A thoughtful holiday message can strengthen client relationships and show genuine appreciation for their business throughout the year.
Elements of an Effective Client Holiday Message
Keep messages warm yet professional, striking the right balance between personal and business-appropriate.
- Express sincere gratitude
- Acknowledge the business relationship
- Add a personal touch when appropriate
- Keep religious references neutral unless you know their preferences
- Include forward-looking statements about continued partnership
Sample Holiday Message Templates
General Business Holiday Greeting
“Thank you for being an outstanding client in [year]. Wishing you success and happiness in the coming year.”
Long-term Client Message
“Your continued trust in our services means the world to us. Warm wishes for a joyful holiday season.”
Timing Tips
- Send messages early December for maximum impact
- Avoid last-minute holiday rushes
- Consider sending New Year messages instead of December holiday greetings
Do’s and Don’ts
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Proofread carefully | Use overly casual language |
| Personalize when possible | Send generic mass messages |
| Keep tone professional | Include sales pitches |
Message Delivery Methods
- Handwritten cards: Most personal touch
- Printed cards: Professional and traditional
- Email greetings: Quick and convenient
- Social media: Casual and public acknowledgment
Cultural Considerations
Research cultural preferences for international clients to avoid unintended offense.
- Use “Happy Holidays” for diverse client bases
- Consider time zones for digital greetings
- Respect different holiday traditions
Remember to update your client contact list before sending holiday messages to ensure accurate delivery.
Quick Tips for Personalization
- Reference specific projects from the past year
- Mention shared achievements
- Include personal signatures for key clients
- Add company branding tastefully
Tracking and Follow-up
- Monitor email delivery and open rates
- Note any responses for personal follow-up
- Keep records of client preferences for future years
- Document returned mail to update contact information
Budget Considerations
Allocate resources appropriately based on client tier and relationship value.
- Premium cards for top-tier clients
- Digital options for general business contacts
- Balance cost with perceived value
- Consider bulk printing discounts
Making Lasting Impressions
Value-Added Elements
- Include annual highlights or achievements
- Share relevant industry insights
- Offer exclusive holiday resources
- Provide useful calendar year-end tips
Conclusion
Holiday messages serve as more than seasonal greetings—they’re opportunities to reinforce business relationships and demonstrate professional courtesy. By carefully considering timing, content, and delivery method, companies can create meaningful connections that extend beyond the holiday season.
Remember to:
- Start planning early
- Maintain professionalism throughout
- Focus on genuine appreciation
- Use the opportunity to strengthen relationships
FAQs
- What are the key components of a professional holiday gift message for clients?
A professional holiday gift message should include a personalized greeting, sincere appreciation for their business, warm wishes for the season, and a subtle indication of looking forward to continued partnership. Keep the tone professional yet warm, and ensure correct spelling of names and titles. - When is the ideal time to send client holiday gifts and messages?
Business holiday gifts and messages should be sent between late November and mid-December for Christmas/New Year, arriving approximately 2-3 weeks before the holiday. For clients observing different holidays, send messages appropriate to their specific observances. - How can I make my holiday message inclusive for clients of different religious backgrounds?
Use neutral seasonal phrases like “Season’s Greetings,” “Happy Holidays,” or “Warm Winter Wishes” instead of specific religious references. Focus on universal themes of gratitude, peace, and prosperity. - Should holiday messages to clients be handwritten or digital?
Handwritten messages show more effort and personalization, making them ideal for key clients. However, digital messages are acceptable for large client bases and can be effective when properly personalized and professionally designed. - What common mistakes should be avoided in client holiday messages?
Avoid generic greetings, spelling errors, incorrect names/titles, overly promotional language, religious assumptions, late timing, and mass-produced appearances. Don’t include hard sells or business propositions in holiday wishes. - How long should a client holiday message be?
Client holiday messages should be brief and concise, typically 3-5 sentences. The message should be long enough to be meaningful but short enough to ensure it’s read completely. - Is it appropriate to include business cards with holiday gift messages?
Including business cards with holiday messages is generally not recommended as it can appear too promotional. The focus should remain on expressing gratitude and seasonal wishes. - How do you address multiple contacts at the same client company?
Send individual personalized messages to key contacts rather than a single generic message to the company. If sending to a group, address it to the team or department while acknowledging key individuals. - What are appropriate sign-off phrases for client holiday messages?
Professional yet warm closings like “Warm regards,” “Best wishes,” “Sincerely yours,” or “With appreciation” work well. Include your full name and company name, but keep the signature line simple. - Should you reference the New Year in holiday messages?
Including New Year wishes is appropriate and can strengthen business relationships. However, avoid making specific promises or business projections for the coming year in holiday greetings.
