Silly season in the salon: how to stay sane

Ah, Christmas. A time for joy, connection, and…chaos. You’ve probably already got your salon’s calendar bursting with bookings, family events, and the occasional existential crisis over whether you’ve bought enough wrapping paper. But here’s the thing: the “silly” part of the silly season? That’s entirely optional.

I know what you’re thinking: “Optional? Have you seen my schedule?” Hear me out.

Even if you’re fully booked and knee-deep in festive madness, there are still ways to survive the season with your sanity intact.

Let me introduce you to the three B’s of Christmas: Burnout, Boundaries, and Beliefs.

These aren’t just buzzwords—they’re your ticket to making it through the holidays without wanting to lock yourself in the bathroom with a bottle of wine.

Burnout: The grinch who steals your sparkle

Here’s a hard truth: burnout doesn’t magically appear on Christmas Eve. It builds slowly, layer by layer, like that pavlova you plan to cook for Christmas dinner.

The late nights, constant demands, and inability to sit down for five minutes—it all adds up. But just because you’re busy doesn’t mean burnout is inevitable.

Let’s talk micro-breaks. These are tiny, intentional pauses that give your brain and body a chance to recharge, even when your schedule is jam-packed.

• Between clients: Take a literal 60 seconds to stretch, drink water, and breathe. Seriously, set a timer.
• In your car: Before you turn the key, close your eyes for a moment, roll your shoulders, and just be still.
• During lunch (yes, you need to eat): Step outside, feel the sun on your face, and take three deep breaths.
  These little moments might not feel revolutionary, but trust me, they’re game-changers.

Boundaries: It’s never too late to start

Look, I know the word “boundaries” feels like it belongs in the January self-care guide, but hear me out.

Even if you’ve already overcommitted (hello, Christmas Eve clients at 8 PM), you can still set limits.

Boundaries aren’t about saying no to everything—they’re about saying yes to what matters and no to what drains you. Starting now, try this:

• Daily boundary check: Each morning, decide the one thing you won’t compromise on that day. Maybe it’s finishing on time, taking a proper lunch break, or saying no to last-minute appointment requests.
• End-of-day shutdown: Commit to a non-negotiable stop time each evening. When the clock hits, tools down, phone off, pyjamas on.
• Delegate where you can: Is someone in your household asking what they can do to help? Hand over the gift wrapping, meal prep, or errand running. Let them feel useful!
  It’s not about perfection—it’s about doing something to lighten your load.

Beliefs: Let go of the ‘shoulds’

For years, I believed the festive season meant I had to hustle 24/7, please everyone, and work until I was practically falling over.

And guess what? It made me miserable.

The thing is, most of these pressures weren’t real. They were just beliefs I’d picked up over time—beliefs I was finally able to challenge.

If you’re stuck in the “should” spiral right now, try this exercise:

1. Write it down: Grab a pen and jot down one thing that’s stressing you out.
2. Ask “why?”: Why do I think this has to be done? Is it truly necessary, or is it just something I’ve always done?
3. Flip the script: If it’s not bringing you peace, replace it with something that does.
4. For example, do you have to bake 500 cookies for the school party, or would a quick trip to the bakery achieve the same result?

Now, Samara will NOT like this tip; she’s a bake-it-from-scratch gal. But you know why? Because it brings her a deep sense of joy.

I (Jen), on the other hand, threw up a little in my mouth just thinking about it. So, it’s the bakery for me all the way. You see, this isn’t about doing what we say. It’s about doing what feels right for you.

Check out the blog on the Salon Rising website where they go into finding what feels right: Bake It or Buy It: Finding Your Festive Joy.

Action steps: Sanity-saving festive hacks

If your festive season already feels overwhelming, don’t panic. Start small, start now. Here’s how:

1. Micro-break magic: Take tiny pauses throughout your day to breathe, move, or just sit in silence. These moments add up and make a big difference.
2. Create a “festive zen zone”: Dedicate one corner of your home to calm—light a candle, add a comfy chair, and escape there for 10 minutes when you need to recharge.
3. Simplify where you can: Streamline your to-do list. Swap big tasks (like hosting a dinner) for smaller ones (like ordering takeaway). No one’s grading your Christmas effort.
4. Bookend your day: Start and finish each day with something just for you—a morning coffee ritual, a favourite podcast, or a quick skincare routine.

Enjoy the busy Christmas season, your way

Christmas doesn’t have to be a whirlwind of stress. With a little intention and a lot of grace, you can survive—and, dare I say, enjoy—the festive season.

Remember, it’s not about doing everything perfectly; it’s about doing what feels right for you. So, let go of the shoulds, set those boundaries, and make space for the moments that truly matter.

The silly season doesn’t have to be silly, but it can still be joyful. You’ve got this!

Holistic tip: Be present, not perfect

One of the quickest ways to stay sane during the silly season is to anchor yourself in the present moment. When you’re racing through the day, it’s easy to lose sight of why you’re doing all this in the first place.

• Take a moment each day to reflect on one thing you’re grateful for.
• If you’re feeling overwhelmed, close your eyes and focus on your senses. What can you hear, smell, or feel? This simple practice can instantly ground you.

Strategic tip: Plan your recovery now

You’re busy now, but the holidays will end, and you’ll need a break to recover. Block out a day (or a weekend) in early January for yourself. No clients, no family obligations, just rest. Trust me, future you will thank you.