The Art of a Post-Christmas Debrief: A Guide for Makers

Hey there, fellow makers! 

The holiday madness is over. The last orders are out, the wrapping paper is tucked away, and maybe—just maybe—you’ve found time for a leftover cookie and some tea. But before you sink into a well-deserved break, there’s one more thing worth doing: your post-Christmas debrief. 

No, it’s not another chore—it’s a chance to reflect, recalibrate, and get excited about what’s next. Think of it as the perfect way to wrap up the season on your terms. Here’s a low-pressure guide to make the most of it. 

Before diving into the nitty-gritty, take a step back and summarize your holiday season: 

  • Season Duration: When did it all kick off and wrap up? 
  • Goals: What were you hoping to achieve? 
  • Tactics Deployed: 
  • E-commerce Store: How did it hold up? 
  • Markets or Pop-ups: Did they meet expectations? 
  • Sales Events: Any standouts? 
  • UGC (User-Generated Content): Was it a game-changer? 
  • Ads: Did they bring in the right kind of attention? 

This overview gives you a foundation to build on without getting lost in the weeds. 

What Stood Out? 

Take a moment to pinpoint the highlights and lessons from this season: 

  • One Big Win: 

What went surprisingly well? A sales milestone? A product that flew off the shelves? A glowing customer review? 

  • One Big Learning: 

What didn’t quite go to plan, and what’s the takeaway for next time? 

This is where you can pat yourself on the back and give yourself a note for the future. 

By the Numbers 

Let’s talk results—without stressing over them. This is just about understanding what worked (and what didn’t): 

  • Number of Visitors (Site): Actual vs. Target 
  • Number of Visitors (Market): Actual vs. Target 
  • Number of Candles Sold: Actual vs. Target 
  • Revenue: Actual vs. Target 

Even if you didn’t hit every target, these numbers tell a story. What do they say about your customers’ habits? 

Challenges 

No season is perfect, and that’s okay. Identifying pain points is how you keep levelling up: 

  • Internal Issues: 

Stock problems? Too little? Too much? 

  • External Issues: 

Was foot traffic unpredictable? Did the weather throw a wrench in things? Did anything break en route to customers? 

  • Customer Feedback: 

If you collected emails or phone numbers, now’s a good time to send a quick survey. A simple “What did we do well, and what can we improve?” can give you insights you’d never expect. 

Looking Ahead 

With all that fresh perspective, start dreaming about the future: 

  • Set Realistic Goals: 

Think specific and doable. Something like, “Increase online sales by 15% in Q1,” works way better than a vague “Sell more.” 

  • New Products or Tweaks: 

What feedback did you get about your lineup? Was there demand for something you didn’t offer? 

  • Marketing Moves: 

Did social media drive traffic? Is it time to dip your toe into paid ads? 

Time to Celebrate 

Now for the best part—celebrating all you’ve accomplished. 

  • Make a List of Wins: 

Write down everything you’re proud of, no matter how small. Those little victories add up. 

  • Share the Love: 

Post a quick thank-you message for your customers. It’s a great way to connect and show how much you appreciate their support. 

  • Treat Yourself: 

Whether it’s a team toast or a solo day off, give yourself a moment to enjoy what you’ve built. 

Wrapping Things Up 

Debriefing isn’t about being overly formal or critical. It’s a chance to pause, reflect, and get inspired for what’s next. Every challenge you faced taught you something, and every win brought you closer to your goals. 

So grab a comfy chair, your favourite mug, and settle in. You’ve earned it. And hey, here’s to an even brighter year ahead. 

 

Need a hand getting started? Download our free Post-Christmas Debrief Sheet and turn your reflections into action. 

Download here

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