Here’s the thing about December: people either go ghost or they suddenly start “holiday networking” like it’s a competitive sport.
Both extremes are doing too much.
The truth?
Networking during the holidays is actually the easiest time to reconnect, if you stop treating it like a task and just act like a human being.
People are reflective. Their guard is down. Their schedules loosen. And they’re way more open to connection than they admit.
Here’s how to take advantage of that without being weird or salesy:
1. Stop Sending the Copy-and-Paste Holiday Messages
If your greeting could be printed on a mug, skip it.
Instead of the generic “Happy Holidays!” try something grounded in real memory:
“Hey, I thought about you today because I remembered that story you told me in the spring. How did your year end up going?”
That’s networking.
Not the Hallmark stuff.
2. Use Those Quiet Mid-Day Moments People Pretend Aren’t Happening
December is full of tiny windows where people are hiding in the kitchen or taking “just a minute” outside.
Those are perfect for quick reconnections.
Try: “You got a few minutes for a quick check-in? Nothing heavy, just curious how you’re closing out the year.”
Short + human → people say yes.
This is what real business networking during December looks like.
3. If You Go to Events, Ignore the Crowd and Focus on Three People
Holiday gatherings can be chaotic.
Drinks flowing. Rooms loud. Somebody offering you a cookie that has no business being that dry.
Don’t “work the room.”
Find three people and have actual conversations:
- “What did this year teach you the hard way?”
- “What’s one thing you’re low-key excited about for next year?”
- “Anybody you’re hoping to meet or collaborate with in 2026?”
Depth > volume. Always.
4. Give Something Thoughtful, Not Promotional
People don’t remember branded gifts.
They remember thoughtful gestures.
Try things like:
- A short voice note
- A quick list of something useful you learned this year
- A resource you genuinely used and liked
That’s the kind of holiday season networking people appreciate, something small but real.
5. Treat December as Your Soft Launch for January
Everyone pretends they’re “so busy” in January.
They’re not. They’re just scattered.
December is calmer, which makes it perfect for:
- Setting January meetings
- Re-introducing ideas
- Floating collaboration thoughts
- Asking who you should meet next year
By the time January hits, you’re already in motion.
6. Don’t Disappear Completely
Rest. Recharge. Eat all the good things.
But don’t vanish until February.
A small pulse, one post, one message, one reminder you exist, keeps your network warm.
This season isn’t a break from your relationships.
It’s an opportunity to strengthen them quietly and naturally.
Call to Action
If you want a community that makes networking feel human and sustainable, not forced or awkward, Twisted Networking could be just what you need.
Networking During the Holidays