No 1: Don’t Let Deadlines Go on Vacation

If you're going to be away from your business and clients for any sort of extended period of time, let them know how long you will be gone and assure them that whatever work you are doing for them will still be done on time. In fact, getting it done early will prove you can meet deadlines and still have a life afterward.

“You should be communicating your intentions with your clients, i.e. taking time off, so they will not feel neglected or like you are 'slacking.,'” said Kristen Ford-Stevens, owner and designer of Cute Beltz. “Communication is key to running a successful home business.”

No. 2: Disconnect but Stay Connected

Be sure you are working for and with people who understand you have the right to take a break. If need be, that means ignoring work-related e-mails that you can't escape during the normal work day. However, if you simply can't afford to be completely out of reach and/or are in an industry where you may lose work if you are unreachable, be sure you have a mobile device that will allow you to stay connected while on vacation.

No. 3: Keep Yourself on Schedule

“People who work from home [and] do that well are self-managing,” said Bill Kahnweiler, associate professor and human resource expert at Georgia State University's Department of Public Management and Policy. “They don't allow themselves to get overworked but at the same time don't need a boss or a structure to get the work done that they need to get done in a given period of time. That's what self-managing is.”

No. 4: Be Ready to Work When you Return

It's usually the big downer toward the end of your vacation, but the fact of the matter is, you've got to mentally get back in the game and back to reality. It's your business on the line.

No. 5: Don't Feel Guilty

The holidays are a time to spend with friends and family. Remember the reasons you went to work for yourself and the benefits of being your own boss: You have the option to put yourself first.