The weeks between Christmas and Epiphany (Reyes, January 6) are different from the rest of the year for anyone working remotely: many companies close or reduce activity, clients take longer to respond, and your own work routine gets thrown off by the holidays. Anticipating it a few weeks ahead avoids surprises in your invoicing and in your clients' availability.
What to expect from company closures between Christmas and Epiphany
It's common for many companies, both in Spain and in other countries, to close their offices fully or partially between December 24 and January 6, or at least cut activity to a minimum on those days. If you work remotely for a company or invoice clients as a freelancer, this directly affects two things: when they'll respond and when they'll pay you.
How to plan your year-end invoicing
- Send December invoices as early in the month as possible instead of waiting for the last business day: it reduces the risk of them getting stuck in an accounting department that has already closed.
- Ask each important client directly what their closing dates are and when payments resume in January, instead of guessing.
- If you depend on that income for early-January expenses, keep in mind that payment may be delayed because of the client's own closure, not just because of how you handle things.
- Record in writing (email or whichever channel you usually use) any pending agreement or deliverable before both of you go on vacation, to avoid misunderstandings when you return.
Managing availability with clients in different time zones
If you work with international clients, keep in mind that not every country or culture stops on the same dates: while in Spain the holidays are concentrated between December 24 and January 6, other markets may have different closing calendars or none at all.
- Tell each active client your own time-off dates well in advance, not the day before you disconnect.
- State clearly what you'll have resolved before you stop and what will stay pending until you're back.
- If your team or clients are still operating, rely on asynchronous communication (documents, messages with full context) so you don't depend on overlapping schedules during days of lower general availability.
- Review your usual time overlap with each client before year-end, in case it changes temporarily because of their own closures or vacations.
Practical tips for organizing the end of the year when working remotely
| Before disconnecting | Because |
|---|---|
| Close open tasks or leave them in a clear state | Avoids picking things back up in January without knowing where each one was left |
| Confirm the closing dates of your main clients | Lets you anticipate real delays in payments and responses |
| Send pending December invoices with time to spare | Reduces the risk of them reaching a department that's already closed |
| Set an out-of-office message if you'll be disconnected | Manages the expectations of anyone who writes to you on those days |
The end of the year is also a good time to review how your remote work year has gone: which clients or projects worked best, which tools you're missing, and what you want to organize differently before January starts in full swing.
Frequently asked questions
Should I send December invoices before Christmas or can I wait until January?
In general it's safer to send them as early as possible in December. If you wait until the last dates of the month, you risk them reaching an accounting department that has already closed for the holidays, which can delay payment until well into January.
Do I need to tell my clients about my own days off at Christmas?
Yes, it's a good idea to let them know with enough notice, not on the last day. Clearly stating what you'll have resolved before disconnecting and when you'll be available again avoids misunderstandings and manages the client's expectations well.
What do I do if a client doesn't respond during their own vacation?
It's a common situation at this time of year. The most practical approach is to leave the work or question documented in writing so the client can pick it up as soon as they're back, instead of waiting for an immediate reply you probably won't get.
Do all countries close on the same dates as Spain at Christmas?
No. Closing dates and vacation culture vary by country and client, so it's best to confirm directly with each international client instead of assuming their calendar matches the Spanish one.
