It’s been said that there’s no place like home for the holidays, and this is certainly true for work-at-home parents. After all, only when you work from home do you have the unique privilege of cooking a turkey and meeting a deadline at the same time! In honor of the upcoming holiday season, I’d like to offer a few freelancing observations.

Adjust Deadlines Early

If you work from home, take time now to analyze your calendar. It’s essential that you blend your editorial or business calendar with your family calendar now, to prevent unpleasant surprises. After all, no one wants to be stuck home proofreading an e-book the night of the biggest bash of the season.

Plan for Time Off

You’re your own boss, and if you don’t allow for time off, no one else will. This time of year, it’s especially important to allow yourself time to decompress from the holiday stress and freelancing hubbub. So go ahead, unplug the laptop and step away from the inventory – your business can survive without you for a few hours. Take time to light a candle and create some holiday Zen. Your body, mind, and spirit will thank you.

Resist the Urge to Overdo It

Because you’re in charge of your income, it can be tempting to work a few more hours here and there to make extra money for the holidays. Resist! Otherwise, you may find yourself a babbling mess rocking in the corner by January 2. Instead, set a budget for holiday gifts and stick to it. The peace of mind is well worth the extra math.

Use Your Mobility Wisely

Many work at home parents find that their jobs are extremely mobile. Using laptops, smart phones, and wireless internet, it’s easier than ever to take your show on the road. Gone are the days of missing the family get together because you have to work. Instead, you have the option to take your work with you, wherever you go.

If you choose to use this new-found freedom, do so with caution. It’s easy to find yourself holed up in a bedroom frantically typing when you should be enjoying carols and eggnog. Give yourself permission to work for a set amount of time, but then be sure to unplug and enjoy the merriment. Working at home is all about balance – be sure to work towards this whenever possible.

Put these tips into action, and you’ll find yourself freelancing for the holidays with a minimal amount of effort. Spend time with yourself, your family, and your job – you have the freedom to do so, after all. Working at home is a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of the holidays without an extra helping of stress, so be sure to take advantage of the benefits your job offers.