How to Survive the Holidays as a Small Business Owner (and actually enjoy them!)
7 ways to enjoy the holidays, recharge, and get your priorities done—all without burning out.
Let’s just be real for a second—being a small business owner during the holidays is intense. There are deadlines, client demands, year-end admin tasks, family obligations, and all the holiday chaos. It can feel like you’re juggling everything at once and constantly running out of time.
When I was in the corporate world, I noticed something that stuck with me: the closer we got to the holidays, the more stressed and burnt out everyone seemed. Long hours, skipped lunches, and the constant refrain of, “I’m just trying to make it to the holidays.” By the time they got there, they were so wiped out they couldn’t actually enjoy the time off. After recharging, they’d be back in the office within a week, already feeling like they needed another break. The cycle just continued.
Business doesn’t stop, and no one is handing out “timeouts.” As my old professor used to say, “There are no timeouts in business.” He wasn’t wrong. It’s a reality of being in charge. But here’s the thing—just because business can feel like a never-ending grind doesn’t mean it needs to be constant stress.
Sure, it’s likely going to be a busy push to the end of the year, depending on your workload and industry. But believing there’s nothing you can do to make it a little more manageable?? That’s simply not true, and it’s worth talking through some strategies to make it happen.
First Things First: Let go of Perfection 🔎
Before we dive into how to make this work, let’s get one thing straight: expecting perfection during the holidays—or in your business—will only lead to frustration.
When you head into the season with unrealistic expectations—how you’ll show up at family gatherings, tackling that never-ending to-do list, finishing that last big project, or making everything flawless—you’re setting yourself up for stress and burnout. The key is to focus on priorities.
By choosing a manageable number of things to tackle—things you can realistically get done without stretching yourself too thin—you’ll create space to recharge and focus on what really matters: quality time with family or taking a well-deserved break.
The difference between perfection and priority is simple: perfection expects you to be everything at once, while priority recognizes your limits.
By focusing on what truly matters (and tackling the things that will have the biggest impact on your mile-long to-do list), you can handle it well and move on to what’s next. When you narrow your focus to what absolutely needs to get done and let go of the rest, you’ll get through the holiday season without burning out. And here’s the kicker—your clients and family will experience a higher-quality version of you.
Pursue your priorities with excellence, but leave perfection—being everything to everyone—behind. It’s simply not sustainable.
Now that we’re on the same page, here are 7 practical ways to survive (and thrive) during the holiday season as a small business owner—without sacrificing your sanity or your family time.
1. Block Off Time for Yourself 🗓️
Okay, first things first: If you don’t block off time for yourself, no one else will. The holidays are chaotic, and while it's easy to get caught up in the rush of last-minute tasks, you (and those around you) deserve quality time to relax and recharge. After all, what's the point of working hard if you can't fully enjoy the fruits of your labor?
Here’s your first move: Pull up your calendar and block out the time that’s completely off-limits for work. This is your time to unplug and be present. It doesn’t have to be long, but it must be protected. The goal is to reclaim control over your schedule and avoid those “just one quick call” moments that pull you away.
Once you’ve secured those time blocks on your calendar, send your clients a heads-up. Let them know your holiday schedule and that you’re dedicated to wrapping up any pressing work before stepping away.
Here’s a simple email you can use to communicate boundaries to clients:
Hi [Client Name],
I hope things are going smoothly on your end as we head toward the close of the year! It’s a great time to check in and hear about your goals and priorities as we look to 2025. I’d love to understand what you’re aiming for in the new year, and if there are any areas we should focus on together to make sure you're set up for success.
I’ll be taking some time away from [date] to [date] to enjoy the holiday season and recharge for the exciting year ahead. Before I sign off, I’m committed to wrapping up any current projects and finalizing a game plan for your next steps. If there’s anything we need to address before I step away, let’s schedule a time to connect and ensure everything is in place.
I look forward to wrapping up the year strong and continuing our partnership into 2025!
Best regards,
Lindsay
Pro Tip: The key is to keep your email benefits-focused. Frame your time off as an opportunity to plan ahead and prioritize, so the client respects your boundary.
Most clients will understand if they know what to expect. It’s not about creating a boundary that only benefits you and leaves your clients hanging. Communicate with care and purpose—wrap things up, get on the same page, and your clients will respect your time off.
By setting clear expectations now, you create space to disconnect and focus on family without the stress of unfinished work. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself when you can relax, fully present, without the nagging thought of missed deadlines or unanswered emails.
2. Prioritize 'End-of-Year Essentials' Over Everything Else ✅
The end of the year often feels like a mad dash, but here’s the truth: you don’t have to do everything right now. Trying to tackle it all will either leave you completely overwhelmed or running in circles like a chicken with its head cut off. Neither option sets you up for success—or sanity.
Prioritize what truly needs to get done before the year ends and let the rest wait. That back closet you’ve been meaning to organize? Save it for March. There’s always time to come back to the less urgent tasks when things slow down.
Here’s how to approach prioritizing projects:
Identify Your Top Three Priorities: What are the three most critical tasks you need to finish before the year is over? Keep your focus there.
Client Work Comes First: Wrapping up projects and meeting deadlines is non-negotiable. Things like organizing your workspace or catching up on admin can wait.
Prep for Tax Season Early: Get ahead of your financials—organize receipts, track expenses, and review documents. Future you will thank you during tax time.
By narrowing your focus and tackling what matters most, you’ll finish the year with a sense of organization and accomplishment, instead of exhaustion. What needs to get done will be done, and you’ll be able to head into the new year with clarity and calm.
3. Pre-Schedule Time for Rest Without Losing Leads ✉️
Taking time off during the holidays doesn’t mean going silent on your business. In fact, it’s the perfect opportunity to keep your pipeline warm while still giving yourself a break. The key is adapting your business development approach, so you can rest without the worry of missing out on leads or losing touch with clients.
If you're someone who typically likes to respond to leads quickly and with urgency, it's important to adjust your strategy for the holidays. This is a unique time of year when many people take time off at different points—so don’t expect to maintain the same pace you would in other seasons. Instead, let’s adapt and approach client outreach and business development in a way that feels appropriate for the season.
Here are a few ideas to keep things moving smoothly without burning out:
Send a personalized holiday card. A handwritten note or a beautifully designed digital card can make your clients feel appreciated and leave a lasting impression. Take a few moments to craft a thoughtful message. It doesn’t have to be long, but it should feel personal. Let them know you're grateful for their business and excited to reconnect in the new year. A little warmth goes a long way.
Consider sending a holiday gift. If it fits within your budget, a small, thoughtful gift can go a long way toward strengthening relationships. You don’t have to go overboard—just something that shows you’re thinking of them. If you’d rather not manage the logistics of picking out, wrapping, and mailing gifts, consider outsourcing it. There are services (like ours!) that can handle everything from selecting the gift to packaging and mailing. This way, you can focus on your break while still giving your clients something special.
Resources: Clove & Twine, Corporate Gifts, Teak & Twine
Set up an out-of-office email. Letting clients and prospects know when you’ll be unavailable ensures there are no surprises. It’s a simple way to manage expectations and show that you’re still on top of things, even when you’re away. Craft a clear and friendly auto-response like this:
"Thank you for reaching out! I’m currently out of the office until [date], but I will respond as soon as possible when I return. In the meantime, feel free to check out my services [insert link]. Looking forward to connecting soon!"
The holidays are a great time to change up your usual business development routine. Instead of actively chasing leads every day, use this quieter time to build goodwill and keep the connection with your clients strong. By setting expectations upfront, sharing some holiday cheer, and offering a little extra touch, you’re maintaining boundaries without losing touch with potential and existing clients.
4. Streamline Tasks with Quick Wins 🕒
Efficiency is key when you're trying to close out the year strong. There’s no reason to get bogged down by tasks that can be handled quickly and easily.
Here's how to make the most of your time:
Outsource what you can. Whether it’s social media management, administrative tasks, or design work, find skilled professionals who excel in areas you don’t—and trust them to take those tasks off your plate. Delegating to experts not only lightens your load but also ensures the work is done with precision, giving you more time to focus on what you do best and your highest-priority items.
Use automation tools. Set up email sequences, schedule social media posts, and automate billing or invoicing. This will save you time so you can focus on higher-level tasks.
Set up easy processes. Simplify your workflow with easy-to-follow processes. For example, create templates for client proposals, contracts, and other documents you use regularly. This reduces decision fatigue and keeps things moving smoothly.
Quick wins are your friend. By identifying the tasks that can be completed quickly and efficiently, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment without exhausting yourself.
5. Learn When to Say ‘No’ 🚫
We’ve talked about streamlining tasks, but now let’s address the power of your “no.” As much as you may want to help everyone, the holiday season is not the time to take on more than you can handle. Whether it’s managing current clients, chasing new projects, or juggling family commitments, knowing when to set boundaries is key to staying balanced. Saying “no” isn’t about shutting doors—it’s about maintaining focus for what needs to get done.
Here’s how to say no effectively and professionally:
Create a ‘No’ Response Template: Keep it clear, respectful, and future-focused. For example, “Thanks so much for reaching out! My schedule is full until [date], but I’d love to revisit this project in the new year. Let’s touch base [give a specific timeframe]!”. This keeps things positive, professional, and gives the client a clear idea of when to reconnect.
Be Direct but Kind: You don’t need to over-explain. Simply state that your schedule is full and offer a time to revisit the opportunity. This ensures you’re prioritizing without alienating the client.
Mastering the art of saying no lets you stay intentional and avoid overcommitting during the holiday season. It’s about making space to accomplish what’s currently on your plate while leaving future opportunities open.
6. Plan Your Holiday + New Year Marketing 🎄
The holidays are busy enough—don’t add stress by scrambling to execute your content strategy mid-season. Instead, get ahead by planning your marketing now, creating a lighter content load, and scheduling it in advance. This way, your content will be the last thing on your mind, and you can enjoy the holidays with less stress.
Here’s how to prepare your holiday content:
Plan Mid-December to Mid-January Content: Trust me, your future self will thank you. Plan your posts, emails, and promotions ahead of time so you can take a hands-off approach during the holidays.
Use Scheduling Tools: Leverage platforms like Planoly, Canva, or Kartra to pre-schedule social media posts and email campaigns. These tools allow you to batch-create your content and set it to publish automatically. With everything lined up, you won’t have to worry about manually posting every day—keeping your online presence active without the extra effort.
Create Lighter Content: While things are slowing down, use this time to prep for the new year. Plan content such as a year-in-review post, outlining your business goals for 2024, or giving your audience a behind-the-scenes look at your process. This content works well for the post-holiday lull when engagement typically drops.
Set Up Automated Email Campaigns: If you’ve got any New Year offers or promotions planned, take the time to set up automated email sequences. This ensures that you don’t miss out on connecting with your audience, even when you’re taking time off. It’s a simple time-saver that keeps your marketing running smoothly in your absence.
By setting up your marketing in advance, you’ll give yourself more time to enjoy the holidays and hit the ground running in the new year with everything already in motion.
7. Get Ahead of the Holiday Lull with a 3-Day Plan 🎯
We’re all about reducing stress and creating more time for holiday enjoyment, but we also believe it’s important to take a moment to reflect on the past year, tidy up, and intentionally plan for the future of your business. The best part? You don’t need to dedicate weeks to do this—just a few impactful days will position your business for success in 2025.
Here’s how to reflect, tidy up, and plan–all in 3-days:
Day 1: Wrap Up and Refresh: Start by clearing out the clutter. Finish any outstanding invoices, send final deliverables to clients, and wrap up any ongoing projects. Ending the year with a clean slate will help you feel more organized and ready to hit the ground running in January, without the weight of unfinished tasks hanging over your head.
Day 2: Tidy Up the Extras.
This day is all about handling those admin tasks that often pile up…
Update your website
Organize your business files
Prep your workspace for a fresh start
Clear your office or desktop
Archive past projects to make room for new ones
Day 3: Strategic Planning for Q1
Set aside time to outline your goals for the first quarter of 2024…
What services will you offer?
What new ideas or initiatives do you want to explore?
How will you approach marketing and business development?
What did you learn in your business this year?
What didn’t work as planned, and what might need to be adjusted?
What strategies were successful, and how can you build on them?
Will this plan finalize your entire 2024 strategy in great detail? Not necessarily, but that’s not the goal. During the end-of-year/holiday season craziness, you want to focus on tasks that will have the greatest impact on your time and goals. This is a great starting point, setting the foundation for the year ahead and giving you clarity on what to tackle next.
One way to make this process easier (and much more efficient) is through our VIP Days. We love how much a VIP day can accomplish in just one session, leaving you with immediate deliverables and a sense of satisfaction. Whether you need help drafting your 2024 marketing strategy, creating a content calendar, or organizing your files for the year ahead, our team is here to support you.
Ready to make this your most productive end of the year (freeing you up for the holidays, checking things off your to-do list, and preparing for next year)? Head over to book a VIP day now—there are only a few left for this holiday season, so don’t wait!
Enjoy the Season Without the Stress
The holidays may be a juggling act for small business owners, but with the right strategies, you can manage the season with ease and actually enjoy it. Focus on balance, not perfection, and by prioritizing your time and setting realistic expectations, you’ll emerge recharged and ready for a successful new year.
Make sure to carve out time for rest and celebration, and don’t forget to be kind to yourself. Your business, clients, and loved ones will all benefit when you show up as your best self.
Here’s to a holiday season full of productivity, balance, and joy!
Don’t forget to send us an email (hello@progresspunch.co) or fill out our contact form to learn how we can help take some tasks off your plate this holiday season!
