There’s a certain hum in the air this time of year, isn’t there? A mix of excitement, exhaustion, and maybe a little bit of glitter stuck to everything you own.
If you’re a maker in business, you’re probably knee-deep in markets, juggling online orders, prepping packaging, updating your socials, and trying to remember when you last ate something that wasn’t a snack at your market stall.
This time of year is massive for makers. The lead-up to Christmas can feel like a marathon but it’s also the moment when your hard work starts to shine. People are looking for meaningful gifts and that’s exactly what you offer.
Remember a few things that might help you keep going.
Your customers need what you make
It might sound simple, but your customers need you.
When someone walks past your market stall or scrolls through your online shop, they’re not just buying an item. They’re connecting with a story, a person, and a purpose. The work you do carries authenticity and intention in a world that’s often a too fast and impersonal.
That hand-poured candle might become the scent someone remembers from their first Christmas in a new home. That pair of earrings might make a loved one’s eyes light up. That piece of art might be the thing that makes someone feel seen and understood.
You’re not selling “stuff”. You’re offering meaning. And people are craving that more than ever.
This season shapes your next one
The festive period isn’t just the busiest time of year, it’s also a crucial one for your bottom line. For most makers, the final quarter of the year brings in the sales that keep things afloat through January and February, when things tend to quieten down.
That doesn’t mean you need to push yourself into burnout (we’ll talk about that more in Part 2), but it does mean every market, every sale, every repeat customer right now matters. You’re not just working for this week’s orders, you’re investing in the stability that will give you breathing space in the new year.
💡 Pro tip: When you’re tired, remind yourself what this season supports. Maybe it’s the first break you’ve had in months. Maybe it’s restocking your materials, paying your studio rent, or finally buying that new piece of equipment you’ve been dreaming about. Your effort today is the foundation of tomorrow’s calm.
Your presence matters more than perfection
When everything feels frantic, it’s easy to think you’re not doing enough. Not posting enough, not packaging prettily enough, not “keeping up” with what other makers seem to be managing online.
Here’s the truth: your audience isn’t looking for perfect. They’re looking for you.
If you can’t post every day, that’s fine. Share what’s actually happening: the mess of your studio, your pre-market coffee, your cat trying to sit on your wrapping paper. People love seeing the human side of your business because it reminds them that handmade means made by hand, and heart.
You don’t need to compete with big brands. You’re building connection, not scale.
You will rest eventually
You don’t have to “do it all” every single day. Some days will feel productive and joyful; others might feel like you’re trudging through mud. That’s normal. The rhythm of making ebbs and flows, especially during the rush.
If you can, build in micro-breaks: a proper cup of tea, a walk outside, attending a Member’s tutorial, a chat with another maker who gets it. These small pauses help you reset and remind you that the work you’re doing is more than worth it.
This season will pass, and when it does, you’ll look back and see not just the sales or the late nights, but the impact your creativity and hard work has had on so many people.
You are the heart of your business
Your customers don’t just buy your products, they buy into you. Your perspective, your process, your story. That’s the magic of being a maker.
So as you load up your market van or double-check your order list this week, take a deep breath and give yourself credit. You’ve worked hard to get here. You’ve weathered challenges and doubts and long nights glazing, sewing, sanding, or editing. Right now, you’re bringing meaning into the world when people need it most.
Keep going. You’re doing something truly special.
Stay tuned for Part 2: “How to Take Care of Yourself”: a guide to managing your energy, your wellbeing, and your creative spirit once the busy season settles.
