First Friday of December: The Warm-Up Before the Holidays Begin

~The calm before the cheer

There’s something special about the first Friday of December. It’s not the holidays yet, but the mood is shifting. The air feels lighter, the days feel kinder, and people start showing up with a little more patience, a little more joy, and a quiet excitement for what’s coming.

It’s the moment before the moment. The soft drumroll before the celebrations start.

For businesses, this weekend marks the beginning of one of the most meaningful seasons of the year. Customers are slowing down, paying attention differently, and craving connection over noise. They want warmth. They want gratitude. They want to feel like the brands they support actually see them.

And this is where intentional loyalty makes all the difference.

A Season Built on Connection

As the year winds down, people naturally draw closer to familiar places — favourite cafés, neighbourhood stores, trusted service providers. Loyalty isn’t just transactional this time of year; it’s emotional. It’s the comfort of routine in a year that asked a lot from all of us.

Businesses that lean into this feeling to create something powerful. Not just customers, but community.

Why Early December Matters for Loyalty

The biggest festive rush hasn’t arrived yet. People aren’t overwhelmed by shopping lists or travel schedules. This quiet early-December window is the perfect time to remind them how appreciated they are.

Whether it’s:

• a small December reward

• a “thank you for walking this year with us” message

• a double-stamp weekend

• or just a warm note on their loyalty card

…these early touches land deeply. They set the tone. They create goodwill that carries into the chaos of mid-December.

With YumDealz those touches are simple, but the impact is real. A gentle message, a heartfelt moment, a thoughtful reward… that’s what customers remember.

A Month That Celebrates Humanity

December has always had a way of softening people. It invites reflection, gratitude, and togetherness. The three things that sit at the heart of every strong loyalty program.

This month, we’ll be sharing stories about:

• what 2025 taught us about keeping customers genuinely happy

• how small businesses turn everyday shoppers into community

• why gratitude is still the most underrated business strategy

• and what smart, modern loyalty will look like in 2026

But today sets the tone for all of it.

The Holidays Are Still Coming… but the Warmth Starts Now

So here’s to the gentle beginning of the festive season. Here’s to businesses who show heart before they try to sell anything. Here’s to customers who support you even when the year gets tough. And here’s to the quiet magic of early December, a reminder that connection always comes first.

As the holidays approach, start warm.

Start human.

Start with gratitude.

The celebrations will come soon enough. But today? Today is the perfect start.