Rhonda Abrams The Passionate Entrepreneur

OK, so you've sent the relatives to the after-Christmas sales at the mall, and have snuck off to the office to get some work done. But there's no "real" work to do -- after all, there are no clients to call (they're at the mall, too) or emails to answer.

So what can you do to make the most of this week and get your office ready for 2007? Here are some ideas:

1. Clean out your office.

Look around. Do you still need that stack of industry magazines you were going to read someday? Isn't it finally time to file the pile of papers you've been planning to file for six months?

Now's also a great time to clean your desk inside and out. Remove files you won't need in the coming year and archive them. Be careful to keep files you'll need for tax purposes, but they can be stored somewhere other than in your desk drawers.

While you're cleaning, how about making more room on your computer? Delete those stupid jokes and memory-hogging photos your brother-in-law sends you. Your computer will run faster if you've got less junk on it.

Believe me, having a clean office and new files will make you more eager to get going when Jan. 2 rolls around.

2. Prepare to start marketing.

Make a list of people you want to contact early in the new year. On that list, include key referral sources and important customers. Compose emails now to send the first week in January. Or, contact people who might be around now to set up lunch or meetings in January.

While you have some time, look for new networking opportunities. Check your local newspaper for business and community organizations and events. Make reservations to attend in January, so you'll have a calendar full of potential business-building activities.

3. Redecorate -- or decorate -- your office.

I've got a confession: My company has been in "new" offices for three years now, and I still haven't decorated. It's definitely time for some new furniture and some nice pictures on the walls.

Working in a pleasant, inviting environment helps keep you motivated and makes each day more enjoyable.

4. Go shopping.

I love the after-Christmas sales at office supply stores. Remember, business expenses in December are deductible on this year's taxes.

It's a great time to update your office equipment -- change to a flat-panel monitor, get a color laser printer, and finally spring for a new computer and still have time to learn how to use it.

5. Make a donation.

As entrepreneurs, we make many contributions to our communities and nation; we create jobs and invent new products and services. But we also need to remember those who are less fortunate, and this is the perfect time of year to do so.

To check out the charities you might be interested in supporting, consult the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance.

Finally, enjoy time with family and friends and have a happy and healthy holiday season.