“Black Friday.” Many retailers are operating at a loss—“in the red”—until that big sales day after Thanksgiving.

Even if you’ve managed your business carefully all year, this holiday season can crush you financially. Most shops, including yours, can’t afford to close on Christmas Eve, the day after Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or the day after New Year’s.

Between Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, you’re looking at five weeks of bills, but only three full weeks of production. That can put real pressure on your cashflow. Typically, whatever profit you make in December ends up covering your January expenses, and then, to top it off, the final quarterly tax payment is due on January 15. If you haven’t kept up with your estimated taxes, that day can wipe out your cash reserves.

I know your team probably wants some extra time off during the holidays—who wouldn’t? But unlike the government, you can’t run a deficit or print more money.

You do a lot for your employees throughout the year, but it’s just as important to look out for your business and your family. If you run out of cash, the business can’t keep going. So, as a fellow business owner and a business coach, I caution you to keep a close eye on your cashflow in December. That way, you’re protecting your family, your employees, and your customers. Happy holidays!