Don’t You Dare Miss Your Holiday

Before joining the photography industry, I worked in retail sales for about a decade. I can tell you from direct experience that the busy seasonal nature of both of these industries can really cramp your Christmas spirit, but really only if you let it. For those of us in the photography industry who are lucky enough to be self employed and set our own schedules, we have a better shot at reserving some of the holiday for us with just a little work at setting boundaries and utilizing mindfulness. Trust me, you are not alone if you still haven’t showered today and you are instead madly editing at the computer working on clients’ holiday cards while you sadly forgo completing your own. We have all been there, in fact most of us, including myself, were there again this year.

But fear not friends, there are always New Years cards if you are really set on getting something mailed out this year and to soften the rat race that can often accompany this season, we have compiled a few really simple ways for you to claim some of the holiday for your own and not let it slip away out of your control. Remember, this time of the year is a really beautiful reason to enjoy home  and give yourself permission to slow down …

1. First up, give yourself license to say ‘no’.

Even within this set of tips and suggestions, take what works for you and leave behind what doesn’t. Even though there is no denying how fun he is, no one needs or expects you to be Buddy the Elf. When you are juggling home, your business, family, friends and all of the obligations that come along with the holidays, dont be afraid to say “not this year”. For you to sincerely be able to enjoy and be present this time of year, you cannot and should not do EVERYTHING. Friends, overcommitting is the thief of joy!

Consider this tip as you move into your holiday season next year as well and think about creating a “not after this date” for your holiday sessions, encouraging your clients to book sooner and allowing you a bit more decompressing, off time.

2. Embrace a tradition, or create a new one.

There is nothing to get you in the right space for the holidays like repeating a tradition you do every single year. It can be something as simple as grabbing hot cocoa and taking a tour of the neighborhood Christmas lights or it can be as thrilling as getting dressed up and carving out the time to see a local concert, play or musical. Even if you’ve got a pile of editing to do, making memories, even the simplest ones, is something you will never be sorry you made time for.

3. Do not forget to shoot for you.

You have likely spent a great deal of your time lately shooting other families or couples and while we are all so very thankful for the amazing clients that make up our businesses, now is a good time to spend some time shooting for you, and only you. Your tree, your pets, your kids, those cookies that just came out of the oven? Keep your camera handy and capture them. Every Christmas has something unique that sets it apart from the last and the next. Dont miss that, you wont get it back.

4. Donate your talents or time.

If you have managed to get most of your work out of the way and you still are feeling a little Charlie Brownesque, find a place that needs you and your talents right now. There are many places in your local area that could use an hour or two of your time and eye. Why not reach out to community service organizations that serve families that cannot otherwise afford a holiday portrait or maybe help shelter animals in your town get adopted during the holidays with a spiffy new profile photo? Give them a call and make the connection. Giving back this time of year will fill your cup and put you in the spirit like no other way possible.

5. Embrace your senses.

When we suggest embracing the heightened senses of Christmas, we’re not talking about filling your home with those cinnamon pinecones that practically hit you in the face when you walk into craft stores. We’re talking about the simple, easy stuff you can speckle in even when work is hectic: taking a break from the screen for a walk outside and letting the cold air chill your cheeks, bringing in a fresh pine branch from your local tree lot for that perfect smell, or putting on a really, really great classic Christmas movie filled with great tunes a la White Christmas. It is impossible to dismiss this cozy, nurturing season if you use your sight, sound, touch, hearing and smell!

In fact, to help you along we compiled our most favorite holiday songs into a playlist for you to get you moving in the right direction. Whether you’re traveling to and from in the car, on a winter walk or maybe still editing, we hope this mix of modern and classic merry tunes puts a smile on your face as much as it does for us. After all, it is a proven scientific fact that a human can’t help but smile during The Waitresses’ “Christmas Wrapping”, even if you do happen to be a photographer in the busiest season of the year.

May your days be merry + bright, friends. Wishing you all a Merry Everything that fills your cup in all the ways!

*Photo credits: Tim Mossholder, Alisa Anton, Thomas Kelley, Evelyne Lourenco, Brenda Acuncius,  and Tricia Bovey.