Now that we’ve passed Halloween, and entered November, it’s almost like society has permitted us to start thinking about the Christmas holidays. Adverts are popping up online, and on social media, stores are quickly replacing Halloween costumes and decorations with their festive counterparts and Christmas countdowns are starting. If you work for yourself, you might have already started on your Christmas advertising campaigns, and stock preparations.
While most of us complain that Christmas starts earlier every year, there’s no denying that when it starts, it hurtles towards us at an alarming rate. We go from beginning to think about shopping lists and preparations to running out of time, terrifyingly quickly, and the big day is here before we know it.
You might have already started to think about your shopping and planning gifts that you need to buy. But, many of us wait for black Friday, to check deals before we start to spend money. Your diary might be filling up with events, but here are some of the critical dates for your Christmas planning diary.
Christmas Jumper Day- December 13th
Of course, Christmas isn’t just a way for retailers to make more money. Christmas Jumper Day is a Save the Children campaign, aimed to raise money. Many schools and workplaces around the world take part, and it can be good fun and a chance to look at Christmas shirts to help you celebrate.
Single’s Day – November 11th
Singles Day is the opposite of Valentine’s Day. It’s when single people, all over China come together to celebrate by treating themselves to gifts, treats, cards and chocolates. Celebrated on 11/11, to represent four singles, standing together, Single’s Day has become the most massive online shopping day in the world, as the celebrations have traveled out of China. While Single’s Day is not an officially recognized holiday, Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba hosts huge sales for 24 hours to mark the occasion, and give people a greater chance to treat themselves.
Grey Thursday – November 28th
As Black Friday has grown, many retailers have looked for ways to get ahead of the competition. A popular choice is starting a day earlier, either in-store or online. Grey Thursday is like a warm-up for the main event for many.
Black Friday – November 29th
Black Friday has quickly become a worldwide phenomenon, with everyone from global business to small independents hosting their biggest sale of the year. In 2018, spending increased by around 7.3% on 2017, and huge deals are expected once more.
Small Business Saturday – November 30th
Small businesses struggle to compete with huge Black Friday deals. Many find the festive period difficult, as customers shop big online sales instead of making the trip to the shops. Small Business Saturday is when we are encouraged to shop local, and when small businesses support each other. There may not be huge discounts, but it’s a great time to support your local community.
Cyber Monday – December 2nd
Cyber Monday is often the last big sales day before Christmas. Originally it was a way to encourage consumers to shop online, after the in-store discounts on Black Friday. Now, it’s just another chance to buy.
