Balancing Holidays & Home
The holidays are supposed to be a time of warm and fuzzy holiday memories, right?
While this is what many people think of, for those trying to run a business the holidays can be the most stressful time of year. You’re caught up in making the most of the holiday sales rush, driving the carpool and trying to put an edible meal on the table at night. With all of that, there’s not much time leftover to make lasting memories. Here are a few ideas to make the most of this busy season without missing out on what’s most important.
Family Time on the Go!
While you may think they’d be bored, chances are your kids would love to see what you do everyday! Rather than stressing about leaving your family at home, bring them with you to drop off orders to your clients or pick up last minute gift baskets. Spend the time in the car looking at Christmas lights and singing Christmas songs- pretty soon you’ll forget you’re even working!
Spread some Christmas cheer!
Nothing says “I appreciate your business” like a handwritten thank you note. Pick up some inexpensive blank cards and let your little ones draw a tree or a manger scene on the front. Children’s charities and foundations sell thousands of cards with these type of drawings on them and you can make your own for just a few dollars. Your kids will love helping you and your clients will smile at your thoughtfullness.
It’s OKAY to say NO!
A client calls you with a cosmetic crisis way to your child’s Christmas pageant? It’s okay to say you’re busy! Be polite, let them know you want to help but you’ll have to call them back tomorrow morning. Chances are, they’ll respect the fact that you put your family first and wait for your call back the next day. Whatever business crisis may arise, it can usually wait. Showing your family that they are the priority means more than any potential sale.
Schedule a date night!
With all the hustle and bustle, we tend to put our kids and our clients before our spouse. Every weekend in December might be booked solid with parties but its important to set time aside for your husband. If funds are tight, plan a “date night in” with his favorite meal and a movie rental after the kids are in bed. He will appreciate that you thought of him and enjoy spending some time with just you.
We hope you are able to use some of these ideas to make these next 2 weeks special for your family. If you have any ideas you’d like to add, tweet @pinkoffice.
We’ll leave you with one of our favorite Christmas cookie recipes ..
“Pink” Raspberry Shortbread Cookies
(makes 2 dozen)
1 cup butter , softened (no substitutes)
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3–1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam
Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
2 -3 teaspoons water
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Directions:
1. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar.
2. Beat in extract; gradually add flour until dough forms a ball.
3. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until easy to handle.
4. Roll into 1 inch balls.
5. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets.
6. Using the end of a wooden spoon handle, make an indentation in the center.
7. Fill with jam.
8. Bake at 350 degrees for 14–18 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
9. Remove to wire racks to cool.
10. Spoon additional into cookies if desired.
11. Combine glaze ingredients and drizzle over cookies.
*recipe courtesy of food.com*
