These are just suggestions of things that I have both done and learned over the years. They may not be right for you.
When we had young kids, I planned out the month of December and especially the week that the kids were on Christmas vacay from school, so that we could do fun activities together and enjoy the season. I would highly recommend that if you're going to do that, that not only do you do this year right now (RIGHT NOW!) but next year as well. Maybe not the details of next year since you don't know what they will be, but mark the days and hours that you need.... i.e. do you want a Friday off for a whole day of tree trimming? Do you want off one day a week that month after school to do crafts? Do you want a weekend trip? Etc.... Just block out the time now, you can make the decisions a little later. For this year, I would put in the details now. Even if it's just 'craft', 'movie' or 's'more's' so that you have it scheduled.
Remember this: Our kids are only little/young for a short time. Soak up every moment. The laundry doesn't stop because it's December but your kids will be a day older tomorrow. If your kids don't already help with chores, tell them that if they help you, you will have more time for game night or a movie. It gives them a reason to invest their time.
As far as not sinking at work - if you can afford it, a temp hire can be a real benefit for the season. Hire someone with cafe/barista experience who can do customer service and/or other basic tasks that you can relinquish. It will allow you the time you need to focus on year end stuff so that you're not giving up your off hours to get it done and actually get to go home at night.
Having a business partner means that you have to trade off on who's off if you have to cover for each other. Discuss that as far in advance as you can, as to who wants which days off. Time spent with family at the holidays is irreplaceable. If that means you close on the 23rd at noon to get extra time, so be it. Remember, your customers don't define or set your business hours.
My goal is always to work as best I can throughout the year to be ahead of the game come December. October-December is my busy season. Not only for our business but for me personally. It's the middle of the downhill slide into Festival of Trees and it takes me almost 2 weeks just to decorate my own house, on top of everything else I have going on. FOT starts the Tuesday after Thanksgiving and it's the first full week of December. I don't book appointments that week unless it's a massage or my nails. I don't allow anything except my family to derail anything that week. I spend an entire year just planning for that week....
I think the biggest thing is being intentional and present and not expecting too much of yourself 🙂
Co-Owner/Business Manager
Arctic Heat
R&C Property Management
Event Planner/Business Trainer
Member - Women in HVACR
Member - Women's Leadership Network, Helena
