The holiday season is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, right? But for moms—especially those of us juggling careers, running businesses, and trying to create magical family memories—it can sometimes feel like the most stressful time instead. As a mom and entrepreneur running a handmade business, I get it. The pressure to keep the business thriving while making sure the kids aren’t missing out on holiday traditions can be overwhelming. So how do we do it all without losing our minds? Here are some tips I’ve learned (and am still learning!) to help balance career and family during the holidays.
Let’s be real: You can’t do everything, and that’s okay. Prioritize what matters most. What’s non-negotiable for your family this season? Maybe it’s decorating the tree together, baking cookies, or taking the kids to see holiday lights. Schedule those moments first, then fit work around them.
Pro Tip: Use a shared family calendar (or even a simple whiteboard) to block out family time. When you see it written down, it feels more official—and harder to skip.
If you’re a business owner, like me, the holiday season is probably your busiest time. Streamlining tasks can save your sanity. Batch your work: schedule social media posts ahead of time, prep products in bulk, and automate where you can.
I like to dedicate specific hours to my business each day, leaving the rest for family. And don’t forget to ask for help if you need it—whether it’s hiring extra help temporarily or leaning on your partner or family members.
One of the perks of being an entrepreneur is flexibility, but that doesn’t mean you’re free from deadlines. Look at your busiest work days and plan family activities around them. For example, if you know you’ll be shipping out orders all weekend, plan a cozy family movie night midweek to decompress.
Some of my favorite low-effort family traditions include:
If your kids are old enough, get them involved! My kids love helping me with small tasks like packaging orders or sticking labels. It’s a great way to spend time together, teach them about hard work, and even sneak in some bonding time while I’m busy.
Plus, they get so excited knowing they’re part of mommy’s business!
I know, I know—who has time for self-care during the holidays? But hear me out. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Even 15 minutes of quiet time can recharge you. Whether it’s sipping coffee in peace, taking a quick walk, or treating yourself to a festive manicure, find something that feels like “you.”
Let’s face it: Not every moment will go as planned, and that’s okay. The cookies might burn, the kids might argue during the family photo, and your house might not look like a Pinterest board. But those messy, real-life moments? They’re the ones your kids will remember most.
With so much going on, it’s easy to forget to pause and soak it all in. Take pictures, but don’t stress about them being perfect. Whether it’s messy gingerbread houses or goofy pajama selfies, those little snapshots will remind you of the joy amidst the chaos.
Running a handmade business during the holidays is no joke. There are days when I feel like I’m drowning in orders and to-do lists, but I remind myself why I started this journey—to build something meaningful for my family. And to all the other moms out there doing it all, know you’re not alone.
Check out my business, Mackenzie Madison of Philadelphia, for handmade items that celebrate family, culture, and motherhood.
The holidays don’t have to be perfect to be memorable. As moms, we often put so much pressure on ourselves to do it all, but at the end of the day, what our kids will remember most is the time we spent together. So give yourself some grace, focus on what truly matters, and know that you’re doing an amazing job.
What are your favorite ways to balance work and family during the holidays? Let’s share tips and cheer each other on in the comments!
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Amber Bowie
Author