Think about starting a gratitude list of all the things for which you are thankful.  It's okay if you include more negative things like not having to deal with THAT person at your former job or a particularly nasty commute

December is the prime season for parties, so take advantage of the opportunity to get out there and talk to people.  Whether it's a networking event or your spouse's holiday party, you can use this chance to get dressed up and show off your elevator pitch. 

Even if you are employed, it's a great idea to update your resume annually, and there's no time like the present to give it a thorough overhaul. Make sure your resume is formatted correctly and contains your latest employment accomplishments. 

Take advantage of the holidays to customize a cover letter specific to the season. Adding a simple “Happy holidays!” or “Happy New Year!” is a safe way to add some personality to your letter. And of course, don't make the mistake of sending a generic, 

copy-paste cover letter that you've sent to every other employer.

The good thing about an end of year slowdown in the workforce is that hiring managers have more availability to talk to you. Find the important people in your list of target companies and ask for appointments. This can be accomplished by leveraging your network or contacting the company directly.