Balancing the Holidays: When Your Small Business and Life Collide

Holidays should be a magical time of year, even for small business owners

Every year, as soon as the leaves start to turn and the air smells like cinnamon, I tell myself this holiday season will be different. I’ll be more organized. I’ll have all my inventory ready. I’ll actually enjoy the holidays instead of sprinting through them with a glue gun in one hand and shipping labels in the other.

And yet—somewhere between prepping for craft fairs, packaging orders, and trying to find matching wrapping paper for the gifts at home—it all starts to blur together. The joy of the season can so easily get buried under the to-do lists.

Running a handmade small business during the holidays is magical, but let’s be honest—it’s also exhausting. Here’s what I’ve learned over the years about finding a little balance between the small business I love and the life I don’t want to miss.

Make a Plan, Even a Flexible One

In early November, I sit down with a cup of coffee, my planner, and a highlighter (or three!) to map out the next two months. I mark down shipping deadlines, craft show dates, and yes—even time off.

Having a plan doesn’t mean everything goes perfectly (spoiler: it never does), but it gives me a visual reminder that both business and personal time deserve space. I try to keep a few days “protected” for family traditions—because those are just as important as any sale.

Prepare What You Can, Let Go of What You Can’t

A few years ago, I stayed up late. finishing last-minute orders. I was tired, cranky, and realized I hadn’t baked a single batch of cookies that season. Now, I try to prep as much as possible before the chaos begins—inventory, packaging, product photos, all of it.

But the real trick? Letting go of perfection. Not every social media post has to be perfect. Not every market needs a brand-new display. Sometimes “good enough” is exactly what keeps you sane.

Take Breaks (Even Tiny Ones)

I used to feel guilty stepping away from my workspace. Now, I’ve learned that a short break often saves my productivity. Ten minutes to sip coffee, stretch, or just breathe makes a world of difference.

Sometimes I even sneak in a craft that’s just for me—something not for sale, not for a show—just because it reminds me why I started doing this in the first place.

Be Honest with Your Customers

I’ve found that most people are incredibly understanding when you’re upfront. If my processing times are a little longer or if I close the shop for a few days to celebrate with family, I let my customers know.

It turns out, they’re human too—and they appreciate knowing they’re supporting a real person, not a big-box store.

Take time this holiday season to enjoy family traditions with your loved ones

Protect the Moments That Matter

For me, the holidays aren’t about how many sales I make or how perfect my booth looks. They’re about laughter in the kitchen, family gatherings, and that quiet moment when the lights on the tree first come on.

Every year, I try to remind myself that the business will be there tomorrow—but these moments won’t come again in quite the same way.

The Takeaway

Balancing business and life during the holidays isn’t about doing it all—it’s about knowing what matters most. Some days, that’s getting all the orders out on time. Other days, it’s stepping away to bake cookies with someone you love.

Either way, it’s all part of the same beautiful, messy, meaningful season.

From my workspace to your home, I wish you a peaceful, JOY-filled holiday season—one that leaves room for both creativity and connection.

Joyfully yours,

Rebecca :)

Crafting Therapy Shop