The holidays can feel like a blur. Between family plans, winter weather, and that last push before year-end, it’s easy to let some things slide. But if you run a local business, staying active on social media over the holidays is still worth your time. In fact, it can be one of the best ways to stay connected with your audience when people are online more and out and about less.
People spend more time scrolling between Christmas and New Year’s. They’re often on their phones at home, looking for gift ideas, local updates, or last-minute shopping hours. Staying active doesn’t mean being glued to your screen. With the right planning—or with help from social media management services—you can keep your presence strong without being online around the clock.
Plan Ahead So You Can Step Away
Once December hits, everything starts moving faster. That’s why it’s smart to prep your social media in advance. You don’t need a full campaign. Just a few scheduled posts can go a long way in keeping people informed and engaged.
Start by building a few light updates for the week between Christmas and New Year’s. This might include:
- A short holiday greeting with a photo of your storefront or team
- Any changes to your hours, days off, or special openings
- A reminder about gift cards or winter products if you offer them
Try to include a good mix—some posts can be purely seasonal, like sharing what the weather’s like in Saskatoon or showcasing a snowy window scene. Others might point to your website or latest blog without pushing anything too hard.
Tools exist to schedule posts ahead of time on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X. Once those are set, you won’t have to think about it again during your time off. It helps keep your feed from going silent, and lets people know you’re still active if they’re thinking about reaching out.
Keep It Light, Local, and Timely
Not every post needs to carry big news. Around the holidays, light and local often work better anyway. People are drawn to posts that feel friendly, relevant, or just plain easy to scroll through.
Think about what makes this season feel real in Saskatoon. Maybe it’s your team wearing toques by the front desk. Or the first big snowfall piling up outside your windows. Even a quick photo of hot drinks in the office can give your feed a cozy, local feel.
Small details matter—like using photos or short videos that match the time of year. Winter lighting tends to be softer, so embrace that tone. You could also post a question: “How are you staying warm this week?” or “What’s your go-to holiday movie on a snowy night?”
These kinds of prompts help keep engagement going, even if fewer people are buying or booking right now. It’s more about reminding your audience that you’re still here with them, in the same weather, sharing the same season.
Know When (and Where) to Show Up
Choosing where to post matters, especially over the holidays. When people have time off, their habits shift a bit. Instagram and Facebook often get more use during slow evenings. Email may get skipped altogether. And platforms like X may be more about skimming than serious updates.
To keep things simple, focus on just one or two channels where you’ve seen traction before. Maybe it’s Instagram stories, if your audience likes visuals. Or Facebook updates for clients who may check in quickly. The goal isn’t to be everywhere—it’s to be somewhere that still feels active.
And timing your posts can help. You don’t need daily updates, but one well-timed story every two or three days works. A quick photo with a few words can remind people of your presence without overwhelming their feeds.
Even one thoughtful post can go a long way in a quiet season. You’re showing you care and giving people a reason to keep your name in mind—without needing to post nonstop.
How Social Media Management Services Make a Difference
Handling all of this on your own can feel like just another thing on your holiday list. That’s where social media management services really come in handy. They offer more than just help with posting—they think ahead for you.
When someone else handles the schedule, writes up posts, and keeps an eye on interactions, you can actually disconnect for a few days. It keeps your content flowing and your notifications in check, even when you’re offline.
Beyond the basics, professionals can help make calls on tone and timing. Should you post on New Year’s Eve? Maybe. Should you respond to that late-night comment? Probably not right away. With smart support, you don’t have to guess on these answers—someone is watching and adjusting as needed.
Slower seasons also bring unexpected hiccups or sudden chances to engage with people. Having someone tuned in and ready to shift gears gives you peace of mind that things won’t be missed while you’re out of the loop.
YXE Marketing’s social media management services include post planning, scheduling, and daily comment or message monitoring, so Saskatoon businesses stay connected through any season.
A Better Start to the New Year
When January hits, many businesses feel like they’re starting from scratch. But if you’ve been posting steadily through the holidays, you already have momentum. Customers remember your updates, feel connected, and are more likely to return to you as routines pick up again.
A quiet plan now pays off in better results later. Even a few thoughtful posts can stir engagement, build trust, and create a stronger lead into the new season.
By keeping your content active over the break—however simple or light it may be—you improve your chances of staying top of mind. When winter fades and people start moving about more, your channels are already warmed up, connected, and ready to keep going.
Planning ahead for winter downtime can make a big difference. We’ve seen how steady posting through the holidays helps Saskatoon businesses stay visible and gain momentum for the new year—without adding stress to your plate. Our social media management services are built to keep things running while you take a real break. Let YXE Marketing know how we can support your content and give you a stronger head start this January.