Juggling work and family, and then adding the holidays to the schedule are more than most humans can manage. Women in business, particularly those for whom the holiday season is critical to the bottom line of the business, experience the greatest stress. So, what to do about it? Here are a few tips.

First, believe it or not, the holiday season will go forward whether you are ready for it or not. More important, you will survive the next month no matter how difficult it feels right now. As you can see, the elf is watching every move you make and making sure that your dreams are realized. But, your job is to take one step at a time and find your way around the minefields that you, or your boss, or your family, or your friends, have set for you.

The best news is that you are completely in control of how you deal with everything that is in front of you. You can FREAK out and ruin the days ahead for yourself, your colleagues and your family, or you can take control NOW and understand that the holidays are a time to simplify, not complicate.

OK, I hear YOU! You are in a business that requires you to be 24/7 present and accounted for. This means you have your own business (entrepreneur) and must make your numbers to survive or you work in an industry that depends on the fourth quarter. As a business coach, I have worked with all of you in this situation and the bottom line is that you know that you can handle anything that comes your way so don't let the hype confuse you and cause stress that you are already prepared to handle.

Women in business - Yes, I'm talking to you, who are so tied up in business that the holidays seem like a distraction or some type of espionage to confuse you to lose at your game. The fact is the holidays have been around long before you went into business and they will be around long after you are gone.....so you can enjoy them now or lose out on the best season of the year.

Holiday stress is manufactured, in my opinioned, by those who want you to acquiesce to their plans. If we just all go about the business of doing what needs to be done we will get through the holidays one step at a time. Those women in business who sell in this critical season must make an effort as they always do to make sure they gain the most from their market, but that doesn't mean they can't take care of other responsibilities. I know YOU, I was YOU, you can do what needs to be done and enjoy the holiday season.

OK, I hear some naysayers out there saying it is NOT possible to be all things to all people! You've got that absolutely right! However, those of us who have the love of bringing joy to everyone during the holidays have the extra enthusiasm to do just that! Having a seasonal business that depends on the holidays provides the energy needed, if you allow the small flaws, to bring joy to all whom come in your direction. Why? Because we wait all year for this time to share our compassion for others, to live their greatest dreams at this time of year, and allow us to help them complete the picture by selling them what they want, need or dream of.  Now is the time to raise the bar on our energy and make it the magical season of the year it was meant to be by our efforts.

Women in business understand better than others what makes the season merry and bright and if they allow themselves to be human, make mistakes, but share the joy of the season as best they can, they can make it the best holiday season ever. Happy holidays to all women in business!