[1] The Holiday Hustle: Balancing Work and Life During the Weirdest Time of Year
Ah, the “magical” time between Thanksgiving and the rest of the holiday season—a twilight zone where people are technically working, but their minds are already on eggnog, gift wrapping, and the warm embrace of Kaskade’s Christmas Deluxe album or Teddy Swims’ soulful A Very Teddy Christmas. (Yes, I’m skipping Mariah this year—forgive me.) For those of us in sales, this stretch feels like trying to wrangle a herd of wild horses (or in my case, customers) into answering emails and signing contracts. It’s chaotic, oddly festive, and utterly unpredictable.
And let’s not forget the fine art of balancing work and life during these weeks. Think of it like walking a tightrope in stilettos: you want to push those contracts forward without coming across as that annoying salesperson who ruins the holiday cheer. Simultaneously, you’re trying to bake cookies, wrap presents, and juggle a packed calendar of seven Christmas events—two of which you’re on the party planning committee. Chaos? Absolutely. But it’s all part of the holiday charm, right?
So, how do we survive (and thrive) during this awkward stretch? Here are four tips to help you juggle work and life like a pro:
1. Prioritize Your “Must-Wins” (at Work and in the Kitchen)
For work, identify the deals that absolutely need to close before year-end and focus your energy there. Not every lead will rise to the occasion (yes, pun intended), so spend time on the ones most likely to cross the finish line.
In the kitchen, apply the same logic. For those who know me, it’s no surprise that I tend to go all out with my baking this time of year. Inspired by The Great British Baking Show—a fantastic holiday watch for unwinding—it’s all about prioritizing the show-stoppers: the treats that make everyone’s eyes light up. Maybe it’s your signature triple-layer peppermint brownies or gingerbread cookies decorated like tiny works of art. Skip the basic sugar cookies if time’s running short; channel your inner Paul or Prue and go for quality over quantity to truly wow your friends, family, or coworkers.
2. Use Humor as a Tool (But Know When to Rein It In)
Whether you’re emailing a client or texting a frazzled family member, a little humor can go a long way. A well-timed joke about how Santa’s probably better at logistics than all of us combined can make you more relatable and less pushy.
However, don’t overdo it. The line between “funny” and “annoying” is thinner than tinsel. If your client isn’t biting, switch to value-focused communication. If Aunt Lynda doesn’t laugh at your fourth holiday meme, maybe it’s time to put the phone down.
3. Schedule Smart, Flexible Time Blocks
The holidays are unpredictable. Schedule blocks of time for focused work, but leave room for holiday chaos—like last-minute gift shopping or that unexpected “we’re having a potluck tomorrow” announcement.
Use these blocks to batch tasks: follow up on emails, review contracts, and prep for meetings all at once. This minimizes mental fatigue and frees up more time for the good stuff, like baking cookies or squeezing in those pre-holiday workouts. Living in Austin, where summer is always just around the corner, makes keeping up with exercise all the more essential.
4. Set Boundaries (Politely but Firmly)
If you’re trying to close deals, set clear deadlines for contracts or decisions, and communicate them kindly. “Hey, I know this is a busy time of year, but if we could finalize by [insert date], we can get everything wrapped up with a bow!”
On the personal front, boundaries matter too. Maybe this is the year you don’t host the entire family or agree to every white elephant gift exchange. Politely saying “no” to extra obligations can save your sanity.
Wrapping Up the Year (and the Gifts)
The holidays are a sprint, not a marathon—and the finish line is lined with cookies, champagne, and a little bit of year-end exhaustion. Remember to give yourself some grace, stay organized, and keep your sense of humor intact.
If you're navigating the holiday chaos and need a little extra help with closing deals or managing year-end goals, feel free to reach out! I’m always happy to share personalized sales tips, tricks, or just commiserate over the art of balancing it all.
And speaking of balance, don’t forget to shine at those holiday potlucks! Here are a few go-to recipes that never fail to impress:
Peppermint Bark Brownies – A rich, fudgy treat with a festive twist.
Classic Gingerbread Cookies – Perfect for decorating and sure to delight kids and adults alike.
Smoked Gouda and Chive Scones – A unique savory option that stands out among all the sweets.
Candy Cane Sugar Cookie Pie – Because the holidays deserve a little extra indulgence.
Pair your cooking or baking session with the perfect holiday vibes. I highly recommend Kaskade’s Christmas Deluxe album for something upbeat and modern or Teddy Swims’ A Very Teddy Christmas for soulful, cozy energy. (Both available to stream on spotify!)
As you close out your year, here’s a little wisdom to carry you through:
"Hustle like Santa on Christmas Eve, but rest like Mrs. Claus on December 26th."
Wishing you a successful year-end wrap-up (and just enough chaos to keep things interesting). Cheers to a festive and productive season! 🎄🍪