Following are suggestions to help you plan and get through the busiest season of the year. NO, it doesn't ever really get easier, but YES, you can get a handle on many things now instead of waiting until the December madness.
August-September
Attend the regional and national Gift and Trade Shows. Get a feel for what is new for the season. Decide what you are going offer, make a plan, and stick to it.
Place your orders for October, November and December delivery
October
Finish all personal holiday shopping, tasks, cards and letters
If not already done, place your orders for October, November and December delivery
Set up your support team (reliable and flexible help that can be available and ready at short notice)
Place your order for packing and shipping materials
Order your pre-printed bills of lading. if pre-printing is not available, fill in the information now
Order additional business cards to hand out and place in your baskets
Complete your advertising - flyers/cards/brochures/letters/postcards - mail out
Make up samples to have ready for presentations
Make up a portfolio of your work. Colour copy it for quick mailing
November
Follow up on any leads you possess
Get all orders - you are running out of time to order supplies if they run out
Make up a selection of $25, $35, $50 and $100 baskets
Make up bows
Cut standard sizes of cello to fit the baskets or containers you will be using
December
It's too late now to prepare ahead for anything
All the best of success for the season! Believe it or not, you will survive December if you ready yourself early.