The holidays are fast approaching, and with them come the whirlwind of shopping, family gatherings, and endless social events. But among the hustle and bustle, weekends and holiday downtime can actually be some of your best opportunities to write. It’s all about making the most of the time you do have.

Here’s how you can maximize your writing time over the holidays and keep those creative juices flowing:

1. Start early

The quiet morning hours are often the most productive. Before the holiday chaos begins—before you’re inundated with cooking, gift-wrapping, or family visits—get up a little earlier and dedicate the first hour of your day to writing. This time is uninterrupted, and your mind is fresh, so you can dive straight into your project with clarity and focus. By making this a habit, you’ll ensure that writing remains a priority, even during the busiest time of the year.

2. Claim weekends

Weekends are prime writing time—if you claim them! Treat your writing sessions like meetings you can’t cancel. Block out specific hours each weekend to work on your manuscript, blog, or other writing projects. Put it on your calendar, set a reminder, and stick to it. When writing becomes as non-negotiable as an appointment, you’ll find it easier to commit to the time, making those weekend hours a valuable part of your creative process.

3. Batch tasks

The holidays bring plenty of distractions, so efficiency is key. Use your writing blocks to batch tasks—such as writing multiple blog posts, working on several chapters, or drafting a batch of social media content—in one go. This strategy helps you avoid the constant decision-making of “What should I work on next?” By diving deep into one task at a time, you maximize productivity and reduce the chances of getting sidetracked.

4. Eliminate distractions

Distractions are everywhere during the holidays, but with a little planning, you can create a writing sanctuary. Turn off your phone, mute social media notifications, and let your family and friends know you’re in writing mode for the next hour. This clear boundary will help you stay focused and productive. The more you protect your writing time, the more you’ll get done—and the less you’ll feel like you’re playing catch-up when the holiday rush is over.

5. Seize time

Let’s face it—there’s a lot of waiting around during the holidays. Whether you’re waiting for a holiday meal to cook, sitting in traffic on your way to a family dinner, or standing in line at the store, you can turn these moments into writing time. Jot down ideas, make notes on your phone, or brainstorm future projects. These small bursts of productivity can add up over the course of the season, allowing you to keep your writing momentum going—even during those in-between moments.

Conclusion

With a little planning and intentional focus, your weekends and holiday downtime can become powerful writing sessions that keep you on track with your goals. Remember, writing doesn’t have to take hours at a time. Even small chunks of dedicated writing can add up and move your projects forward.