The holidays are a time to connect, celebrate, and help your business stand out. Is your phone system ready to handle the season’s demands? From sharing holiday hours and promoting seasonal offers to setting the tone with festive on-hold music, this checklist has everything you need to get your phone system ready and make the most of this busy time.
1. Update menu options with a Holiday Greeting
Start with a warm, professional holiday greeting that expresses your gratitude and sets the tone for a great customer experience.
- Before:
Thank you for calling ABC Solutions.
If you know your party’s extension, you may press it at any time.
For Sales, press 1.
For Support, press 2.
And for all other calls, please remain on the line. - After:
Happy Holidays, and thank you for calling ABC Solutions!
If you know your party’s extension, you may press it at any time.
For Sales, press 1.
For Support, press 2.
And for all other calls, please remain on the line.
Updating your greeting demonstrates thoughtfulness, showing customers that your business is active, engaged, and in tune with the season. This simple touch helps builds a connection with callers and leaves a positive impression during a potentially hectic time for customers.
2. Let Callers know about Holiday hours
Avoid confusion by ensuring your phone system includes clear, proactive messaging about upcoming closures, special hours, or limited availability.
- Upcoming Closure (Plays Before the Holiday):
Thank you for calling ABC Automotive.
Please note, we will be closing early on December 24th at 1 PM in observance of the holiday.
If you know your party’s extension, you may press it at any time.
For Sales, press 1.
For all other calls, please remain on the line. - Return to Office (Plays During the Holiday):
Thank you for calling ABC Automotive. Our representatives are out of the office for the holiday season.
We will reopen on Monday, January 2nd.
To leave a message for our Sales department, please press 1,
Or please remain on the line to leave a message in our general mailbox.
Setting clear expectations keeps customers informed and builds trust.
3. Update your voicemail with a holiday message
Don’t overlook voicemail—it’s often the first point of contact for after-hours callers. A thoughtful voicemail helps callers feel acknowledged during the holidays, even when your team isn’t available. Express gratitude, share special hours, or wish your callers a happy holiday season.
- Before:
You’ve reached XYZ Company. We’re currently unavailable. Please leave a message, and we’ll return your call as soon as possible. - After:
Happy Holidays! Thank you for calling XYZ Company. We’re currently unavailable, but we’ll return your call as soon as possible. Our holiday hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM. Have a wonderful holiday season!
4. Promote Holiday Specials with on-hold messagES
Use on-hold time to inform customers and make the most of their wait.
- Highlight Seasonal Sales: Announce discounts, bundle deals, or limited-time offers.
- Promote Holiday Events: Share details about in-store holiday events or online exclusives.
- Announce Changes in Hours: Keep callers updated about closures or special hours.
- Share Gift Ideas: Suggest popular products or services as holiday gifts.
- Express Gratitude: Thank customers for their loyalty and wish them a joyful season.
Engaging on-hold messages show you value your customers’ time. A thoughtful on-hold message ensures your callers stay informed and in the holiday spirit while they wait.
5. Select festive on-hold holiday music
Set the mood with cheerful holiday tracks. Snap Recordings offers a wide selection of albums, including:
- Christmas Classics: A mix of holiday instrumentals, perfect for a festive mood.
- Christmas Party: Kitschy, eclectic holiday tunes for a playful, fun vibe.
- Christmas - Modern Takes: Modern, groovy takes on Holiday music without sounding too traditional.
- Holidays: Timeless melodies for a warm, universal holiday atmosphere.
- Piano Lounge: Elegant Jazzy piano instrumentals for an upscale holiday vibe.
- Family Memories: Cozy, acoustic tunes for a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
- Winter Symphony : Classical orchestral music for a timeless caller experience.
- Holiday Nostalgia: Vintage-inspired music that sounds like your favorite classic Christmas movie.
Explore Holiday Music Options here
Did you know? RealVoice+Music and Phonzai subscribers can use the Mixer App to instantly update hold music and create ready-to-use holiday messages at no extra cost!
Click here to learn more!
6. SChedule your holiday message changes
Automate your updates to stay organized and stress-free.
Did you know most phone systems allow you to schedule updates in advance? Ensure after-hours menus, out-of-office voicemails, and holiday greetings activate on time without interrupting your plans.
Tips:
- Plan Early: Identify which messages need updates—hours, promotions, or greetings.
- Use Automation: Set up scheduled changes to activate and deactivate at the right times.
- Audit Updates: Check that new messages are installed and to ensure everything works seamlessly.
Automation keeps your phone system reliable, even during the busiest times.
Make the Holidays easier with Snap Recordings!
Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare your phone system for the holidays. Whether you prefer the flexibility of Phonzai’s instant AI-powered voices and writing assistance or the premium touch of real, professional voice talent, Snap Recordings has flexible plans to fit your needs—from one-time purchases to subscriptions.
Need help writing messages? Check out our Script Library or learn more about AI writing Assistance.
With Snap Recordings, you’ll have everything you need to deliver a festive and professional experience for your callers this holiday season!
