For many garment decorators, the days between Christmas and New Year feel different.

The phones are quieter. Orders slow down. The pressure eases, just a little.

It can be tempting to switch off completely or rush straight into planning for the year ahead. But for many successful decorators, this quieter week plays a crucial role in how smoothly January starts.

Not by doing more, but by doing a few key things well.

After the intensity of December, it’s easy to carry that pace straight into the New Year.

The quiet week is an opportunity to pause and reflect.

What orders ran smoothly? Where did things slow down? Which processes held up under pressure, and which ones caused friction?

Taking stock now helps decorators avoid making reactive decisions in January and instead focus on what will genuinely improve their workflow.

During peak season, equipment and workspace setups are often used constantly, with little time for checks or adjustments.

This quieter period is ideal for:

• Giving presses a quick once-over
• Checking platens and accessories
• Tidying and reorganising workspaces

Small adjustments made here can prevent bigger issues when orders pick up again.

When jobs are coming in fast, artwork organisation often becomes an afterthought.

Using the quiet week to tidy files, label approved designs and note repeat customers can save hours later on.

When January orders arrive asking for “the same as last time,” being able to find everything quickly makes a noticeable difference

January is often when decorators want to try new ideas, but the best time to test them is before the rush returns.

The quiet week allows space to:

• Test finishes or materials
• Try new garment styles
• Dial in settings without time pressure

Testing now means more confidence when customer orders return.

Certain types of work tend to appear early in the New Year.

Workwear refreshes. Teamwear updates. New brand launches.

Using this quieter period to prepare for these orders, whether that’s reviewing past jobs or prepping samples, helps decorators start January feeling organised rather than rushed.

At STAHLS’ UK, we see how much difference preparation makes. From reliable transfers to dependable equipment and ongoing education, our focus is on helping decorators work with confidence, not just during peak season, but all year round.

January success rarely comes from dramatic changes.

More often, it comes from small, thoughtful decisions made when there’s space to think clearly.

The quiet week isn’t about getting ahead of everyone else.

It’s about setting yourself up to work with confidence, consistency, and control when the pace picks up again.