Let’s talk about the holidays. What do you mean, it’s too soon? Retail stores have already placed Christmas decorations next to, if not directly in the hands of, Art the Clown from the Terrifier films. Truth be told, some people do consider Halloween a major holiday that belongs wrapped up into all the others at the end of the year. But the terrifying thing isn’t that mix of horror and holiday cheer in the aisles of Target; it’s how fast the holiday season is sneaking up on us.
The holiday season brings an increase in everyday activities. The end of the year brings a sense of rushing because we need to handle our work responsibilities and family needs, and social events that fill up our schedule. The world of networking becomes active during this period.
Networking events have increased in number during the last two years, but 2025 stands out as the busiest year since the world started reopening after pandemic shutdowns. People are returning to their routines. People now spend more time outside as they reconnect with others to rebuild human relationships, which digital platforms never achieved fully. The abundance of events provides excellent advantages to businesses and their communities, yet it leads to a common dilemma about how to select suitable events from the numerous available options.
Let’s dig a little deeper into how we should navigate the holidays amidst all of the hustle and bustle and socializing that goes along with it.
1. Start with Your Purpose
Before you RSVP “yes” to everything in sight, pause and think about your why. Why are you networking in the first place? The main purpose of your social media presence determines which platforms you should focus on.
Every event has its own flavor and focus. A Chamber of Commerce mixer might attract a different crowd than an industry-specific luncheon. The nonprofit organization can establish valuable connections through its holiday gala because these relationships will support its community-based objectives. When you understand your purpose clearly, it becomes easier to identify which events align with your goals and which ones do not suit your needs.
2. Evaluate Return on Time (ROT)
We often talk about ROI (return on investment), but during the holidays, returning on time can be even more critical. Your time is your most valuable resource, especially when the demands of work, home, and holiday responsibilities start to collide.
The event should give you energy, or else it will make you feel tired. The event will lead to meaningful conversations, or I am attending out of habit.
A single high-quality event with meaningful participation brings more value than three events where you only swap business cards.
3. Don’t Underestimate Relationship Maintenance
People tend to direct their attention toward fresh possibilities, yet the holiday season offers an excellent opportunity to enhance the connections that exist in their present lives. Throughout the year, you have met various people, including colleagues and clients, and collaborators who can establish the tone for your upcoming business activities in the new year. A brief greeting, along with shared laughter or a holiday greeting message, will create lasting goodwill and trust between people. You can maintain your connections through meaningful actions and written messages instead of attending every social gathering.
4. Set Boundaries (and Keep Them)
Being present and becoming overcommitted exist on different ends of a continuous spectrum. The constant scheduling of December nights transforms networking into an exhausting experience instead of a social activity. Permit yourself to say no. You have to defend your personal time and space to be present at events with your entire authentic self.
5. Leave Room for Spontaneity
Planning serves as the primary foundation, yet having some flexibility enables you to handle unexpected situations that may emerge. The most meaningful conversations often emerge through unplanned last-minute invitations or unexpected encounters, which we never expect to find. When you stay open to spontaneous events yet maintain control over your schedule, you will discover the most valuable networking opportunities.
The busy holiday period arrives as an inevitable part of the annual cycle of time. During this period, people express their gratitude while looking back on their past experiences and seeking new beginnings. Networking activities during this period should develop into an organic extension of your existing professional relationships and interests, which need to be sustained throughout the year.
The decision becomes straightforward for people who dedicate themselves to networking because they naturally choose to attend events that create opportunities to meet others and build relationships.
I practice the skill until it becomes instinctive. The primary challenge for many people is striking a balance between engaging socially and conserving their energy levels.
Your inbox will start receiving numerous invitations, while your calendar will transform into a holiday light display so take a deep breath. Choose wisely. Be selective, be strategic, and most importantly, be present.
Successful networking depends on creating authentic relationships during events instead of focusing on the number of events you participate in. Remember, networking is about connection, not collection. It’s about people, not just attendance.
Contact the Author:
Dale R. Wilson, Sr.
Community Liaison
BrightStar Care of Stroudsburg & Allentown
dale.wilson@brightstarcare.com | www.brightstarcare.com/Stroudsburg-Allentown