One thing you can say about 2008 is that it was never boring. Now with everyone all worried about impending economic collapse, this holiday season promises to be a little more subdued. It will probably be good for all of us, as we can now remember the true meaning of the season (it’s dark… let’s eat!).

For many of us, our businesses tend to go into a little hibernation until 2009. So here are 5 things you can do in your business while the phone is quiet.

1. Show your partners, customers, and employees a little appreciation

Now that the year is over, take some time to thank those who work with you. Life is a lot better when you have a good team, so make sure your team and your valued customers knows how appreciated they are. A little gift, a phone call, a nice email are all appreciated. This is something we should all be doing on a regular basis anyways.

2. Reflect on the year that was

Take a look at 2008. Often in business we end up dealing with the problems that are right in front of our face instead of working on the longer term projects that will take our business in the direction we want to go. The new year is a good time to reflect on how you used your time over the past year.

3. Plan for the year ahead

It seems that everyone is predicting that 2009 is going to be a terrible year before it even starts. With a big recession being predicted, many businesses are throwing their hands up before we even get going. While 2009 may not be a year with cash flowing through the streets, there is no reason that your business can’t succeed in the coming year. Businesses that do well in a recession tend to focus on saving people money, the more you can demonstrate how your clients will be better off in the long run if they continue to do business with you, the better off you’ll be.

Also, with everyone in the market scared off, a recession is a great time to retrench and build value. There’s less competition for everything from office space to employees, so businesses can be built much cheaper. Many great businesses like Google were built in the down market. Be ready to reap the benefits when the market turns around.

There’s something one must always remember when doom and gloom is all around, especially on the news. Media sources are very good at telling people what has happened, but are very bad at predicting the future. When the media is saying that things are truly bad, it most likely has already happened. Be greedy when others are fearful, that’s when fortunes are made.

4. Skip the Christmas Cards

That’s right, skip the Christmas Cards. Everyone expects Christmas cards, and they are fun to get, but they very easily get lost in the shuffle. Why not send out cards to all your wonderful customers when they aren’t expecting it? Send out valentines, or Halloween cards, or pick a bizarre holiday (Talk Like A Pirate Day is a great one). Make your business remarkable by doing something different.

5. Get to know your family again

Running a business is not the easiest thing in the world. There are many demands on your time, and often it is your family that gets short changed. This Christmas, I’m taking two weeks off to slow down and spend some time with my loved ones.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and all the best from everyone at upNext Media.