If you are anything like us, your diary is already breathing a sigh of exhaustion just looking at this month. There’s a unique kind of energy in the air-a frantic buzz that’s equal parts excitement and panic. We’re sprinting towards the finish line of the year, trying to meet work deadlines and close our books. The festive season is shimmering on the horizon, with all its plans and budget spreadsheets. And, right in the middle of it all, the exams are being written, the school doors are about to close, and our children will be home, ready for the long, hot, wonderful chaos of summer.
It’s a lot.
We are the women who do it all. We are the entrepreneurs, the mothers, the managers, the partners, and the pillars of our community, often all before 9 AM. The pressure to “do it all” and create a “perfect” holiday can be overwhelming. But here at Phambili, we believe in reframing the narrative. What if this month isn’t about perfection, but about planning? What if it isn’t about the juggle, but about the joy we can find within it?
This is our Family Edition, and it’s dedicated to you—the woman who is building her empire while packing a lunchbox.
We’re not here to give you a to-do list that’s a mile long. We’re here to share real, honest strategies for managing the beautiful chaos. In our cover story, we explore how to balance the “hustle and the holidays” and, more importantly, how to lean on the incredible power of your community—your “village”—to help you through it. We’ve also got practical, budget-friendly ideas for keeping the kids happy and active, so you can get your work done.
This NPhambili let’s give ourselves permission to say “no” to some things so we can say “yes” to what matters. Let’s plan a little, so we can live a lot. Let’s trade the idea of a perfect holiday for a present and joyful one.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:6-7
You’ve got this. We’ve got this.
Here’s to finishing strong, together.
Chantelle Balsdon, Editor
— The Phambili Team