How to Approach the Festive Season: A Marketing Checklist for December
As December approaches, the festive buzz fills every high street, inbox, and social feed. For UK brands, it’s the most important time of the year to connect with customers, not just through offers, but through meaning, emotion, and creativity.
Here’s your December marketing checklist to help your campaigns, content, and customer engagement sparkle all the way to Christmas.
Refine Your Festive Campaign Message
Before you dive into ads or social posts, define what your brand stands for this season. Ask yourself: what emotion do you want your audience to feel – joy, togetherness, nostalgia, generosity?
Tips:
- Align your messaging with your brand values (authenticity wins over noise).
- Focus on a simple, heartfelt story; people remember emotion, not discounts.
- Keep your visuals consistent: warm tones, festive textures, and clear branding.
Example: John Lewis’s Christmas adverts work because they centre around connection, not just consumerism.
Optimise Your Content Calendar
Plan your December content early, from social posts to newsletters. Remember that attention spans are short during the festive rush, so consistency and timing matter more than volume.
Checklist:
- Schedule posts that highlight behind-the-scenes moments and real people.
- Use a mix of content types: short videos, carousel posts, gift guides, and email snippets.
- Don’t forget your SEO – blog about Christmas gifting, seasonal experiences, or sustainable holiday ideas relevant to your audience.
Pro Tip: Publish your final Christmas delivery dates early and keep reminding customers; it builds trust and urgency.
Engage with Your Community
The festive season is about connection. Engage with your audience in ways that feel genuine and local.
Ideas:
- Run a “12 Days of Giving” social campaign supporting a UK charity or community cause.
- Encourage user-generated content, ask customers to share how they celebrate with your product or service.
- Reply promptly to messages and comments; a friendly tone goes a long way.
Example: Many UK independents on Etsy and Not On The High Street thrive during December because they tell personal stories and celebrate their customers as part of the brand.
Add a Human Touch to Customer Experience
Christmas is emotional- your customer service and UX should be too. Whether online or in-store, make the experience seamless and stress-free.
Checklist:
- Offer easy returns and clear delivery information.
- Include handwritten notes or festive packaging touches.
- Send post-purchase thank-you emails to extend goodwill beyond the sale.
Example: Brands like Fortnum & Mason and Bloom & Wild excel at this, with small gestures that make customers feel valued long after checkout.
Plan for the Post-Christmas Period
Don’t let your marketing momentum end on 25th December. The week between Christmas and New Year is prime time for reflection, soft sales, and setting the tone for January.
Tips:
- Share year-in-review or thank-you posts to build connections.
- Promote gift card redemptions or “treat yourself” offers.
- Begin teasing your January refresh or new year campaign.
Pro Tip: Use your December analytics to identify which channels performed best, it’ll guide your 2026 strategy.
Marketing Takeaway
The festive season isn’t just about selling, it’s about storytelling, generosity, and connection.
When your December marketing reflects genuine emotion and thoughtful planning, your audience feels it and remembers it long after the decorations come down.
If you need support for your 2026 marketing strategy… you know where we are!
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