Your holiday survival checklist (for sanity + sales)

Peak season can get wild - orders flying in, customer emails piling up, and a dozen “urgent” tasks hitting your inbox all at once.

Before things spiral (and they can, fast), take a breath.
Here’s your go-to holiday checklist to help you stay one step ahead, and maybe even enjoy the season while keeping your sales strong.

✅ Before the rush

The calm before the storm is your golden window to prep. A few smart tweaks now will save you hours later.

• Update your shipping info.
  Make sure your Christmas cut-offs are crystal clear - add them to your product pages, checkout, and email footers. Fewer delivery questions = fewer customer headaches.

• Prep your email responses.
  Draft and save replies to common questions (“When will my order arrive?”, “Can I change my shipping address?”). You’ll thank yourself when your inbox gets busy.

• Create a “go-to” doc.
  Keep courier contacts, promo rules, FAQ links, and policies in one easy-to-access Google Doc so you’re not scrambling mid-chaos.

• Set your working hours - and stick to them.
  You’re allowed to have boundaries, even in peak season. Protect your energy like it’s part of your job (because it is).

📦 During the rush

This is where things can get hectic - but structure is your friend.

• Keep your FAQs updated.
  If you’re answering the same questions repeatedly, add them to your site. Less back-and-forth = more time for actual business.

• Automate what you can.
  Use Klaviyo for tracking emails, order updates, and returns. Automation = sanity.

• Prioritise VIPs + repeat buyers.
  They’re your bread and butter. Give them faster replies, early access, or small surprises.

• Keep replies short, kind, and clear.
  During busy times, clarity beats cleverness every time.

🌟 After the rush

Once the wrapping paper settles… it’s time to reset.

• Block out time to rest.
  Don’t just say you’ll take a break - actually schedule it. You’ve earned it.

• Reflect while it’s fresh.
  Note what worked, what didn’t, and what to change for next year.

• Celebrate your wins.
  Big or small, they count.

The goal?

Not perfection - but peace.

A smooth season, happy customers, and you still standing (and maybe even smiling) by New Year’s Eve.

Stick this list somewhere visible, and if you found it helpful, share it with a small biz friend who could use a little calm before the chaos.