com and smartalpaca.org​

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P.S. Know a friend who could use some planning and accountability help? Please forward them this email or give them one of the links above - we love to welcome newbies to our little community!