Overview
Christmas is a widely-observed holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, celebrated (generally) on December 25 by millions of people around the world. Christmas is a civil holiday in many of the world’s nations, and is celebrated by an increasing number of non-Christians.
See the Holiday Promotion Guide for the comprehensive approach to this topic.
Details
Though customs and traditions vary from country to country, popular themes include gift giving, Christmas music and caroling, church celebrations, special meals, and the display of various Christmas decorations (Christmas tree, Christmas lights, nativity scenes, etc.). In addition, several closely related / interchangeable figures, known as Santa Claus, Father Christmas, St. Nicholas or St. Nick, are associated with bringing gifts to children during the Christmas season.
Trivia
- The poem, “The Night Before Christmas,” published anonymously in 1823, is generally credited for creating the modern day idea of Santa Claus.
- Germany is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition as we now know it in the 16th century.
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer got his start as part of an advertising campaign for department store Montgomery Ward in 1939.
Celebrating Suggestions
- Serve hot apple cider on busy days in your retail store.
- Create a 12-Days of “Your” product of service. Feature a product or service every day for 12 days leading up to Christmas.
- Host a holiday party for your friends and family, customer and neighbors. Bring in local musicians or children’s choirs, and collect toys or canned goods for a local charity.
- If you operate a restaurant or café, send Christmas cards to local businesses letting them know about your in-house or off-site catering!
- Help your customers get their holiday shopping done by creating a Christmas shopping list for them. Include folks like, the dog walker, your hair stylist, your babysitter, etc., and suggest items from your store.
- Create curb appeal. Decorate the outside of your store with wreaths, doormats, or a decorated Christmas tree.
- Let your customers know about your catering services well in advance of this Christmas party and dinner season – offer packages for “easy entertaining,” or “hosting a crowd.”
See our LSMerriment series for many, many more ideas for Christmas promotions.
