Making December Count: How to Stay Connected During the Busiest Month of the Year

December is one of my favourite months for networking. Not because it is the busiest, but because it brings people together. Annual events tend to attract larger crowds, familiar faces you have not seen all year, and new people who decide this is the month they finally show up. It is a wonderful time to reconnect, make introductions, and plant seeds for the year ahead.

But with so many invitations and celebrations, December can also feel overwhelming. The key is to approach it with intention. A little preparation goes a long way in making sure the connections you make now turn into meaningful relationships later.

Make Every Event Work for You

If you are attending more than one networking event in a week, you can use that to your advantage. When I meet someone new, I always share which events I will be attending next and invite them to come along. It is a simple way to help them meet more people, and it often makes them feel more comfortable walking into a room where they know at least one person.

I also keep my car stocked with:

• Business cards

• Post-it notes

• Elastics

With multiple events in a day, I never want to forget where I met someone. As soon as I leave the event, I write something memorable about the person on their business card. Then I wrap the cards in a post-it note with the event name, date, and time, and secure it with an elastic. It keeps me organized and makes follow up much easier.

Yes, I love connecting right away on LinkedIn or whatever social platform someone prefers, but I still like collecting business cards. They remain one of the simplest tools for remembering people and the conversations we shared.

December Scheduling: Ask, Listen, and Act

When chatting with someone, I like to ask how busy they are in December. Not everyone is running in a million directions for the holidays. For me, all my gift giving goes to family who live far away. Christmas has already happened. So I often have more time than people expect.

If someone tells me they are not busy, I book a chat right then. If they are busy, I suggest we schedule a tentative time for January. Even pencilling something in helps both of us follow through. And if I am hosting events in January, I invite them to attend so I can help them make some introductions.

Little touches like these make a big difference. They show that you are thoughtful, organized, and intentional with your connections.

Holiday Greetings That Stand Out

Do you send a holiday greeting by email? If so, share a little about your year personally and professionally and thank people for their support. A genuine note is always appreciated.

If you prefer sending cards by mail, consider sending them late in December or even early January. People have more time to read then, and your card will stand out. One of my favourite tools is Send Out Cards. You create everything online, and they mail it for you. You can also track birthdays and special occasions.

Over the years, I have also created my own cards. I take a saying I love from a card I purchased, make it my own, and print it. On the front is the quote. On the back is my QR code, company info, and sometimes my photo. There have been many moments when someone said, “Oh you know Dalene,” simply because they recognized me from a card sitting on a desk. It really is a small world.

The Power of Tangible Touches

If you mail cards yourself, tuck in a couple of business cards and a fridge magnet. When you are on someone’s fridge, you are part of their daily life. You never know who will see it. Every reminder matters.

I love the wholesale gift shows where businesses can purchase items at wholesale prices. Clothing, jewelry, household items, unique flat gifts. Wholesale is much more fun than retail. I choose small items that can be mailed easily, like positive quotes, small decorations, or simple treats. And if you can find these items from local businesses, even better.

Plan Ahead So You Can Enjoy Your Time Off

I enjoy time off in December, so I work until mid-month and then take a break. I do a little follow up during the week between Christmas and New Years and start fresh in January.

The busier I am in December, the busier January becomes. When I already know I have networking events, meetings, or collaborations scheduled for January, I enjoy my time off even more. Preparation today gives you peace tomorrow.

Stay Connected and Stay Intentional

Networking in December is about more than attending events. It is about connecting thoughtfully, following up with care, and planting seeds that will grow in the New Year.

A bit of planning, a few handwritten notes, and an open invitation or two can help you build relationships that last well beyond the holiday season.

If you would like more encouragement and simple strategies to make networking feel natural, I invite you to join my monthly newsletter. You will receive resources, helpful tips, and updates about upcoming events and if you enjoy learning through conversation, tune in to my podcast where I share real stories and insights to help you build confidence and meaningful connections.