Running a business feels like a relentless marathon where the finish line keeps moving. You're always on. Your phone is basically an extension of your arm. But then December hits, and suddenly, the pressure to stay open clashes with the reality that everyone—including you—is burnt out. It’s a tough call. Yet, making the firm decision that we will be closed Christmas isn't just about a single day off; it's a strategic move for long-term retention and operational sanity.
Honestly, many small business owners panic. They think if the lights are off, they’re losing money. But let's look at the math and the psychology behind it.
The retail landscape is shifting. For decades, the "always-open" culture dominated. However, recent trends from industry giants like Costco and Target show a massive pivot toward honoring major holidays. They aren't doing it just to be "nice." They do it because the overhead of staffing a store when foot traffic is predictably weird—or when employees are resentful for missing family time—simply doesn't pay off in the long run.
The Psychological Impact of the Holiday Shutdown
When you announce we will be closed Christmas, you’re sending a signal. You’re telling your team that their life outside the office matters more than a few extra transactions. That builds a type of loyalty you can't buy with a $50 gift card. According to a 2023 study by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), workplace burnout is at an all-time high, and "time affluence"—the feeling of having enough time—is a bigger motivator for many than a small year-end bonus.
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People need to reset. Truly reset.
If your staff is worrying about a shift on December 25th, they aren't working at 100% on the 23rd or 24th. They’re distracted. They’re checking their watches. By closing, you remove that mental weight. It’s a clean break.
Think about the "Recovery Paradox." It’s this idea in organizational psychology where the people who need rest the most are the ones least likely to take it. As a leader, you have to force the issue. By stating clearly that we will be closed Christmas, you give everyone permission to be human.
Setting Expectations Early
Communication is where most businesses mess this up. They wait until December 20th to put a post-it note on the door. That's a recipe for annoyed customers.
You’ve gotta be proactive. Update your Google Business Profile. Change your outgoing voicemail. Put it in your email signature in November. People aren't actually mad that you're closed; they're mad when they show up and find out the hard way. Most customers in 2026 are actually pretty empathetic to the "shop local" and "support employees" movement. They get it. They might even respect you more for it.
Handling the Financial Fear of Being Closed
"But what about the revenue?"
It's the question that keeps every CEO up at night. Let's get real: for many service-based businesses or B2B firms, nothing happens on Christmas anyway. Your clients are offline. Your vendors are offline. Staying "open" often just means paying for electricity and paying staff to scroll through social media. It’s a net loss.
In the retail world, the "lost" revenue is often just shifted. If people know you’re closed on the 25th, they buy on the 23rd. Or they buy online. Or they come back for the post-holiday sales.
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Lessons from the Big Players
Take REI’s "Opt Outside" campaign. While that’s specifically for Black Friday, the principle is identical. They closed their doors and told people to go for a hike. Sales didn't plummet into a black hole. Instead, their brand sentiment skyrocketed. They became the "cool" company that cared.
When you decide we will be closed Christmas, you are essentially running a micro-version of that campaign. You are branding your business as one that values health, family, and sustainability over a few hours of marginal profit.
Logistics: How to Shut Down Properly
It isn't as simple as turning a key and walking away. You need a checklist.
- Social Media: Schedule a post for the 24th reminding people you're off. Don't make it a corporate "Season's Greetings." Make it real. Show a photo of the empty office or a "Gone Fishing" sign.
- Website Banners: If you have an e-commerce wing, put a banner up. "Orders placed today will ship on the 27th." Transparency kills frustration.
- Security: Ensure your systems are set. If you're a physical brick-and-mortar, double-check the alarms. Empty the cash drawers.
- Emergency Contact: Have a "break glass in case of emergency" plan. Who gets the call if a pipe bursts? It shouldn't be the whole team. It should be one designated person on a rotating yearly schedule.
The Nuance of Multi-Cultural Teams
Now, a quick reality check. Not everyone celebrates Christmas. For some of your team, it might just be another Tuesday. This is where nuanced leadership comes in. You can offer the option for people to work if they want to—perhaps on remote tasks or maintenance—but for many businesses, a total shutdown is more efficient than a skeleton crew.
The goal is a collective breath.
Moving Beyond the "Open 24/7" Myth
The internet ruined our perception of time. Because Amazon is always "on," we think we have to be too. But we aren't servers. We’re people. The most successful modern businesses are moving toward a model of "Intense Work, Intense Rest."
When you tell your community we will be closed Christmas, you're participating in a much-needed cultural correction. You're saying that the world won't end if a transaction doesn't happen for 24 hours. And guess what? It won't.
The sun will come up on the 26th. Your customers will still be there. Your staff will be significantly more likely to stick around for the next year. And you might actually get to eat a meal without checking your inbox.
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Immediate Actions for a Smooth Holiday Closure
Don't wait. Start the transition now so it's a seamless part of your yearly rhythm.
- Audit your digital footprint: Check every platform where your hours are listed. Google, Yelp, Facebook, Instagram, and your own site. Update them all by December 1st.
- Draft your "Why": Create a short, authentic blurb for your newsletter. "We’re giving our team time to recharge so we can serve you better in the New Year." It works every time.
- Check your supply chain: Ensure any deliveries scheduled for the 25th are diverted or moved up. Nothing is worse than a pallet of perishable goods sitting on a loading dock while you’re at home.
- Confirm the 26th: Make sure the opening team for the day after is confirmed and ready. The transition back should be as sharp and professional as the shutdown was.
The decision to close is a sign of a healthy, confident business. It shows you have a handle on your operations and a deep respect for your human capital. Enjoy the quiet. The work will be waiting when you get back.