November 24, 2025

The holidays are stressful enough without technology tripping you up.

Customers are trying to squeeze in last-minute errands, employees are juggling family schedules, and everyone’s expectations are turned up to eleven. The last thing you want is to frustrate people with avoidable tech slip-ups.

Think of this as your “Holiday Tech Manners Guide” — because nobody wants to be the business that ruins someone’s Tuesday.

1️⃣ Update Your Online Hours (Before Your First Angry Phone Call)

Picture this: a customer drives across town on their lunch break because Google says you’re open… only to find your door locked and lights off.

Congratulations — you’ve just created someone’s villain origin story.

What to update:

  • Google Business Profile (the big one!)

  • Facebook, Instagram, Yelp — anywhere customers look for you

  • Your website banner or popup

  • Apple Maps (yes, people really use it)

Sample message:

“Happy Holidays! We’ll be closed Thursday, Nov. 28 to Sunday, Dec. 1 to spend time with family. We’ll be back Monday morning — probably a little slower and slightly more stuffed, but ready to help!”

2️⃣ Set Friendly Out-of-Office Replies (That Don’t Sound Like Robots)

If you’re taking time off, don’t leave customers in email purgatory wondering if you’ve vanished into the holiday abyss. A good auto-reply is like a friendly doorman — professional but human.

Sample out-of-office message:

“Thanks for reaching out! Our office is closed for Thanksgiving from Nov. 28 to Dec. 1. We’ll respond as soon as we’re back (and caffeinated). For urgent matters, call our support line at (XXX) XXX-XXXX. Wishing you a wonderful holiday!”

3️⃣ Don’t Overshare in Your Out-of-Office (Nobody Needs Your Itinerary)

Keep it short and secure. Customers don’t need to know you’re visiting Aunt Carol in Denver or that Bob from accounting is off to Cancún.

Besides being TMI, oversharing can create security risks. Stick to:

  • Dates you’ll be away

  • When responses will resume

  • Alternate contact info

Save the travel stories for Instagram.

4️⃣ Test Your Phone Systems (Before They Test Your Patience)

Holiday callers are often in a rush and already stressed. Make sure your voicemail greeting actually matches your hours and doesn’t send people in circles.

Pro tip: Call your own number. You’d be shocked how many businesses still have a “Happy 2019!” greeting.

Sample voicemail:

“You’ve reached [Business Name]. Our office is closed for the holiday weekend. Please leave a message and we’ll return your call Monday morning. If this is urgent, press 1 to reach our on-call team. Happy Holidays, and thank you for your patience!”

5️⃣ Communicate Shipping Deadlines (Before the Panic Sets In)

If your business ships or delivers products, set expectations early.
Post your “order by” dates prominently and send reminder emails before the rush.

Delayed packages are annoying, but missed expectations are worse — they damage trust. No one wants to explain to their spouse why the anniversary gift shows up in January.

🎁 The Bottom Line: Good Etiquette = Happy Customers = Good Business

Holiday tech etiquette isn’t rocket science — it’s about setting expectations, communicating clearly, and respecting your customers’ time.

A few quick updates now can prevent a lot of frustration later — keeping your brand reputation merry and bright.

Remember: the goal isn’t just to avoid problems — it’s to make customers feel taken care of, even when you’re not there.

🚀 Ready to Keep Your Systems (and Customers) Happy?

If you want to make sure your systems and customer experience stay polished this holiday season, we can help.

💬 Book your free discovery call — and let’s make sure your tech runs smoothly while you enjoy some well-deserved time off.

Because nothing says “happy holidays” like stress-free business systems that make everyone’s day a little better.