What’s Your Small Biz Holiday Alter-Ego?

It’s that time of year again — hot cocoa season, twinkling lights everywhere, and that sacred holiday tradition: curling up on the couch to rewatch the same comfort movies where we say we’ll only watch one… and then accidentally binge three.

And isn’t it funny how certain characters stick with us over time? Not just because they’re festive — but because we start to see ourselves in them. And let’s be honest… our businesses usually end up reflecting that energy too.

Some years, you feel like Santa: over-caffeinated, over-giving, still somehow magical. Other years? Full Grinch — protective of your peace and likely to growl at your inbox.

Some days you’re Rudolph — quietly holding everything together while everyone underestimates you. And then there are seasons where you feel a little like Jack Skellington — talented, restless, dreaming of something more, maybe pivoting a little too fast for your own good.

So, tell me… which holiday character is your brand this season? Let’s find out — pop-quiz style. No studying required. (December brains are already tired.)

The Holiday Character Pop Quiz: 

Answer honestly… or semi-honestly. It’s the holidays afterall!

1. Your inbox hits 247 unread emails. You…

A) Turn on holiday music and reply like a cheerful keyboard elf

B) Close the laptop and whisper, “Not today, Whoville.”

C) Quietly tackle it after hours while nobody’s watching

D) Start replying at lightning speed with bold new ideas and half a plan

2. A customer places a last-minute rush order.

A) “Absolutely! We’d love to help!”

B) Heavy sigh… but you still take it

C) You handle it calmly and quietly — again

D) You say yes impulsively and figure out the details later

3. Holiday marketing planning sounds like…

A) Canva + jingles + cookies = JOY

B) Coffee + blank document + stress stare

C) Simple, steady, behind-the-scenes consistency

D) A bold new campaign that no one asked for — but you’re excited anyway

4. Team gifts?

A) Personalized mugs + bonuses + handwritten notes

B) Coffee gift cards and a very sincere “great job”

C) Thoughtful but low-key gifts you picked quietly

D) Big dramatic gesture… possibly ordered too late

5. Office decor?

A) Garland, lights, and a wreath that’s a little extra B) One lonely ornament on a plant (it counts) C) Subtle lights that only you notice

D) A full theme that shifts halfway through December

6. Your December mantra:

A) “Gratitude, giving, and growth!”

B) “Protect my peace. And my Wi-Fi.”

C) “Quiet strength, one step at a time.”

D) “There has to be more than this…”

7. A client emails at 9pm asking for changes “by morning.”

A) Boundaries + kindness + sparkle

B) The Grinch glare is instant

C) You handle it silently and move on

D) You respond with three new ideas they didn’t ask for

8. Holiday networking event invite

A) Festive sweater on, business cards ready

B) Pajamas are more fun than people

C) You’ll attend quietly and leave early

D) You show up, charm the room, and pitch something wild

Your Results Are In…

Mostly A’s → You’re SANTA

Warm, generous, organized chaos with a big heart. Your brand runs on gratitude and holiday cheer!

Santa’s Realistic Holiday Strategy

• Lean into gratitude marketing — thank-you posts, client appreciation emails & phone calls

• Run a “12 Days of Local Love” or spotlight series

• Block one non-negotiable no-work hour each week (yes, even Santa rests)

Mostly B's → You’re SANTA

Not mean - just strategic. Your brand is protecting its energy in a tough economy, but in clever ways.

Grinch’s Holiday Strategy

• Automate everything possible

• Run one simple, strong campaign (Year-End Deals work great)

• Repurpose last year’s content with new captions

Mostly C’s → You’re RUDOLPH (Yes… the female reindeer twist!)

Your steady, carrying the load seamlessly and steadfastly while everyone else panics.

(PSSST: Did you know only female reindeer keep their antlers in winter. So technically? Rudolph is a woman. And honestly… that tracks).

Rudolph’s Holiday Strategy

• Focus on customer loyalty over flashy promotions

• Send thoughtful check-ins instead of constant sales blasts

• Offer quiet bonuses or VIP perks

Mostly D’s → You’re JACK SKELLINGTON

Talented. Visionary. Relentless. You crave reinvention. And your brand shines all the more for it.

Jack’s Holiday Strategy

• Channel big ideas into one controlled experiment

• Test a new offer without overhauling your whole business

• Let data (not just excitement) guide decisions

• Balance vision with sustainability so Christmas doesn’t… you know… collapse

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Final Thoughts

Whether you’re Santa, a Grinch, a Rudolph, or a Jack Skellington, remember this:

Small businesses are the real holiday magic — creating jobs, community, creativity, culture, and hope.

So, raise your mug (peppermint mocha, hot cocoa, or Grinch-strength espresso) …and give yourself some credit. You’re doing GREAT.

Now go spread some cheer…or at least send some polite invoice reminders.

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Need help making your brand shine this season?

Email me at debbieg@bizmadeez.com. I’d love to help you with your branding and marketing so your small business can sleigh the holidays. 🎁