10 Tips to Get Through the Holiday Hustle (Without Burning Out)

by Amanda McGrath

digital illustration of woman wiping forehead with broom in hand and icons representing holidays surrounding her
For many grooming salons, the holiday season feels like a whirlwind—phones ringing nonstop, clients begging for last-minute appointments and a schedule that’s bursting at the seams. While this time of year is an incredible opportunity to boost revenue, it’s also when burnout and stress can hit the hardest. But with the right planning and systems in place, you can survive the holidays, avoid burnout and make time for the things that matter the most to you.

Here are 10 tips to help you get through the holiday rush smoothly and with your sanity intact:

1.
Get Your Calendar
Under Control

Before things get really busy, take a moment and write out all of your commitments on the calendar. Sitting down and filling out the things you need and want to do will give you a baseline of how your days should be scheduled.

Fist write in everything you must attend or want to do—from your kids’ holiday concerts to your favorite holiday traditions. Now mark off on your grooming schedule the time you need to stop for the day, or days you will need entirely off, and make these nonnegotiable. Protecting personal time keeps you from resenting work and helps you truly enjoy the season.

digital illustration of woman wiping forehead with broom in hand and icons representing holidays surrounding her
2.
Prioritize Your
Loyal Clients

Take a look at your client list and make sure that your regulars are guaranteed a spot. Many pet owners will wait until the last minute, and those once-a-year pets will be calling around desperately to see where they can get squeezed in.

If you have the space and time, you may be able to pick up some new regular clients—but don’t let it come at the expense of your loyal customers. A full book looks great, but overcommitting can lead to frustration and poor service.

3.
Adjust the Services
You Offer
Consider only scheduling baths or bath-and-tidy appointments the week before the holiday. By limiting the number of full grooms or time-consuming de-sheds, you’ll be able to fit more pets into your schedule.

Many clients are simply looking for their pet to be clean and fresh for holiday gatherings. So structuring your services this way allows you to maximize both your time and your revenue without adding unnecessary stress.

4.
Communicate Early
and Often
Communication with owners should be a top priority. Make them aware that you will not have space if they wait until the last minute to schedule instead of pre-booking as you recommend. Take advantage of social media, email and text communication to let them know that your schedule is filling up fast.

Another important piece of communication: set realistic expectations. Let owners know their normal grooming time may be extended due to the holiday rush. A simple sign in the lobby, as well as personally telling them at check-in, goes a long way toward preventing client complaints. This helps clients plan their busy day accordingly and saves you from the dreaded pop-in to see if Fluffy is done yet.

5.
Stick to Your
Routines
Don’t let your regular business routines fall by the wayside. Laundry still needs to be done, payroll still has to be processed and cleaning still has to happen. By keeping up with the normal tasks that must be done in your business, your days will flow much more smoothly.

A chaotic salon environment only adds to stress. Staying consistent keeps the foundation strong, even when things are hectic.

6.
Plan Meals and Fuel
Yourself Well
One of the most overlooked tasks during the holiday rush is planning what to eat. You must keep yourself fueled with healthy food if you intend to work harder than usual. Try planning the entire month’s dinners ahead of time and see what can be prepped or frozen. Crockpot meals, casseroles or freezer-friendly dishes will save your future self when you stumble home after a long day.

The same goes for lunches. Stock up on healthy grab-and-go options so you’re not surviving on coffee and adrenaline alone. If you have employees, keep a snack drawer or break room stocked with quick options. When your team is nourished, they’ll stay energized and more focused, helping everyone survive the season.

7.
Treat the Holidays as a Planned Campaign
The holiday season isn’t just about overworking yourself; it’s also an incredible marketing opportunity. Be intentional about your messaging and campaigns. Promote gift certificates for pet owners, push retail sales like toys or treats, and create themed posts for social media. If you prepare content ahead of time, you won’t be scrambling when things get busy.

Think of the season as a chance to show off your professionalism and creativity. Clients love the festive spirit, and a well-planned campaign not only boosts revenue but strengthens your brand for the year ahead.

8.
Delegate Where
You Can
One of the biggest mistakes groomers make during the holiday season is trying to carry everything on their own shoulders. Delegation isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a smart business move. Consider outsourcing where possible, whether that’s grocery delivery, hiring a cleaner for the month or simply leaning on family for support.

The more you share the workload, the more energy you preserve for the high-value tasks only you can do, such as leading your team, serving your clients and keeping your business running smoothly.

9.
Support Your Staff
and Keep Morale High
Your staff is the backbone of your salon, especially during the holiday rush. Check in with them regularly, encourage open communication and recognize their hard work. Simple gestures like bringing in coffee, giving a small holiday bonus, or even writing personal thank-you notes can go a long way toward keeping spirits up.

Allowing them some autonomy with their scheduling and giving them the time off they need to spend with friends and family is always the right choice. Encourage short breaks, provide healthy snacks and remind your team that their wellbeing matters as much as the bottom line.

A burned-out staff can’t give clients the service they deserve. Investing in morale means investing in the long-term health of your business.

digitally illustrated icons representing holidays
BUSY doesn’t have to mean BURNED OUT

BUSY doesn’t have to mean BURNED OUT

10.
Write a Recap
After the Rush
Once the season is over, take the time to write a detailed recap. Think about what worked well this year and what didn’t. Did you overbook, or could you have fit in more? Were your marketing campaigns effective? How did your staff handle the workload?

We always think we’ll remember what to change for next year, but the details fade quickly. Having notes to reference when you start planning next season ensures you’ll refine and improve your systems year after year.

The holiday season will always be the busiest time of year, but busy doesn’t have to mean burned out. With preparation, communication and a focus on balance, you can turn the holiday hustle into an opportunity for growth instead of exhaustion.

Protect your schedule, fuel yourself and your team, and approach the season with intention. Don’t miss out on precious time spent with friends and family just to groom one more dog. Remember, we can always make more money, but we can never make more time.

Amanda McGrath is a Certified Feline Master Groomer and the owner of a successful home-based grooming salon. Amanda has a unique talent for time management and organization, and hosts “The Groomer’s Game Plan,” a two-day strategic planning event specifically for grooming businesses. She is the co-owner of Hause of Bones, a small business that creates humorous stickers for the witty side of grooming, and she serves on the board of the Pet Stylist Relief Fund. Currently, Amanda is developing a podcast focused on the unique aspects and advantages of home-based grooming salons.

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