The festive season can be stressful without technology tripping you up. Customers are trying to squeeze in last-minute errands, employees are juggling family schedules and everyone’s expectations are cranked up. The last thing you want is to accidentally frustrate people with avoidable tech slip-ups.

Here's your “Holiday Tech Manners Guide” because nobody wants to be that business that ruins someone’s day.

1. Update Your Online Hours 

Picture this: A customer rushes over during 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:

• Your Google Business Profile 

• Facebook, Instagram, Yelp, anywhere customers might find you

• Your website banner with a friendly holiday schedule

• Apple Maps 

Sample message: “Happy Holidays! We’ll be closed from 25 December to 1 January to celebrate the festive season. We’ll be back to regular hours from 2 January and ready for the year ahead.”

2. Set Friendly Out-Of-Office Replies 

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

Sample out-of-office message: “Thanks for your email. Our office is closed from 25 December to 1 January to celebrate the festive season. We’ll respond as soon as we’re back and caffeinated. If it’s urgent, call our support line at (XXX) XXX-XXXX. Wishing you and yours a wonderful Christmas and New Year!”

3. Don’t Overshare In Your “Out Of Office” 

Keep it simple. Customers don’t need to know that your holiday itinerary, stick to dates, response times and alternate contacts. 

4. Test Your Phone Systems 

Holiday callers are often in a rush so make sure your voicemail message actually matches your hours and doesn’t send people on a wild-goose chase.

Pro tip: Call your own number. You’d be surprised how many businesses have outdated greetings.

Sample voicemail: “You’ve reached [Business Name]. Our office is currently closed for the holidays. Please leave a message and we’ll return your call when we reopen on 2 January. If this is urgent, press 1 to reach our on-call team. Happy Holidays!”

5. Communicate Shipping Deadlines

If your business involves shipping or deliveries, communicate deadlines clearly and early. Post your “order by” dates prominently online and send reminder e-mails to customers.

Delayed packages are frustrating but missed expectations are relationship-killers. Nobody wants to explain to their spouse why their Christmas gift is arriving in January.

The Bottom Line:

Good Etiquette = Happy Customers = Good Business

Holiday tech etiquette isn’t rocket science. It’s about setting clear expectations, communicating like a human being and respecting your customers’ time. A few quick updates can prevent frustration and keep your business reputation merry and bright.

Remember: The goal isn’t just to avoid problems, it’s to make your customers feel valued even when you’re not there.