Tag: holidays

A Business Owner’s Guide to Spreading A Season of Generosity

For many of us, December is a season marked by giving. We paused last month to celebrate Thanksgiving and reflect on our many blessings, and now we turn our attention to preparing for Christmas or Hanukkah—holidays that both celebrate God’s goodness to His people.

For those who follow Christ, Christmas is far more than a season of shopping and gift exchanges. It is a time to reflect the love of Christ through intentional acts of generosity. God demonstrated His love through the greatest gift ever given: His Son, sent to live a sinless life and die on the cross to redeem mankind. The journey to the cross began at the manger.

Whether you are a business owner, an employee, or a retiree, you have countless opportunities to show generosity this season and share the love of Christ with those around you. Let these words guide you: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35

Demonstrating Generosity as a Business Owner

If you own a small business, the holiday season provides unique opportunities to bless your customers, employees, and community. Consider these ideas:

  • Support local organizations.
    Donate funds to groups providing meals, warm clothing, or Christmas gifts for families in need. Let your customers know that their support helped make these contributions possible.
  • Participate in an Adopt-a-Family program.
    Sponsor one or more families as a business, inviting your staff and customers to join in meeting specific needs. You can also adopt a military family through organizations like Soldiers’ Angels.
  • Go the extra mile in customer care.
    Offer cookies and hot cider, provide complimentary gift wrapping, or surprise customers with small tokens of appreciation like ornaments or holiday treats. A cheerful greeting and an extra measure of kindness can make a lasting impact.
  • Offer paid volunteer time.
    Give employees a few hours of paid time off to serve at local holiday programs or nonprofit organizations.
  • Bless your team.
    Show gratitude through thoughtful gifts or year-end bonuses to acknowledge their hard work throughout the year.

Demonstrating Generosity as a Community Member

Regardless of income level, everyone can show generosity during the holidays.

  • Make charitable donations.
    Even small contributions to local nonprofits and faith-based organizations make a meaningful impact.
  • Volunteer your time.
    Many groups need help serving meals, wrapping Christmas gifts, hosting events at shelters, and more.
  • Buy gifts for children in need.
    Programs like Toys for Tots and Angel Tree rely on community generosity—collection periods are ending soon, so take action quickly.
  • Visit the elderly.
    Stop by nursing homes, assisted living centers, or the homes of elderly neighbors. Bring carolers, small gifts, or simply warm conversation. Your presence might be the highlight of their season.

Where You Can Still Give This Season

Many organizations are still accepting gifts, donations, and support:

  • The Salvation Army Angel Tree – Adopt a child in need or donate to the Red Kettle campaign through Christmas Eve.
  • Samaritan’s Purse – Build an online shoebox or donate through their gift catalog to support clean water projects, meals for children, or small-business assistance for families.
  • Toys for Tots – New, unwrapped toys are being collected through mid-December, depending on location.
  • Prison Fellowship Angel Tree Christmas – Donate to provide gifts for children with an incarcerated parent.
  • Feeding America or your local food bank – Help ensure families have food this holiday season. These organizations appreciate support year-round.
  • Christmas Spirit Foundation – Donate to provide Christmas trees for military families separated from deployed loved ones.

A Final Encouragement

This Christmas season, keep Christ at the center of your celebrations and be His hands extended to a hurting world. As you share His love and blessings with others, you demonstrate what it means to follow Him.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34–35

Simple Ways to Thank Your Customers This Thanksgiving

As a small business owner, you should always be grateful for the customers you have. Without customers, your business cannot generate revenue—and you won’t stay in business long.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful opportunity to let customers know how much you appreciate their support. It’s also an ideal time to reconnect with customers who have not visited your business recently. A recent study showed that it costs five times more to acquire a new customer than to re-engage a former one.

It doesn’t take a large financial investment to make customers feel valued. Whether you operate a retail shop, hospitality business, service business, or professional service firm, take a moment before the holiday rush begins to thank your customers for trusting you to meet their needs.

Treat Your Customers with Respect

Showing respect and courtesy is a free and powerful way to demonstrate appreciation.
• Warmly welcome customers into your establishment, making yourself available without being pushy.
• Address customers by name whenever possible.
• Be punctual for appointments, whether they come to you or you travel to them.
• When the transaction is complete, thank them sincerely for their business.

Retail Business Appreciation Ideas

If you own a retail shop, use a customer management system to gather contact information and track your best customers. Here are some low-cost but meaningful ways to show appreciation:

• Host a holiday customer appreciation open house. Send postcards or emails inviting customers to the event. Offer a special discount or small token of appreciation to those who bring the invitation. Provide refreshments and play holiday music to create a festive atmosphere.
• Hold “invitation-only” events. Invite your best customers—and lapsed customers—to a special shopping experience with refreshments and personal attention.
• Offer early-access or after-hours shopping. Open early or stay open late so invited guests can shop new merchandise first.
• Host a vendor trunk show exclusively for your top customers.
• Send handwritten thank-you notes with a gift certificate or discount coupon to encourage holiday shopping.
• Email your best customers with holiday hours and special event information. Include a short video thanking them for their support.
• Give a small holiday gift with purchase—such as a branded mug, tote, or calendar.
• Restaurants: Email loyalty members early with holiday menus and catering options. Encourage them to enjoy a relaxing meal during the busy season and include a coupon for a free appetizer or dessert on their next visit.

Service Business Appreciation Ideas

Service-based businesses—serving individuals or other businesses—often find it easier to track their best customers due to scheduled appointments and invoicing. Consider:

• Handwritten notes or appreciative emails. Thank customers for their loyalty and include reminders if they are due for service. Add a free upgrade or discount for their next appointment.
• Send inexpensive branded gifts your customers will use—such as magnetic recipe calendars, pens, chip clips, or keychains. These items keep your business top-of-mind.
• Provide valuable tips via email such as lawn care, HVAC maintenance, money-saving ideas, or holiday travel advice.
• Deliver gift baskets to high-value business clients—options include fruit baskets, snacks, chocolates, or coffee assortments.
• Host a holiday lunch or dinner for business customers as a gesture of appreciation.
• Make a charitable donation on behalf of your customers. Send a card or ecard thanking them and letting them know their patronage helped your business give back.

You should be thankful for your customers all year long. Make it a habit to express your appreciation regularly. However, Thanksgiving is an especially meaningful time to let customers know how much their support matters. These ideas can help you communicate gratitude in simple but impactful ways. Please share additional ideas you’ve used in the comments.

“We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers.” —1 Thessalonians 1:2

Expressing Employee Gratitude During the Holidays

If you are a small business owner, your employees are crucial to the success of your business. In case you need a reminder, you and your business benefit from your employees in many ways, including these:

Ability to meet the needs of more customers.
Your time is limited. Having employees extends your ability to provide goods and services to more customers. While your employees are making sales, closing deals, and answering questions, you are free to focus on other customers or handle the many administrative and marketing tasks required for your business to operate smoothly and profitably. More customers mean more revenue for your business.

Ability to take time off.
A solopreneur typically earns money only when working. Even if she operates an online store that processes sales around the clock, she must still ensure orders are fulfilled, payments are processed, and inventory is managed. However, a business owner with well-trained employees can take time away, confident that customers’ needs are being met and revenue continues to be generated.

Added skills and knowledge.
Each employee brings unique skills and talents to your business. Many will have expertise that can enhance your operations or take over tasks you don’t enjoy. For example, an employee with a flair for decorating and creativity can elevate your store windows, merchandise displays, and website in ways you might not have imagined.

Ways to Show Gratitude to Your Employees

During the Thanksgiving season, small business owners should make a special effort to recognize and reward the contributions of their employees. Here are some meaningful ways to express your appreciation:

Written or verbal expression of appreciation.
Write personal thank-you messages to each employee, mentioning a specific attitude, behavior, or achievement you particularly value.

Flexible work schedules.
Acknowledge that the holiday season can be hectic. Reward employees with four to eight hours of additional paid time off in December so they can attend school events, shop for gifts, or simply rest.

Holiday bonuses.
While many businesses give bonuses at Christmas or year-end, consider providing them at Thanksgiving instead. It’s a tangible way to express gratitude and allows your employees to use the funds to make their holidays even brighter.

Gift cards.
Help relieve holiday stress by giving gift cards for experiences your employees will enjoy—such as a massage, a spa day, a nice dinner, or tickets to a movie or play. Tailor the gift to each person’s interests when possible.

Thoughtful gifts.
A personalized gift of an employee’s favorite snacks or beverages, paired with a note of appreciation, is always meaningful. A gift basket with tea or coffee, cookies, and seasonal treats makes a warm and thoughtful gesture.

Employee appreciation meal.
Host a catered lunch or breakfast before Thanksgiving to celebrate your team. Consider closing for a few hours and posting notice ahead of time on your website and doors. Use the meal to share specific ways each employee contributes to the success of your business—and encourage team members to express gratitude for one another as well.

As we head into the busy holiday season, take time to express appreciation to your employees in ways that are meaningful to them. Doing so reinforces that you value them—and inspires them to give their best during this important season.

Please share ways you intend to express appreciation to your employees.

“I thank my God every time I remember you.”
Philippians 1:3

Strengthen Customer Loyalty Through Holiday Experiences

As a small business owner, it’s important that your customers feel connected to you—especially during the holiday season.

A genuine connection builds loyalty and encourages customers to choose your business over competitors. Two meaningful ways to build that connection are by giving back to your community and creating memorable experiences that engage your customers.

Give Back to Your Community

Sharing your blessings with those in need shows customers that your business cares about others. Many consumers today prefer to spend their money with companies that support meaningful causes. Here are some ways your business can give back this season:

Partner with local charities or food banks. Collect donations from customers and staff for organizations such as:

  • Toys for Tots—set up a collection box for toy donations.
    • Salvation Army Angel Tree—host an angel tag tree and accept gift drop-offs.
    • Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child—be a shoebox drop-off location.
    • Your local food bank—gather canned goods and other non-perishable items.

Donate a percentage of holiday profits.

  • Allow customers to choose which charity their purchase supports.
  • Partner with multiple nonprofits to appeal to a wider audience—such as a food bank, animal shelter, Make-a-Wish Foundation, or veterans’ organization.

Partner with nonprofits to provide hands-on service.

  • Team up with a local salon to provide free haircuts at a senior living center.
  • Partner with a disability support organization to host an accessible shopping day, with staff on hand to assist shoppers.
  • Offer free oil changes or car repairs for women living in shelters.

Volunteer together as a team.

  • Close your business for a few hours and volunteer as a group. You might host a holiday party for residents of a women’s shelter, wrap gifts for senior citizens, serve meals at a local soup kitchen, or deliver baked treats to police and fire departments. Volunteering as a team strengthens your workplace culture, boosts morale, and shows your customers that your business genuinely cares about the community.

Create Holiday Experiences

Festive events and experiences encourage customers to visit your business, linger longer, and connect on a personal level.

Host a Holiday Open House.
Many downtown districts hold open houses in November. Create an inviting, festive atmosphere with refreshments, music, and holiday décor. Offer exclusive open house deals or early-bird specials. If your business provides services, consider hosting an open house that also supports a local charity—guests could bring items or donations for a good cause.

Feature Local Artists or Makers.
Partner with local creators to showcase their work in your space.

  • A salon could host a jewelry maker or a permanent makeup artist.
  • A restaurant could feature local artisans in the lobby.
  • A retail shop could hold a trunk show with a vendor.

Host Customer Events.

  • Take photos with Santa or offer a festive photo backdrop.
  • Set up a cookie-decorating or ornament-making station.
  • Offer craft nights or centerpiece-making demonstrations.
  • Host game nights such as holiday bingo or trivia, with small prizes.

Hold Holiday Contests.

  • Run a children’s coloring contest with age-based prizes.
  • Offer daily giveaways for loyalty members.
  • Have a candy-jar guessing contest.
  • Reward customers who post reviews or engage on social media.
  • Post funny holiday photos and let followers caption them for prizes.

Wrapping Up

These ideas can help you connect with customers and strengthen relationships during the holiday season. Start planning your special events and charitable activities now, and you’ll create meaningful memories that keep your customers coming back all year long.

What are some ways your business engages with customers during the holidays? Share your ideas in the comments!

Tips to Boost Your Holiday Sales This Year

We are in the fourth quarter of the year, and it’s time to prepare for the holiday shopping season. Traditionally, Black Friday marks the start of holiday shopping.

If you’re a retailer or in the hospitality industry, it’s important to understand how shopping habits may differ this year. Here are some key predictions:

  • Shoppers will prioritize value, watching closely for discounts and sales.
  • Functional gifts will take precedence over novelty or luxury items.
  • Gift cards will remain a popular choice.
  • Many consumers will “trade down” by choosing store brands, smaller quantities, and discount retailers.
  • Buy Now, Pay Later options will see increased use as shoppers spread purchases over a longer timeframe. In fact, July retail sales rose 5.8% as some began holiday shopping early.
  • Higher-income shoppers will focus on experiential gifts such as travel, dining, and leisure activities.
  • About one-third of shoppers will make a deliberate effort to shop local, seeking handmade or locally sourced items.

How to Prepare for Holiday Shopping

To make the most of this season, small business owners should start planning now. Here are practical steps to get ready:

  • Stock early. Have your shelves ready by mid-October with items that make good gifts but aren’t holiday-themed yet. Electronics, jewelry, toys, and personal care items are excellent early options.
  • Order ahead. Place orders for high-demand, nonperishable holiday items that can be stored until late fall.
  • Plan your layout. Feature promoted products in high-traffic areas.
  • Offer variety. Provide similar products in different sizes and price points to appeal to every budget.
  • Reward loyal customers. Use loyalty programs to offer exclusive deals and consider hosting early shopping events for members.
  • Leverage AI and data. Analyze shopping habits to personalize promotions and product recommendations.
  • Prepare your marketing. Develop holiday campaigns now that celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and other seasonal events.
  • Schedule your big events. Decide which items to highlight for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, and create marketing materials for each.
  • Train early. Begin hiring and training now so your team is ready for the holiday rush with great customer service and clear knowledge of store policies.
  • Optimize your website. Make sure your online store is user-friendly and easy to navigate.
  • Showcase range. Advertise gifts at various price points to emphasize affordability and choice.
  • Take care of yourself. Rest and recharge before the busy season begins—you’ll need your energy and enthusiasm!

The countdown to Christmas and other fall holidays has begun. Preparing now will help your season run more smoothly, delight your customers, and boost your year-end sales.

Finishing Strong: Essential Tips for Small Business Owners During the Holiday Rush

The holidays can be a stressful time for nearly everyone, but for small business owners—especially those running retail stores—the pressure is even greater. With extended hours, a surge in holiday sales, and a packed schedule, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But fear not! There are ways to navigate the season smoothly, reduce holiday stress, and ensure your business finishes the year strong.

In this post, we’ll explore practical tips for small business owners to manage the holiday rush, empower employees, practice self-care, and deliver top-notch customer service.

1. Manage Your Schedule to Avoid Holiday Burnout

During the busy holiday season, long hours and high expectations can quickly lead to burnout. As a small business owner, balancing personal and professional responsibilities is crucial for finishing the year strong.

  • Set Time Off: Schedule at least one day off each week (or two shifts) to rest, shop, and prepare for your own holiday celebrations. By prioritizing personal time, you’ll avoid burnout and recharge for the busy days ahead.
  • Set Boundaries: Make it clear to employees what constitutes an emergency that would require their contacting you. Your time off should be uninterrupted unless there’s a major issue affecting the store or customer service.
  • Prioritize Events: Be intentional about which holiday events you choose to attend. Select the ones that matter most and help you stay balanced during this hectic season.

Tip: Utilize an online calendar or scheduling tool to help manage both your work and personal commitments, ensuring you have time for everything—without sacrificing your well-being.

2. Empower Your Employees for Seamless Operations

One of the best ways to reduce holiday stress as a business owner is to empower your employees. By delegating and training your staff effectively, you’ll ensure that both you and your team can handle the holiday rush efficiently.

  • Cross-Train Employees: Equip your employees with the skills to handle routine tasks like answering customer inquiries, processing returns, and offering holiday discounts. This will allow you to step back without worrying about day-to-day operations.
  • Designate a Lead Employee: Appoint a trusted team member to handle non-routine issues. This will give you peace of mind, knowing someone is managing the more complex customer or operational concerns.
  • Delegate Non-Essential Tasks: Assign experienced staff to handle store decorations, window displays, opening and closing procedures, and making bank deposits. By distributing these responsibilities, you empower your team and reduce your workload.
  • Hire Holiday Help: Consider hiring extra seasonal workers to support your team during peak shopping hours. Having backup plans in place for sick days or sudden staff shortages ensures you can provide excellent customer service throughout the holiday season.

3. Practice Self-Care to Manage Holiday Stress

As a small business owner, your well-being is paramount. Managing holiday stress starts with taking care of yourself—physically, mentally, and emotionally. When you take care of yourself, you’ll be better able to take care of your business, your team, and your customers.

  • Take Breaks: Even a short walk or five minutes of deep breathing can help reset your mind and relieve stress. Make it a habit to take breaks throughout the day to maintain focus and avoid burnout.
  • Eat Nutritious Meals & Stay Hydrated: Proper nutrition and hydration are key to keeping your energy levels up during the busy holiday season. Avoid relying on junk food and ensure you’re fueling your body for peak performance.
  • Practice Gratitude: Keep a journal to note things you’re thankful for, and remember to express gratitude to your employees for their hard work. Gratitude can improve mental clarity and reduce stress.
  • Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate every achievement, no matter how small. Recognizing your successes will help you stay motivated and positive as you navigate the busy holiday season.

4. Care for Your Employees to Foster Team Spirit

Your employees are the backbone of your business. During the holidays, they’re working hard to ensure everything runs smoothly, so it’s essential to show appreciation and support.

  • Encourage Regular Breaks: Promote employee well-being by requiring regular breaks. A comfortable break area with snacks and beverages can go a long way in helping your team recharge during busy shifts.
  • Flexible Hours: Honor employees’ time-off requests where possible and offer flexible scheduling. Flexibility helps your employees balance work with their own holiday celebrations, reducing stress and increasing job satisfaction.
  • Praise and Recognition: Publicly acknowledge hard work and exceptional customer service. Offering small rewards or praise boosts morale and motivates employees to keep performing at their best.
  • Holiday Celebrations: Organize a festive lunch or party to allow your team to relax and bond. This will help foster a positive, supportive work environment during the hectic holiday season.
  • Provide Holiday Bonuses: If your budget allows, even a small holiday bonus can go a long way in showing employees how much they’re valued.

5. Take Care of Your Customers for a Stress-Free Shopping Experience

Increased foot traffic and a heightened sense of urgency during the holiday season can make shopping stressful for customers. Ensuring a smooth and pleasant experience for your shoppers is critical for maintaining customer loyalty and driving holiday sales.

  • Train Your Staff: Equip your team to handle customer inquiries, returns, and exchanges with confidence. Empowering employees to resolve common issues without escalating them to management ensures a smoother experience.
  • Create Relaxation Zones: If space allows, set up a designated area where customers can take a moment to relax and regroup. This simple gesture can significantly reduce holiday stress for your shoppers.
  • Share Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday: Use in-store displays, newsletters, or social media to share practical tips for managing holiday stress. Offer advice on organizing gifts, managing holiday finances, or even dealing with holiday shopping crowds.
  • Complimentary Gift Wrapping: Offering free gift wrapping is a thoughtful service that reduces stress for your customers and keeps them coming back.
  • Play Soothing Music: Gentle, festive music can set a calming atmosphere and put customers at ease.

6. Finish the Year Strong by Reflecting on the True Meaning of Christmas

While holiday sales are important for a successful year-end, it’s also crucial to reflect on the deeper meaning of Christmas. As a small business owner, taking time to pause and reflect on your blessings will help you maintain perspective during the busy season.

“I bring you good tidings of great joy, which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
– Luke 2:10-11

By staying grounded and focused on the true reason for the season, you’ll finish the year not only with strong holiday sales but also with a sense of peace and fulfillment.

Attracting Last-Minute Holiday Shoppers: Tips for Boosting Sales Before Christmas

Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday are behind us for 2024, and by all accounts, it’s been a banner year for sales. But don’t let the post-Black Friday lull fool you—there’s still plenty of shopping to be done!

In fact, it’s estimated that 79% of Christmas spending happens in the two weeks leading up to the holiday, with as much as 35% of the total spending occurring during the final week before Christmas. So now is the time to make sure you’re doing everything you can to attract those last-minute shoppers to your store or website.

Here are a few ideas to help you drive traffic and boost sales in the final stretch of the holiday season:

1. Create Eye-Catching Displays (Online & In-Store)

A standout window display or striking website image can work wonders in grabbing attention. For example, a local dress store caught a lot of eyes by placing a dress on a skeleton with the humorous sign: “Does this dress make me look fat?” Other businesses get creative with holiday-themed windows or festive website banners. Some of our local stores are even famous for their annual holiday window displays, which customers eagerly anticipate all year long. If you can make people smile or spark their curiosity, you’ve already piqued their interest!

2. Promote Products at a Range of Price Points

Make sure your customers know you have gifts for every budget. Create a “Gift Suggestions” list to display both in-store and online. Start with lower-priced items and work your way up to higher-end options. This shows customers that you cater to a wide range of shoppers—whether they’re looking for an affordable stocking stuffer or a luxurious splurge. A thoughtfully curated gift guide can be a great conversation starter and help you drive more sales across different price ranges.

3. Offer Flash Sales to Drive Urgency

Flash sales are a great way to create a sense of urgency. Consider running short-term sales that are exclusive to a few hours of the day, or one-day promotions that offer deep discounts. These kinds of limited-time deals encourage customers to act fast, fearing they’ll miss out if they wait too long.

4. Make Shopping as Easy as Possible

The holiday season can be hectic for your customers. Help them out by offering flexible shopping options. Local shoppers may appreciate the ability to buy online and pick up in-store. If you’re exclusively online, make sure to highlight fast delivery options that guarantee delivery in time for Christmas. For in-store traffic, ensure you have plenty of sales associates ready to assist, and if you offer online support, make sure your customer service is easily accessible to help with last-minute questions.

5. Instill Urgency with Countdown Timers

There’s nothing like a countdown clock to get shoppers moving. Consider adding a countdown timer to your website or even in your store window to show how many days, hours, or minutes are left until Christmas. The ticking clock will create a sense of urgency and remind customers they need to make their purchases before it’s too late.

6. Leverage Social Media to Promote Deals & Share Holiday Cheer

Social media is an invaluable tool for driving holiday sales. Use it to highlight your best deals, share special promotions, and showcase gift ideas. But don’t forget to mix in posts that spread holiday cheer without any sales pitch. Share heartwarming Christmas moments, winter scenes, or behind-the-scenes glimpses of your holiday preparations. These posts create emotional connections with your audience, making your brand feel more relatable and memorable.

Final Thoughts

The holidays can be a stressful time for shoppers, and the easier you can make their experience, the more likely they are to spend money with you and return to your business in the future. So take a deep breath, get creative, and make sure your business stands out in these final days before Christmas!

Wishing you a successful and joyful holiday season.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” — Luke 2:14