We’re always looking for content ideas, right? Whether it’s blog posts, articles, newsletters, or social media post ideas, we can never get enough. While evergreen content (information that is relevant over a very long terms) is a powerful goal, these last few days before Christmas can be an ideal time to shine with targeted, timely content.
As always, the goal is engagement so you want to share things that people will interact with. We also want to point out the importance of shopping local/shopping small this time of year. Ideal content either entertains, educates or inspires. A great piece can do all three. The small business season social media post ideas contained in this article can be used as posts or expanded to become a blog, article, or interview/livestream. Vary the media so that everyone’s favorite way to consume content is represented.
Here are a few ideas as we round out the year.
51 Engaging Social Media Post Ideas for the End of December
- List of restaurants open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. Gold star if you only post places that have open reservations (at the time of writing).
- Caroling activities or other special “Christmas-y” events.
- A list of what people want for Christmas/the holidays.
- Info on local nonprofits. This is a big time of year for them and they would appreciate the extra plug.
- Feel good stories about members who have overcome something difficult in 2022 or have helped others do the same.
- A round-up post of some of your most popular content or “Best of 2022.”
- Last-minute gift ideas from members. Ask member businesses about ideal gifts that they may not have thought of or along those same lines, and ask them what the hot seller(s) is in their store.
- Pictures of the prettiest holiday spots in your town.
- Pictures of a local makers’ market. Bonus points if you interview some of the sellers about what inspires them.
- A “this or that” question like “Do you want a white Christmas or a warm Christmas?
- Invite people to post pictures of their favorite local lights display.
- Invite people to share the best deal they scored during their holiday shopping.
- Give a shout-out to specific people who have brightened your holiday and invite others to do the same.
- Invite people to name their favorite business with the best holiday decor, the best source for Christmas ornaments, or any other topic.
- Share a close-up picture and ask people to guess where you took it.
- Dress up like a favorite holiday character and (try to) conduct serious chamber interviews.
- Share favorite holiday memories in town.
- Ask people about their favorite holiday song.
- Play Whamegeddon. Official rules are here but if you hear the song Last Christmas by Wham you’re out of the competition. Ask people to post if they are still in or when they are knocked out.
- Create a contest inviting people to change the lyrics of Jingle Bells to something about your town. Post videos of them singing it and give a local gift card to the person with the best song.
- Visit a retirement home and talk to people about their previous jobs and advice they might give to those currently in the workforce. Get them on video (media release signed, of course).
- Post a funny end-of-year card or a serious infographic of everything you’ve accomplished in the community.
- List creative recycled gift-wrapping ideas with a nod to building a better environment.
- Ask people what they’re doing for New Year’s Eve.
- Ask about the best hostess gift or gift for teachers.
- Line up local stores to share their favorite gift idea for the impossible-to-buy-for or people you don’t know well.
- Spotlight creative local last-minute gift ideas.
- Highlight services as gifts.
- List places to get last-minute prepared Christmas dinner or dinner for a crowd. No one says you have to be the one to cook. Plus, people may not realize they can get the whole meal done by a local restaurant, caterer, or grocery.
- Talk about what you’re thankful for. (You don’t have to save it for Thanksgiving.)
- Share some of the big things you’re working on for 2023.
- Share last-minute gift card specials from members.
- Ask people about their resolutions.
- Create a round-up post of trainers and gyms “just in case.”
- Provide tips for your businesses on how to attract last-minute shoppers.
- Post a funny (or not-so-funny) meme about waiting for packages to arrive before the big day. (This is also a good time to talk about the value of shopping local.)
- Spotlight fun pet gifts or places to buy them.
- Ask about the best place to get hot chocolate or another holiday favorite.
- Promote your local currency or gift card as an ideal last-minute gift that helps local businesses.
- Highlight local artisanal cocktails. Post images. (Image below by Gaby Dyson on Unsplash)
- Post pictures of pets dressed up for the holidays.
- Highlight mental health services for those who have difficulties with the holidays.
- Place a call for volunteers or non-profit wishlists.
- Remind people to leave reviews for their favorite products, services, and businesses.
- Create a post that invites people to nominate their favorite server / bartender / delivery person (or other service-oriented occupation). Draw a winner on Christmas Eve and give them a local gift card.
- Ask people how they spend Christmas Eve or what they traditionally eat for the holidays.
- Settle important debates like whole cranberries or jelled (chopped up or sliced).
- Create a virtual White Elephant gift exchange. To participate all they need to do is share a picture of the weirdest gift they’ve ever seen or received. Encourage people to post where they found it. One person’s trash is another person’s treasure.
- Find out if any local pet boarders have availability. Someone may be scrambling to find a place for their dear furry friend.
- Ask service providers about their most in-demand service this time of year. Encourage them to post any specials or openings they may have.
- Ask people to share pictures of something specific that says “Christmas” specifically in your area. You could use the theme of a cozy fireplace, snowmen, winter sports, or flip-flops.
While these social media post ideas aren’t specific to the chamber, these are topics that will get you engagement and shares. They can also be a good way to connect with your members and help them feel like you are sending business their way. This is an ideal time to show the community that you know what they need and that you’re there to provide it while at the same time joining in on all the holiday fun.
