How a festive side hustle can set you up for 2026
According to Mitchan Adams, co-founder and CEO of Aions Ventures, December’s high consumer activity creates a ready-made marketplace for side hustles. “Festive spending spikes across food, gifting, events, travel, and convenience services.
It’s the perfect time to gain quick customer feedback, validate concepts, and make your first sales,” says Adams.
The period also allows for low-risk experimentation. With many businesses slowing down, individuals can explore entrepreneurial ideas without quitting their jobs or making large investments. Early experimentation provides practical learning while mitigating financial and operational risks.
A festive side hustle can also strengthen financial resilience. Extra income can be reinvested into a business, upskill the entrepreneur, or create a financial buffer ahead of 2026. Even modest earnings during December can provide a strong foundation for growth in the new year.
Adams highlights the psychological benefit of early wins:
“Making your first sale, delivering a service, or receiving positive feedback builds confidence and momentum. Those small wins often evolve into returning customers, ongoing contracts, or scalable ventures.”
Many successful businesses have begun as seasonal ideas. By starting during the festive season, entrepreneurs can turn short-term demand into a long-term opportunity. Adams concludes:
“If you’ve been waiting for the right time to start your entrepreneurial journey, December is it. Start now, start small, and start messy. Your 2026 self will thank you.”