Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays... and Watch Out, Krampus is Coming
Ah, the holidays. The time of year when we’re surrounded by twinkling lights, festive cheer, and a faint sense of panic as we realize that—no—we probably aren’t getting everything we asked for this year. (Looking at you, Santa. I was mostly good, I swear!)
And while some of us might feel more Krampus vibes than sugarplum dreams, that’s okay. The holidays aren’t about perfection. They’re about surviving family dinners, resisting the urge to strangle the person who takes the last gingerbread cookie, and—most importantly—taking a moment to reflect on what really matters.
For us at the International Association of Professional Esthetic Groomers (IAPEG), that means celebrating the incredible work being done in our community. Whether you’re a groomer, esthetician, or just someone deeply dedicated to elevating the standards of pet care, you’re part of a movement that’s reshaping the industry—and for that, we’re grateful.
We May Not Get Everything We Want…
Keeping it real, not every holiday wish will come true. That dream of clients who always show up on time, pets who love baths, and equipment that never needs replacing? Yeah, Krampus probably shoved that list straight into the fire.
But here’s the thing: that’s okay because the real magic of this season isn’t in getting everything you want. It’s about recognizing the strides we’ve made, the lessons we’ve learned, and the goals we’ve set for ourselves.
This year may not have been perfect—because when is it ever?—but it’s set the foundation for what’s to come.
…But the New Year Is Exactly What We Need
Looking ahead to 2025, there’s so much to be excited about. A new year means new opportunities, fresh goals, and a chance to hit the reset button on whatever didn’t go quite as planned this year.
At IAPEG, we’re thrilled about what’s on the horizon:
Expanding our community of certified professionals.
Introducing new resources and tools to help you thrive in the pet care industry.
Advocating for higher standards and recognition across the board.
And, of course, staying just a little bit sassier than the average organization—because where’s the fun in being boring?
A Holiday Wish (With Just a Hint of Sarcasm)
So here’s our wish for you this holiday season: may your clients bring well-behaved pets, may your tools stay sharp, and may you find just enough eggnog to get through the awkward family conversations.
And if Krampus does show up at your door? Hand him a grooming comb and tell him to get to work.
From all of us at IAPEG, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and cheers to a New Year filled with growth, laughter, and just the right amount of chaos to keep things interesting.
Let’s make 2025 the year we crush our goals, elevate our industry, and—who knows—maybe even get that dream of no-shows magically disappearing. Now that’s a holiday miracle we can all get behind.
