It’s December—the time to sip your peppermint mochas, sign off on end-of-year reports, and turn up those holiday tunes. Personally, I love this season because it’s one of the rare times of the year when I feel like I can actually catch my breath at work. Every request that comes in? Saved for the New Year!
For those of you still counting down the days until your time off begins, don’t forget the most important step: setting up your Out of Office message. It’s your best defense in a world of endless emails and pings.
Need some inspiration? Here are a few options you might try—if you dare…
Festive Messages 🎄🎅
- On the [start of your vacation] day of December my inbox gave me… no messages. I’m officially out of the office and will return in the New Year on [insert return date].Wishing you joy, peace, and fewer emails!
- Unless you want to land on my naughty list next year, save that email for the New Year! I’m currently out of the office, spreading holiday cheer and avoiding my inbox. I’ll be back on [insert return date] and will get to your message then. Happy Holidays and see you in the New Year!
- Thank you for your message! While I’m off enjoying some festivities, one of my trusted associates—Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen… and of course, you know the most famous reindeer of all—will get back to you. See you next year!
- I would love to get back to your message, but… SANTA’S COMING!!! I KNOW HIM!!! 🎅 I’ve headed out of the office to enjoy a cup of the world’s best coffee, build some snowmen, and maybe even pass through the seven levels of the candy cane forest. I’ll return on [insert return date] with plenty of holiday cheer (and probably syrup on everything).
Pop Culture Inspired 🎶🎥
- Saving your messages for the New Year? That’s very demure. Very mindful. ✨I’m currently out of the office, embracing my quiet era and being very unavailable until [insert return date]. Stay classy, friends!
- My pulse is rushing. My head is reeling. My face is flushing. What is this feeling? Loathing… unadulterated loathing… for your email. Don’t worry you can find me next year on [insert return date].
- A long time ago in an inbox not so far away… The end of the year approaches, and rebels like me unite in a quest for uninterrupted time off. Will you support our cause or let the Empire strike back? May the force be with you!
- Spotted: Yours truly stepping out of the cubicle and straight into holiday mode. Whether it’s sipping cocoa or living that merry life, you won’t find me on email, the commute, or anything remotely work-related. I’ll be back [insert return date], refreshed, recharged, and ready to spill the tea (and answer emails).
Corporate Approved 💼✅
- Thank you for your message. I will be traveling over the holiday break, but I will remain available for any urgent matters. If your request requires immediate attention, please don’t hesitate to reach out via email or phone. I’ll do my best to respond as promptly as possible. For non-urgent matters, I’ll get back to you upon my return on [insert return date]. Wishing you a happy and restful holiday season!
- I’m currently out of the office and will return on [insert return date]. I’ll respond to your email as soon as possible upon my return.
- Thank you for reaching out. I’m currently out of the office and will return on [insert return date]. During this time, I will have limited access to email but will respond as soon as possible upon my return. For urgent matters, please contact [insert contact person’s info].
- Hi There, I’m currently out of the office and will return on [insert return date]. I’ll be sure to follow up on your message when I’m back. Thank you for your understanding, and have a wonderful holiday season!
Congratulations, you made it through the list! I know some of these might be a bit too silly for your OOO message, but hey—at least they gave you a laugh. Enjoy the rest of your December! I hope it brings you plenty of rest and special moments with your loved ones. Thank you for supporting Career Buddy this year, and I’ll see you in the New Year!
Remember, you’re not alone on this path – you’ve got a Career Buddy!
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