Christmas Blogging Without Undoing What You’ve Done

It’s officially Christmastime. Today is what many retailers call Black Monday. The day after Thanksgiving Day when many people are still on vacation and the malls are open. They go shopping.

My wife got a call this morning at 7:30 a.m. from her youngest child. It was 6:30 a.m. in Texas where she lives. She and her stepmother were on their way to the mall for some holiday shopping. This is also the day that my wife usually likes to set up the Christmas tree. So it’s a big day in our family (and, I suspect, in most families).

But your business is your business and you have to do what’s right for your business. If you have a retail blog and you are ready to start talking about the Christmas season, how much is too much and how much is enough? Should you discuss Christmas on your non-retail business blog?

I think anything that draws you closer to your customers and the people you want to be your customers is good. But you do have a reputation and you want your customers to respect that. So don’t overdo it. If your business is not a traditional “Christmas” business then it’s OK to post some thoughts on the holiday season as long as you don’t do it every day. The first thing you need to keep in mind is the need of your target audience. Do they expect you to discuss Christmas? Will they be turned off if you do? Is a Happy Holiday greeting appropriate or should you be more specific (Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, etc.)?

In other words, think before you write it, but don’t be afraid to do it. Stay focused on the real mission.