Christmas Diary Chaos.
Christmas Diary Chaos, Why Opening Too Early Can Cost You.
Every year, as the summer sun is still shining, clients across the country start talking about the same thing “When are you opening your Christmas diary?”
For years, I used to cave at the pressure of opening my diary, thinking I was clever, it turned out that each year I was an exhausted mess, fell ill by Christmas day and didn't want to return to work having only given myself a few days off because everyone wanted new nails for New Years Eve. Hold on, don't gel nails last longer than a week nowadays?!
I used to tell myself that I was building an empire so I had to book as many clients in as possible, it couldn't be further from the truth! Having a full client base was miserable for me, I felt like a service provider, (not a human) to make everyone look pretty for Christmas whilst I walked around wanting a hug, two paracetamols for my back pain and at least one mince pie to feel festive. It was only when I took control after a sharp talking to from my husband that I sat down and realised how unhappy I was and made the promise to never do it again, I've stuck to it!
So, lets get stuck in:
Your clients are eager, you want to be organised, and opening early means you can tick a big job off your to-do list. But here’s the truth nobody really talks about. Opening your festive diary too soon can lead to unnecessary stress, diary disasters, and, in some cases, full on burnout before the season has even started.
It’s August. Your clients are still in flip flops, enjoying time out from work and holidays with the family.
But you decide to open December bookings now to “get ahead.” Within a week, your diary is full. Great news, right? Not in my eyes!
Fast forward to November and suddenly your well planned diary doesn’t look so perfect.
Clients have swapped shifts at work, family plans have changed, and you're already looking at your diary with panic. You’re juggling reschedules, turning away your best clients because you’ve “no space,” and mentally carrying the stress of Christmas for months on end.
The Hidden Problems:
Unpredictable Schedules – In August, most clients don’t actually know their December commitments. This means more changes, more cancellations, and more admin for you.
No Flexibility – Your loyal clients who usually book last minute? They miss out, or you feel pressured to squeeze them in which eats into your personal time.
Burnout Before December – Carrying the pressure of a “Christmas rush” for four or five months takes its toll. By mid-December, you’re exhausted and less able to enjoy the build up yourself.
Overpacked Diaries – With so much time between booking and the appointment, you may fill more than you can realistically handle.
Instead of rushing to open your diary in late summer, try holding off until late September or early October. This gives clients enough notice to plan but keeps your schedule flexible.
Release in Stages – Give your VIP or regular clients first access before opening up to everyone else.
Set Deposits – Protect your income and reduce cancellations by taking a deposit at the time of booking.
Block Your Rest Days First – Before you release slots, decide when you’ll take time off for catch ups, Christmas shopping etc and mark it in stone, DO NOT cancel it because your client can ONLY make that slot!
December is busy, we all know that, but it’s also a time when you should feel festive, spend time with friends and family and reflect on the year and what you've achieved.
Build in:
Buffer Time
Leave small gaps for last-minute fixes or unexpected no-shows.
Limits
Decide in advance how many hours/days you’re prepared to work and stick to it.
Self-Care
Even a short break, a proper lunch, or an early finish once a week can help keep your energy up.
Your diary should work for you, not the other way around. By being intentional about when and how you open your Christmas bookings, you can be in control, serve your clients better, and still enjoy the season yourself.
So, this year, resist the pressure to open too soon. A thoughtful, strategic approach will make December far more manageable and not find yourself crawling into the festive season.
Hannah xx