7 Signs Your Bakery Needs Better Holiday Planning

Every year, I hear bakers say the same thing: “The holidays are insane… but they’re where I make most of my money.”

I get it—before I had a system, my holiday season was pure chaos too. I’d run out of boxes, stay up until 2am decorating, and still feel like I was leaving money on the table. The truth is, the holiday rush doesn’t have to be overwhelming—you just need a plan.

Here are 7 signs your bakery might need better holiday planning:

1. You’re constantly scrambling.

If late nights, missing ingredients, or frantic packaging are your holiday “tradition,” it’s time to rethink the system.

2. You’re turning away orders.

Nothing feels worse than telling a customer “no” because you simply can’t keep up.

3. Your family or staff are running on fumes.

Exhaustion isn’t a badge of honor—it’s a sign your production plan isn’t sustainable.

4. Pricing feels like guesswork.

Are your holiday boxes actually profitable, or are you just hoping for the best?

5. You always run short on supplies.

Running out of boxes mid-December? Been there. It’s preventable with planning.

6. Sales feel unpredictable.

If you’re just hoping people show up with orders, you’re leaving yourself vulnerable.

7. You dread the season more than you look forward to it.

Your holiday rush should be exciting—it’s where bakeries thrive. If you’re just surviving, that’s your biggest red flag.

Here’s the good news:

With the right planning, your holiday season can actually feel organized, profitable, and—dare I say—joyful.

That’s exactly why I created my Master the Holiday Rush Workshop—a two-hour live, virtual class designed just for bakers who want to take the overwhelm out of the busiest season.

In this workshop, I’ll walk you through the exact spreadsheets, workflows, and planning tools I’ve used to consistently generate 40% of my annual revenue between October and December—without burning out.

✨ Click here to save your seat for Master the Holiday Rush: Maximize Your Bakery’s Profit Potential.

Let’s make this the year you step into the holidays feeling ready, confident, and excited.