What will Christmas bring for you and your business this year?
Christmas means different things to different people and businesses. For many, particularly in retail and hospitality, it can be extremely busy – a time to maximise sales. For others, things are quiet, but time can still be put to good use, including catching up on things you’re normally too busy to take care of.
We asked some of our customers how this year has gone for them and what Christmas will mean for their business. Here’s what they told us…
Louise Crockart
- Twickenham-based massage therapist and educator
“For me, 2019 has been an epic year of treating, teaching and travel to and from the UK, other parts of Europe, Israel and America. My work allows me to support people with their digestive and fertile health, in treatments and training in the Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy® or Arvigo® Therapy for short.
“Offering treatments and holding space for students in the classroom is immensely gratifying and also requires a huge amount of emotional and physical energy. This Christmas and New Year, I’m looking forward to some well-earned self-care. I’ll be winding down and turning my focus inwards, taking walks outside, spending time looking and feeling my surroundings and tuning in to what my body is asking for - gentle stretching, hearty homemade soups with jolly company or wrapping up in a blanket watching the latest season of The Crown on Netflix.
“My absolute joy is being creative in my She Shed at the bottom of the garden, where you will find me busily making oils, balms and scrubs for friends and family. Nature has such a wealth of support for all ills, and I enjoy drawing on these using essential oils and nurturing quality base products.
“2020 is already looking exciting, with new workshops planned on one of my favourite subjects – supporting the menopause journey.”
David Alexander
- managing director of London-based independent sports PR consultancy Calacus.
“Business has been solid for us this year. We’ve had a lot of work from overseas clients, but domestically, the political uncertainty has hampered client spend more than usual. We’ve secured some prestigious clients and have some exciting projects coming up. We’re building some strong new relationships, which is very encouraging.
“Christmas tends to be less for us, but it also means we have to react more swiftly to short-notice media requests. I’m a firm believer that during the Christmas holidays it’s the best time to give staff an extended period of rest, so they can recharge their batteries in time for the new year.
“I always keep an eye on the business, but this Christmas I hope I can enjoy spending time with my family as well. In previous years, I’ve undertaken personal professional development through my industry governing body, but not this year. I’ll still have to get it done before the February deadline, mind.
“Every year I host Christmas for my family and extended family. My wife’s family don’t celebrate Christmas, but get into the spirit, with presents and food at our house. Early on in the new year I’ll take them all away for a few days, for walks and relaxation – panto for the kids, too!
“What do I like most about Christmas? These days, apart from relaxing a little, it’s got to be the food – a full roast, chestnut stuffing, mince pies and Christmas pudding. Delicious.”
Anna Bain
- founder of Surrey-based health, vitality and wellbeing consultancy Lifestyle Rebelz
“This year has been a whirlwind of change. I left full-time work in April and launched Lifestyle Rebelz in May, so it’s certainly been an exciting time.
“Our energy retreat is happening on 15 December in Brighton and I wrap up of our final workplace wellbeing strategy design of the year during December, a project that is close to my heart.
“I’m content to end the year working with Solace Women’s Aid, a charity whose mission it is to end the harm done through violence against women and girls. It’s a privilege to work with an organisation that adds so much value to the world and have the opportunity to empower them to continue the great work they do, by focusing on the wellbeing of their amazing staff and creating a high-vibe place to work.
“Christmas is the perfect time to take a break, spend it with those who nourish my energy, to share thanks for the people who’ve supported Lifestyle Rebelz in 2019 and set more aims for my business in 2020.”
Izzy Caiazza
- of Bath-based Icarus Jewellery, seller of handmade artisan silver jewellery.
“It’s been a very exciting year for us, because we’ve opened our second shop in Bath, on Pulteney Bridge, an unbeatable location, and we redesigned and relaunched our website, opening our online store.
“All three of our shops are very busy in the run-up to Christmas. We all work very hard and we’re always ready to meet our customers’ needs with our high-quality earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets and brooches, featuring different yet timeless designs.
“We’re still very busy with other tasks, such as PR and advertising, and working on our new jewellery designs for 2020.
“How will I be spending Christmas this year? Partially, I’ll be working, but I’m really looking forward to having a nice dinner with family and friends here in Bath. The happy spirit of sharing and caring is what I like most about Christmas.”