The holiday season is magical—but for mom entrepreneurs, it’s also one of the busiest and most overwhelming times of the year. Between running a business, managing holiday plans, and keeping your family happy, unexpected challenges like sick kids or last-minute delays can throw a wrench into your carefully crafted plans.
But here’s the truth: the holidays don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. With a little preparation, some quick solutions, and a healthy dose of grace, you can survive—and thrive—during this hectic season. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate the holidays with less stress and more joy.
1. Be Ready for Unexpected Challenges
No matter how much planning you do, the holidays often come with surprises. Whether it’s a child waking up sick on the day of a big client presentation or a weather delay that derails your schedule, flexibility is key.
How to Handle It:
- Have a Backup Plan: Identify one or two people you can call for help when the unexpected strikes, like a partner, relative, or trusted babysitter.
- Prepare Your Business for Interruptions: Use tools like automated email responses or reschedule links in your calendar to keep things running smoothly when you’re pulled away.
- Lower the Bar: Accept that some plans may need adjusting and focus on what’s most important, both in your business and at home.
Pro Tip: Build a “sick day kit” with essentials like over-the-counter medicines, small activities for kids (like coloring books), and quick meals you can rely on during emergencies.
2. Stock Up on Quick Meals and Snacks
The last thing you need during a busy workday is to stop everything to make a complicated meal or deal with “hangry” family members. Keeping quick, nutritious snacks and simple meal options on hand can save your sanity.
Snack and Meal Ideas:
- For the Kids: Pre-portioned snack packs with nuts, dried fruit, or granola bars. Baby carrots with hummus or string cheese are also quick wins.
- For You: Keep energy-boosting options like Greek yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, or protein shakes handy for a fast refuel. I keep lots of snacks at my desk and in our diaper bag for those days I am on the go between sites.
- One-Pan Dinners: Stock up on ingredients for simple meals like sheet-pan chicken and vegetables, tacos, or pasta with jarred sauce and a bagged salad.
Pro Tip: Dedicate 30 minutes on a Sunday to prep snacks or portion out leftovers for the week. Even a small effort in advance can make hectic days much easier to manage.
3. Let Go of Perfection
One of the biggest stressors for mom entrepreneurs during the holidays is the pressure to “do it all” perfectly—run a thriving business, create magical holiday memories, and keep everything running smoothly. But perfection isn’t the goal; connection and joy are.
Mindset Tips for Letting Go:
- Set Realistic Expectations: Prioritize the activities and traditions that matter most and let go of the rest. Focus on quality over quantity.
- Embrace Imperfection: Remember that your family and clients value your presence, not your perfection. A store-bought pie is just as sweet as one you bake from scratch.
- Practice Gratitude: When stress creeps in, take a moment to reflect on the things you’re grateful for. Gratitude shifts your perspective and helps you stay grounded.
Pro Tip: Create a “holiday wins” journal to jot down small victories, like a successful client meeting or a cozy evening with your family. This can help you focus on the positive moments instead of fixating on what didn’t go as planned.
4. Simplify Your Business Operations
While you’re focusing on family and holiday activities, your business doesn’t have to come to a halt. Use automation and outsourcing to take tasks off your plate.
Quick Business Tips:
- Automate Where You Can: Use tools like Zapier or HoneyBook to automate client onboarding, invoice reminders, or email follow-ups.
- Outsource Holiday Help: Hire a virtual assistant to manage emails or a freelancer to handle social media content while you focus on other priorities.
- Batch Your Tasks: Dedicate blocks of time to handle similar tasks, like answering emails or scheduling social media posts, so you can work more efficiently.
- Make Templates: I utilize ClickUp task Templates for my seasonal Christmas shopping list, recipes, and for our decor!
By simplifying your operations, you’ll free up time to enjoy the season while keeping your business on track.
5. Give Yourself Permission to Rest
Finally, remember that taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your business and family. The holidays are a time to recharge, so don’t feel guilty about prioritizing rest.
How to Build in Rest:
- Schedule Downtime: Block out non-negotiable time in your calendar for rest, whether it’s a family movie night, a solo coffee break, or an evening off from work.
- Set Boundaries: Communicate with clients and family members about when you’ll be available and when you’ll be offline.
- Celebrate Your Wins: Acknowledge everything you’ve accomplished this year and give yourself credit for balancing so much.
Survive—and Thrive—This Holiday Season
The holiday season doesn’t have to be a whirlwind of stress and exhaustion. By preparing for the unexpected, simplifying your routines, and letting go of perfection, you can create a season that’s filled with joy and connection for your family and your business.
Take it one day at a time, lean on your resources, and remind yourself that doing your best is enough. After all, the holidays are about moments, not perfection.
You’ve got this, mompreneur. Happy holidays!
