Most of us are putting up the tree today…But for business owners, December isn’t just tinsel and end-of-year drinks. It’s also the month where planning, cashflow management and staff logistics can make or break the next 6–8 weeks.

If you want a smoother December (and a much less stressful January), here’s a simple checklist to keep your business on track.

1. Confirm your shutdown dates + staff leave

Christmas shutdowns always creep up faster than expected. Before things get busy:

• Finalise your Christmas closure period.

• Approve annual leave requests and get your rosters sorted.

• Communicate dates early to staff, clients and suppliers.

Clear communication now means fewer surprises later — and less last-minute scrambling.

2. Forecast wages + super + BAS

December and January are heavy payroll months for most small businesses. Make sure you’ve budgeted for:

• Public holidays and any penalty rates

• Annual leave taken (or cashed out)

• 12% superannuation on all December and early-January payroll

• The December BAS — which covers October to December and is often higher due to seasonal revenue and timing

A quick payroll and BAS forecast now can help avoid a January cash crunch.

3. Prepare for fixed expenses that continue even when you close

Your bills don’t go on holidays. Most business owners forget how much still goes out over Christmas, including:

• Rent and outgoings

• Software subscriptions

• Insurance premiums

• Utilities

• Vehicle finance

• ATO payment plans

Build this into your cashflow plan so January doesn’t catch you off guard.

4. Manage customer payments + expected delays

December is the worst month for overdue invoices — and January isn’t much better.

• Send your December invoices early

• Follow up overdue accounts now (before offices shut)

• Expect slower payments between mid-December and mid-January

Anything you can get paid before Christmas is cashflow you don’t need to stress about later.

5. Stock + supplier planning

If your business relies on stock, parts or supplier deliveries, planning ahead is crucial:

• Confirm final 2025 delivery dates

• Order stock early if you’re in retail, hospitality, trades or manufacturing

• If you’re shutting down, keep stock levels tight to reduce holding costs

A quick supplier check-in now avoids a world of pain in January.

6. Communicate your holiday hours

Update your:

• Website

• Google Business Profile

• Socials

• Email signature

• Phone voicemail

Clear communication means fewer frustrated customers — and fewer “urgent” emails during your break.

7. Wrap up December admin early

Don’t leave the dull stuff until the last minute. Your future self will thank you.

• Complete payroll reconciliations

• Bring bank accounts up to date

• Review your year-to-date P&L

• Clear outstanding queries with your bookkeeper (tip: bookkeepers are busiest between 10–20 December — get in early!)

Good admin now = a cleaner start to the new year.

Final thought

December doesn’t need to be chaotic. With a little planning, you’ll head into Christmas calm, organised and ready for a proper break — instead of spending your holiday worrying about cashflow, payroll or unanswered emails.

If you want help getting your Xero file, payroll or bookkeeping sorted before the Christmas rush, I’m always here to help.