Routine vs flexibility?!?

sytom

I was talking to a friend yesterday.  She doesn't have kids, but she got me thinking about the importance of a routine vs my baby being able to sleep anywhere.  By herself, my daughter found a good day routine that works for her.  She likes to sleep and eat at around the same time each day and her timing is perfect for me!

During the weekend, we went shopping and we had to go to dinner with her.  She slept in the car and that was about it.  I was feeling like I was messing her up.  She was fussy and was crying a lot.

How do you balance the two?  Is there an answer??  : )  

I'm really scared with Christmas coming up!

TIA!