It's crucial to be adaptable, willing to give as well as receive, plan to ask early, and be able to provide solutions for getting your work covered while you're away when you wish to take time off for the holidays.
Here are tips for successfully asking for time off from work during the holiday season:
The earlier you raise the topic the better, and although being the first one to ask for time off doesn't necessarily guarantee that your request will be granted, it does give you more leeway with your negotiation.
Before you ask for holiday time off, check your vacation or personal leave allotment to be sure you have the time available to use.
Check company policy to see whether there are guidelines for requesting time off, and be sure you comply with them.
Be understanding and patient when asking for time off. Kindness will go a long way. You should also spend some time thinking about how you can best compromise if your request isn't granted in full.
For example, if your family gets together on Christmas Eve, then you might volunteer to work on Christmas Day so you can take the day before off.
The ideal strategy to reserve time off for the holidays may depend on your industry, but if continuous coverage is not a problem, planning ahead is a good idea.
To ensure that you finish the task before the holiday season, be aware of deadlines that will come up around the holidays and set your own target for December 15th.
Sharing your plan to work extra hours or do whatever is necessary to clear the holidays with your supervisor and team members well in advance can help alleviate any concerns.