We’ve all been there.
And if we’re being honest, a lot of us are living it right now.
Our feet are tired. Our backs are sore. We’ve worked ten days straight, smiling through long hours, grabbing Emergen-C whenever we can, and hoping our bodies stay healthy through it all.
It's the holiday season!
Members are bringing in family and friends. They’re visiting Santa, hosting celebrations, and proudly showing off their club. And us? We’re the magic makers. We’re the ones creating the moments they’ll talk about for years.
What doesn’t get talked about nearly enough is the effort it requires from those behind the scenes.
The dishwasher who stayed until 1:00 a.m. to make sure every plate was clean.
The front-of-house team flipping a ballroom late into the night because there’s another event early the next morning.
The kitchen staff who has prepped and prepped and prepped… and somehow still doesn’t have enough macerated berries for the waffle station.
Delivering holiday cheer takes a lot out of our teams. Which leads to the real question leaders face this time of year:
How do we keep the momentum going when everyone is tired?
Here are three practical ways to help keep your team supported and energized during the holiday season.
When things get busy, the instinct is to schedule as many people as possible. More bodies feels like fewer problems.
But that’s not always the case.
Over-scheduling can impact the operation in a few ways. Labor costs climb, and team members may come in already stretched, only to realize they weren’t truly needed. That’s when frustration can quietly build.
Instead, schedule intentionally. Trust your strong performers. Build schedules that make sense, not ones that simply feel safe on paper.
When booking events, look beyond the one in front of you. Ask what’s coming next in that space, and then what follows.
Can setups be similar? Can décor stay in place? Can you avoid a full flip if it’s not necessary?
Each small efficiency gives time and energy back to your team. During the holidays, those moments matter.
Everyone is tired. Many are balancing long days and full lives outside of work.
Acknowledge it.
Bring in extra coffee. Stock the fridge with energy drinks. Ask how someone is doing and listen when you can. When people feel seen and understood, trust grows.
And when trust is there, reminders about standards, consistency, and expectations land more effectively.
Empathy doesn’t lower the bar. It helps people rise to it.
At the end of the day, momentum is sustained by awareness. By considering how our decisions land on the people around us. By putting ourselves in their shoes.
When we think three steps ahead, we find ways to shave an hour off a shift or simplify a setup.
And in the middle of all the planning and pressure, we don’t forget the human moments. A small gesture, a thank-you, or a shared laugh can lift someone’s entire day.
Kindness, understanding, and thoughtful leadership remind our teams of something important, especially during the busiest time of year.
We’re in this together. And we’ll get through it together.
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About the Author: Nancy King
Nancy is a hospitality professional with over 14 years of experience across restaurants, private clubs, and training environments. She holds a Master’s in Business Administration with a specialization in Hospitality Management and brings a well-rounded understanding of operations from the kitchen to the dining room. Her career began as a trained pastry chef, where she developed a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, flavor, and presentation. That foundation led her into restaurant and club management, where she has led teams, streamlined operations, and elevated the guest and member experience through thoughtful service and strong communication. Nancy is especially passionate about training and mentorship. She believes great service starts with confident, supported teams and is committed to helping people grow through practical education, clear standards, and genuine care. Known for her approachable style and collaborative leadership, she focuses on creating environments where both teams and guests feel valued, understood, and inspired.