The Hidden Cost of Winging Your Holiday Season

Paige Toryk
Sep 22
2 min read

Every September, I hear service providers say the same thing: “I’ll figure it out when the holiday season comes.”

But here’s the truth: winging your holiday season isn’t harmless. It’s costing you money, energy, and your peace of mind.

The Myth of “Busy = Profitable”

So many of us think that if we’re booked solid, we’re making money. But packed calendars don’t equal healthy bank accounts. When you wing it, you say yes to everyone, often at discounted rates or without intentional upsells. The result? You work harder than ever but end the season wondering where the profit went.

When the holiday season rolls around, it can feel overwhelming with sales (especially if you offer gift cards). Then, clients book their gift card based appointments in January and February and your business isn't making money when its already slow after the holidays. Your books look full with clients, but you aren't seeing equal income for these months.

Missed Opportunities

Gift cards don’t sell themselves. They need to be marketed intentionally to last past the holiday season.
Upsells like CBD add-ons, seasonal bundles, or extended sessions get forgotten.
Promos are often thrown together last-minute, missing their peak window.

That’s money you’ve already earned — slipping through your fingers.

The Burnout Effect

When you wing it, you pay the price with your energy. December becomes survival mode. You miss family traditions, you skip rest, and by January, you crash. Instead of starting fresh, you’re drained.