Reader to Reader: How do you keep your sanity during the holiday season?

Answer

One word: Eggnog! - KIMBER THOMPSON, The Rose Salon, Gillette, Wyo.

I get my personal stuff — shopping, wrapping, baking, cards, etc. — done early so I can concentrate on work in the salon. A big meal will slow me down, so I try to “graze” through the day. And I must have a Red Bull energy drink on hand. I have an assistant who helps me stay on top of sanitizing implements, washing towels, and general tasks, so I can do what I do best: hand and foot beauty. - ERIN SNYDER DIXON, Extremities Spa Salon LLC, Newport News, Va.

Most of my Christmas bookings are done by August. I work the four days prior to Christmas, don’t work on Christmas Eve (that’s shopping time), and one full day on December 30. I try to do all of my design work beforehand, so I only have fills to do the week of. It is quicker for clients who need to get back to last-minute shopping, and I can fit more clients in too. - MELINDA SKORA, MJS Nails and Beauty, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia

I make sure I have a set-in-stone appointment book. And I make sure I schedule the fun things too, like decorating and baking. - DENISE ANDERSON, Attitudes Salon, Salem, Ore.

Ninety-eight percent of my clients are standing appointments, but I start the decorating the day after Halloween. I start on the top floors, so people don’t get freaked out by Christmas decorations. I usually work three 12- hour days, but I will come in extra hours to fit everyone in. Normally I do an open house, which has to be done beforehand too. - CINDY WENTZEL, Nails at the Carriage House, Newmanstown, Pa.

This is my salon’s first Christmas… and business is kind of slow. I HOPE I get to go insane this holiday.  - JENNY ARNAIZ, Studio CoCo: Skin & Nail Care, San Francisco

I ask all of my clients to book early and to confirm their appointments. I run all of the specials two weeks in advance so that during the week of the rush, it is minimal stress. - PETRA “PRINCESS P” NEWTON, Nu Nails Plus Soul 2 Sole, Christiansted, St. Croix, Virgin Islands  

I always start my holiday planning in September, then make my clients aware of specials in October. Therefore they are aware of any new trends that I have available for the holidays and can pre-book accordingly. - JEAN ANN TUCKER, Panache Hair & Body, Knoxville, Tenn.