Working with fragrance has taught me to read the world in cycles—the tilt of the seasons, the temperament of the weather, the subtle moods the earth hums with. A single scent can pull old memories from wherever we’ve tucked them and let them dance in the present again. It reminds me that at our core, we’re creatures shaped by sensory beauty, blooming in sync with the natural rhythms that hold us.
For small business owners, though, what winter asks of us is completely out of sync with what wintering should be.
Winter wants slowness.
Languid creek-water pace.
A softer breath.
A settling.
Meanwhile, we end up living in two realities at once—the earth slowing down, and us speeding up.
And the holidays? They’re the busiest, brightest, most breakneck weeks of the year. A season that demands hustle right when the earth is whispering, rest.
So how do we survive that mismatch—being asked to move quickly in a season designed for stillness? How do we care for ourselves during peak season without burning out the beauty and thoughtfulness that makes our work what it is?
1. Marie Kondo your whole life like your sanity depends on it
Because, truthfully, it does. I will take on all the things, try to do all the tasks, and still somehow feel behind by December 5th. So here’s the plan: look at every obligation, every “urgent” pull on your time, every idea buzzing in your brain, and ask:
Does this actually deserve space in my December energy?
Keep the things that matter—the ones that move your work forward or make you feel human. Let everything else sit quietly in the “not this month” pile. Then go light a candle and breathe.
2. Make your yeses sacred… or at least intentional
I say “yes” a lot. Too much. Yes to extra work. Yes to helping everyone. Yes to ambitious projects that sound fun until you’re knee-deep and wondering why you did this to yourself. This month, fight that reflex. A sacred yes is a yes you can actually show up for without self-abandonment.
You might have to ask yourself hard questions:
Are the most important yeses business ones?
Are they your family?
Your health?
Where do you actually want to be—on purpose?
Pick the yeses that really matter—your sanity, your work, and your heart will thank you.
3. Keep one ritual that restores you
I’m bad at this too, but even five minutes of something grounding can change the entire shape of a day.
A candle lit just for the flicker.
A sip of tea.
A breath of cold air outside.
Choose one thing and protect it like it’s sacred. Winter wants us to slow down. You might not have an hour to give it, but a single protected moment is enough to keep your center from unraveling. And honestly, it’s strangely satisfying to look like you’re thriving when really you’re just holding a hot mug and pretending the chaos isn’t happening.
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Peak season will always be busy—that’s just the rhythm of it. But busy is a season. Not an identity.
Even in the rush, you are allowed softness.
You are allowed slowness.
You are allowed to be human while making beautiful things the world needs.
Let your creations set the atmosphere for everyone else.
Just make sure you’re creating at least one moment of atmosphere for yourself, too.
-EMOTE
Sarah Sevedge has a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and is a licensed mental health counselor in private practice.
Disclaimer: The content provided is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as healthcare or medical information nor to diagnose or treat any disorder or condition. It does not constitute personal or professional consultation or create a therapist-client relationship.