How I Took the Holidays Back (and My Business Didn’t Fall Apart)
The systems and strategies I used to create guilt-free time for what matters most.
This past Thanksgiving weekend, I worked hard—just not on my business.
It was a whirlwind of family meals, Black Friday shopping, and two days of candy-making with my kids—50 pounds of chocolate, rolling, dipping, and laughing. And you know what? Not once did I check my email.
What I didn’t do was business work. None. Nada. Nothing.
This didn’t happen accidentally. It took years to build systems, set boundaries, and finally feel guilt-free about stepping away. Now, I’ve created a business that runs without me when it matters most—like during the holidays.
But I didn’t start here.
For years, I was caught in a cycle of trying to do it all—failing at both work and family in the process. I know what that feels like: the guilt, the anxiety, the constant tug-of-war between showing up at home and showing up for clients.
Because what I learned wasn’t just about systems or to-do lists. It was about mindset—and how changing the way I thought about my business transformed everything.
Step 1: Stop Wearing Guilt Like a Badge
Here’s something I had to face: guilt is often self-inflicted.
I thought my clients would replace me if I didn’t respond immediately. I thought my team couldn’t function without me. Not only that, but I thought stepping away meant I wasn’t a good business owner.
Sound familiar?
The truth is, guilt is a symptom of misplaced priorities. It’s what happens when you give other people’s expectations more power than your values.
What finally broke me free was reframing what “success” looked like. It wasn’t about being available 24/7. It was about building a life I wanted to live—and trusting the people I work with to handle the rest.
Ask yourself:
What would happen if I gave myself permission to step away?
What’s the worst-case scenario—and is it really that bad?
The answers might surprise you.
Step 2: Redefine Control
I used to think being a good business owner meant being involved in everything. If I wasn’t checking every email, reviewing every task, or approving every decision, the whole thing would fall apart.
But here’s the irony: the tighter you hold control, the more fragile your business becomes.
I had to shift my mindset from “I have to do everything” to “I’m the navigator, not the operator.” My job wasn’t to fix every problem—it was to design a business that didn’t need me to fix every problem.
Start by asking:
Where am I holding on too tight?
What would it look like if I trusted my team (or systems) more?
How can I lead, instead of micromanaging?
This shift isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Letting go doesn’t mean losing control. It means building a business strong enough to thrive without you.
Step 3: Honor the Power of Boundaries
Boundaries aren’t just rules—they’re promises you make to yourself.
For me, that meant declaring my holiday time sacred. Not just for my family, but for me. I realized I couldn’t give my best to anyone—clients, kids, or myself—if I didn’t take time to recharge.
But here’s the catch: boundaries mean nothing if you don’t enforce them. And enforcing them starts with clear communication.
What worked for me?
Setting expectations: I told clients well in advance when I’d be unavailable—and more importantly, how they could get what they needed without me.
Saying no without guilt: When I was tempted to “just check in,” I reminded myself why I set the boundary in the first place.
Practicing boundaries daily: Boundaries aren’t just for holidays—they’re habits. Start small. Set office hours, turn off notifications, or schedule one evening a week just for yourself.
Boundaries aren’t walls. They’re the framework that protects what matters most.
Step 4: Shift From Hustle to Harmony
The culture of hustle can make stepping away feel like failure. We’re told that constant work equals success, and rest equals laziness.
But here’s the truth I learned the hard way: hustle is unsustainable. Harmony is the goal.
Harmony means your business and life don’t compete—they complement each other. It means building a rhythm where both can thrive.
How I created harmony:
Prioritizing joy: Candy-making with my kids wasn’t just a holiday activity. It is memories that they will carry forever.
Defining success differently: Instead of focusing on growth at all costs, I focused on creating a business that supported my life—not the other way around.
Embracing imperfection: My business isn’t perfect, and neither am I. Harmony means letting go of perfectionism and know that mistakes happen.
Ask yourself:
Am I hustling toward burnout, or building a business I love?
What brings me joy, and how can I make more space for it?
Where can I choose harmony over hustle today?
Your Business Can Survive Too
This past Thanksgiving, I made candy with my kids, ignored my inbox, and laughed with friends and family. My business survived.
And so did I.
You don’t need to hustle through the holidays—or through life. You need a business that supports you, boundaries that protect you, and the courage to let go.
Take one step today. Ask yourself where you can release guilt, redefine control, or create harmony. Because trust me: the freedom you’re looking for is closer than you think.