FROM THE EDITOR

FLURRIES. That’s the word that comes to mind most often for me this time of year. And I don’t just mean the pretty white stuff that falls from the sky. I mean the flurry of events, sales, opportunities and obligations that begin in early November and last through the holidays until we all wake up with an egg nog and activity hangover on January 2nd. To be flurried also means to be flustered, agitated or confused. As business owners or employees, we know that definition all too well. The holidays are the proverbial mixed blessing: an increase in business that only comes once a year, asking us to take full advantage of it, and a matching increase in stress, duties and on-the-clock time.
      While women’s magazines and various other publications keep telling us there’s a ‘better way’ to get through the holidays—“Take time for yourself,” and “Feel free to say no,” are two of the often suggested ways to deal—the truth is that we all know that’s just not possible. Can you imagine turning down an order or closing early so you can have some de-stress time? “Oh, sorry treasured customer, I can’t roast for you. I’m going to go take a bubble bath with some cranberry-scented candles.” Please. Most of us who’ve been through it know enough to just throw our hands up right after Halloween, saying, “Let’s just get through this,” our teeth gritted as we suck down some more caffeine.
      While I have no tips for making the holidays less stressful (other than to find a great party dress that fits perfectly, which probably doesn’t help you at all), there are some ways to make your stress more worthwhile in the long run.
      • Send great holiday cards to customers, potential customers, associates, vendors and everyone else you can think of. Photos of your staff, something pretty that gets hung up around the office, or a bit of humor that brightens the recipient’s day are all good choices. Personalized cards are relatively cheap these days, thanks to online ordering and the changing printing technologies. A generic card that doesn’t showcase your business, your products or your employees is more than likely to end up in the recycle bin—a waste of your time, money and resources.
      • If you send holiday gifts to clients and customers, be thoughtful about it. Does anyone really need another plastic knickknack? Perishables are good—food or wine always seem welcome and can be shared around the office or at upcoming holiday events. Gift certificates can be a nice choice if they’re accompanied by a hand-written note. And quality company logo items can also be a great idea—just look around at some of the great T-shirts, travel mugs and other specialty items that some roasting businesses have created.
      • Lastly, make sure you take care of your employees. They’re as stressed as you are, and it’s easy to forget them in the midst of the holiday craziness. A few words of praise, a thoughtful thank you gift, a low-key holiday gathering (which is often even better if scheduled for after the holiday craziness)—all of these can be great ways to decrease employee burnout and to ensure they’re still around come the new year.
      So, this holiday season, bring on the flurries. But leave the fluster to someone else. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a cranberry candle that needs to be lit.

      Keep the flame burning,

      Shanna