Let’s talk about that end-of-year calendar chaos, shall we?

Between holiday parties, school pageants, family gatherings, and trying to squeeze in all those beloved traditions, your calendar’s probably looking like a game of Tetris right now. 

And here we are in December, with just three more precious weekends until Christmas (I’m already sweating)!

But here’s the thing about being a business owner: You actually have more control over your calendar than you might think. Yes, even during the holidays. No, I’m not suggesting you become a holiday hermit—but you do get to decide how to navigate this festive frenzy in a way that works for YOU and YOUR business.

The Permission Slip You Didn’t Know You Needed

First things first, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to holiday hours. Your business, your rules. Here’s what I mean:

• Some creative businesses practically make their whole year of revenue during the holidays (hello, makers and musicians!)
• Others watch their clients completely disappear until January
• And some of you might be busy but choosing to dial it back anyway because… life

Whatever camp you’re in? It’s all good. This is your permission slip to do what’s best for you.

Different Approaches to Holiday Hours

Let’s look at how different creative businesses handle the holiday season. Some completely close shop, others modify their hours, and many stay open with business as usual. 

Before we dive into the details of setting your schedule, let’s look at three common approaches:

#1 Add Hours

Perfect if you’re:

• A product-based business in prime selling season
• Getting booked for holiday events
• Participating in holiday markets

#2 Keep Regular Hours 

Might be right if:

• Your clients need consistency
• You prefer routine
• Your business doesn’t see seasonal changes

#3 Reduce Hours or Close 

Consider this if:

• Your clients disappear during the holidays
• You want dedicated family time
• Your creative energy needs a recharge

3 Steps to Set Holiday Hours That Actually Work

Now that you’ve seen the common approaches, let’s get into the practical steps to make your chosen schedule work. Whatever you choose, having a solid plan is key. So before you block off those dates (or don’t!), here’s your step-by-step guide to figure it all out.

1. Check Your Three Buckets

Before you decide anything, look at:

Bucket 1: Your Commitments, Values & Capacity

• What matters most to you this season (personally and professionally)?
• What values do you want your holiday schedule to reflect?
• What have you already promised clients?
• What family traditions matter most?
• How much energy do you actually have? (Be honest!)

Bucket 2: Your Personal Needs

• Financial goals (December revenue essential or flexible?)
• Emotional bandwidth (holidays: energizing or draining?)
• Self-care requirements (yes, watching Hallmark movies counts)

Bucket 3: Your Client Reality

• Do they need you during this time?
• Are they even around?
• Will they be spending money (historically)?

2. Get It On Paper

Don’t just wing it! Actually map out:

• Which days you’re working/not working
• Modified hours if you’re staying open
• How long these changes last
• When you’re going back to “normal”

COO tip: Even if you don’t have set business hours, writing this down saves future-you from so much stress.

3. Tell Everyone 

The quickest route to holiday stress? Mismatched expectations. So tell:

• Your clients (early and often is my motto!)
• Your team
• Your family (yes, really)
• Anyone trying to schedule time with you

My Personal Approach (Because You Asked)

I’ll be totally honest: I dial way back in December. With a December-born kiddo, multiple family birthdays, dance recitals, and hosting out-of-town family, my calendar is already bursting. So I:

• Take off Thanksgiving week (Tuesday through Monday)
• Block off December 23rd through January 6th
• Don’t take on new clients in December
• Avoid major deadlines
• Pre-schedule content (thank goodness for automation)

Your Move

Whether you’re ramping up or winding down this holiday season, the key is being intentional about it. Don’t let your calendar happen to you—decide what you want these weeks to look like and make it happen.

And speaking of holiday planning… let’s talk about that other stress-inducing tradition: client gifts.

You know that nagging voice in your head asking:

• “Wait, do I need to send client gifts?”
• “How much should I actually spend?”
• “When’s too late to send them?”
• “What if they hate it?”

I created something special to help with exactly that.

The Creative Business Owner’s Guide to Stress-Free Holiday Gifting

This isn’t your typical “50 best gifts under $50” list (because honestly, who needs another one of those?). 

Instead, this is your complete roadmap to strategic business gifting—from timing to budget to delivery.

No more second-guessing or stress-scrolling through Amazon at midnight. Just clear answers to all your business gifting questions.

Let’s make this holiday season less stressful and more intentional—both with your time AND your gifting strategy.