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.
