The holiday season is in full swing, and if you have a family member who’s running their own business, there’s something you should know: their world might look a little different this year. Not better, not worse – just different.

The Holiday Season Through an Entrepreneur’s Eyes

When you’re building a business, priorities and rhythms shift. While traditional holiday schedules often mean slowing down, your entrepreneur family member might be:

• Balancing end-of-year business planning
• Managing seasonal business fluctuations
• Setting up for a strong start to the new year
• Juggling family time with business responsibilities

This isn’t a sob story – it’s just the reality of building something from scratch. Your family member isn’t looking for pity; they’re making intentional choices to grow something meaningful.

Moving Beyond “How’s Business?” – Better Ways to Connect

Instead of focusing conversations solely on their business performance, try these authentic ways to connect:

“What’s the most exciting project you’re working on right now?”

“I’d love to hear about your favorite client success story.”

“What’s your vision for your business in the coming year?”

These questions show you see their business as more than just a financial venture – you see it as part of who they are and what they’re building.

Practical Ways to Show Support

Supporting your entrepreneur family member can be simple yet meaningful:

• Engage with their social media content (a like, comment, or share goes a long way)
• Sign up for their newsletter and actually read it
• Recommend them to people who might genuinely benefit from their services
• Simply ask how they’re doing – as a person, not just as a business owner

Making Holiday Gatherings More Inclusive

The holiday season is about connection, and sometimes entrepreneurs need to approach it differently. Here’s how to make gatherings more comfortable for everyone:

• Be flexible with scheduling around business commitments
• Focus on creating memories through shared experiences
• Celebrate their business milestones alongside traditional holiday festivities
• Include them in conversations beyond just their business

A Two-Way Street

For the entrepreneurs reading this: Remember that your family’s questions about your business usually come from a place of care, even if they sometimes miss the mark. Share your journey with them – the wins, the learning experiences, and yes, even the challenges. Help them understand that while your holiday season might look different this year, you’re investing in your future.

The Gift of Understanding

The most meaningful support you can offer your entrepreneur family member this holiday season is understanding. Understanding that:

• Their schedule might need more flexibility
• Their priorities might look different from previous years
• They’re building something meaningful
• Their finances and budgets might look different than in the past
• Your genuine interest and emotional support matter more than anything else

Let’s make this holiday season about authentic connection and celebrating each other’s journeys – whatever those might look like.