Redlands Coast Chamber of Commerce
AS Christmas creeps closer, the December rush begins.
Suddenly, everyone wants everything done at once – air-conditioning serviced, lawns mowed, hair coloured, homes repaired, and pools sparkling before the big day.
For small business owners, it’s both the busiest and most draining time of year.
Cost-of-living pressures are high, staff are stretched thin, and demand skyrockets overnight.
Trades like electricians, plumbers, pool cleaners, and mowing crews work overtime to help families get “Christmas-ready”.
Professional services – from real estate to finance and law – race to finalise accounts and settlements before the holidays.
Meanwhile, the pressure on retail and hospitality can be immense.
But much of the chaos can be avoided with a little forward planning.
Booking now – not waiting until December – gives businesses time to schedule safely and ensures customers won’t miss out.
Many operators will shut down or scale back for a well-earned rest, so it’s worth checking closure dates early.
And while it’s a stressful season for everyone, how we treat each other matters.
Some businesses say they’re already bracing for a wave of frustration from customers upset about shutdowns or last-minute booking limits.
The reality is that customers can quickly turn to social media or online reviews to vent their anger, sometimes unfairly damaging reputations.
There needs to be more done to support small business owners themselves, not just their customers.
“Most of us want to help every customer we can, but there’s a limit to what one team can handle,” said one local business owner.
“A bit of patience and early planning makes a huge difference – it helps us deliver great service and actually enjoy Christmas with our families too.”
For businesses feeling the strain, this is also the perfect time to reflect on how to scale smarter for next year.
Seeking outside perspective – through a consultant or a free Mentoring for Growth session – can help identify ways to manage workloads, set healthy boundaries, and plan closures to reduce stress during peak periods.
