Here’s Your Checklist to Stay on Track
Ah, the festive season! That magical time of year where Christmas Carols play in shops, your inbox fills with “holiday deals,” and your calendar suddenly looks like Santa’s workshop exploded. It’s exciting, but let’s be honest, it can also be a little… chaotic.
Between campaigns, events, stock changes, staff leave, and trying to remember to smile and be merry, it’s easy for things to slip through the cracks. That’s why we’ve put together this small-business holiday checklist. Think of it as your friendly guide to staying on top of things, keeping your customers and team happy, and still managing to enjoy a festive treat along the way.
At Creative Little Soul, we love helping small businesses get ready for the holidays, whether it’s a little extra festive flair or a full-on seasonal campaign. Keep reading to see how you can stay ahead of the holiday hustle this year.
1. Festive Branding & Flare
Time to sprinkle some holiday magic on your brand! This doesn’t mean turning your website into a Christmas tree (although… if that’s your vibe, go for it), but small touches go a long way.
- Swap your usual social media graphics for something with a festive twist—think seasonal colours, sparkles, or even a fun GIF.
- Add some subtle touches to your physical space if you have one—window displays, menu boards, or a wreath on your door.
- Don’t forget your tone of voice: holiday posts are a chance to be playful and relatable.
At CLS, our design elves are always ready to help with fun festive graphics that still keep your branding front of mind. Get in touch if you’re in need of a little seasonal design flare.
2. Communicate Holiday Trading Hours & Staff Leave
Nothing derails a festive season faster than confused customers or missed orders. If you’re planning time off—or if your team is—make sure your clients and customers know.
- Update your website, social media, and email signatures with clear trading hours.
- Set automated replies so nobody gets left hanging when your inbox is closed.
- Share reminders a week or two before closures, because let’s face it, we all forget things in December.
- Send out an email with cut off dates and let people know who to contact over the festive period if that person isn’t you, so you can relax and enjoy your down time.
Need a hand drafting clear and friendly messaging for your hours or auto-replies? We can help you make sure it’s communicated perfectly and keeps your brand voice in check. Did you know we also offer digital concierge services? That means you can truly relax while we handle the rest—from managing your inbox to replying to customer enquiries and more. Get in touch to find out more.
3. Automations & Scheduled Content
You can’t be everywhere at once, and you shouldn’t have to be. Scheduling posts and automating campaigns now means less stress later.
- Batch your social media posts—think festive tips, gift guides, or year-in-review posts.
- Set automated reminders for things like appointments, special offers, or cart abandonments.
- Schedule emails for key dates, like last-minute gift ideas or shipping deadlines.
At CLS, we love helping businesses set up simple automations that keep your campaigns running smoothly so you can focus on the fun stuff—or just enjoy a hot chocolate in peace.
4. Operations & Stock Planning
The festive season is peak chaos, and running out of stock is basically a holiday horror story.
- Check inventory and make sure you’re stocked up for busier days.
- Confirm supplier schedules—nothing kills your holiday cheer like waiting on delayed deliveries.
- Ensure your team knows their responsibilities during peak times, especially if you have casual or seasonal staff.
Sometimes it helps to have a second set of eyes on your planning. At CLS, we can help map out content and campaigns around your operational plans to make sure everything runs smoothly.
5. Finalise End-of-Year Events & Marketing
Got a party, workshop, or seasonal promo? Make sure all the details are locked in and promoted so you don’t leave ticket sales to chance.
- Double-check venues, suppliers, and times.
- Create content and campaigns to encourage sign-ups or ticket purchases.
- Early-bird offers or festive bundles can help secure bookings before the chaos hits.
Our events team knows how to get bums on seats and tickets sold well before the festive season—or give you that last extra push you need. From PR and marketing across various media outlets, to multi-channel campaigns, paid advertising, email and SMS marketing, and more, we’ve got the skills and expertise to ensure your event is a success and you finish the year strong. Chat to us now for more information if you want a hand making it happen!
6. Client, Customer & Team Appreciation
It’s the season of gratitude, so don’t forget the people who make your business run.
- Send thank-you emails, cards, or little festive gifts to your clients and customers.
- Recognise your team with a small celebration, shoutout, or gift.
- Even a simple “we appreciate you” goes a long way in building loyalty.
Need help crafting personalised messages or campaigns that really show appreciation? We’ve got your back—because thoughtful gestures make everyone feel seen and valued.
7. Self-Care & Reflection
Let’s be honest—you’ve earned a little downtime. After all the festive hustle, it’s important to pause, reflect, and recharge.
- Take a day (or a few!) for yourself.
- Look back on your year: wins, lessons, and what you’d do differently next time.
- Celebrate your achievements—yes, even the small ones.
Remember, a little self-care now will help you start the new year fresh. We’re here cheering you on from the sidelines—you’ve earned it!
8. Extra Housekeeping Tips for Small Businesses
Here’s some bonus stuff to keep your business in top shape:
- Update client records and contact lists
- Review finances: invoices, outstanding payments, tax prep
- Check your website for updates or technical issues
- Review your analytics: what campaigns worked, what didn’t
- Start jotting down early goals for Q1 next year
Sometimes it helps to have someone bounce ideas off or check your checklist. At CLS we’re always happy to be your second set of eyes and ears, bounce ideas off of and give guidance on content, campaigns, and general planning to help you finish the year strong. If you’re in need of help in this final stretch of the year, give us a shout!
Final Thoughts
A few small checks now can save a lot of stress later. By planning your branding, operations, content, and appreciation efforts, you’ll keep your business running smoothly, make your clients and customers happy, and even have time to enjoy the festive season yourself.
Take a deep breath, sip that hot chocolate (or maybe something stronger), and enjoy the season—you’ve earned it.
And remember, if you need a little extra help getting everything ready for the holidays, we’re always here to lend a hand with planning, content, or just a friendly nudge to keep things on track.
