Here’s a fall checklist to help you prepare for upcoming holidays like Thanksgiving, Advent and Christmas. This list includes marketing, social media and community outreach reminders.
September/Early October: Planning Phase
-
Set Holiday Calendar
-
Schedule important dates: Thanksgiving, Advent Sundays, Christmas Eve/Day services.
-
Plan any special events: Thanksgiving meals, Advent candle lighting, Christmas pageants, etc.
-
-
Organize Volunteer Teams
-
Assign leaders for different activities: service projects, decorating, marketing, hospitality.
-
Schedule volunteer sign-ups for events like food drives or caroling.
-
-
Design Event Themes & Graphics
-
Create branding for each holiday event: colors, logos, and themes for Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas.
-
Coordinate with graphic designers for flyers, social media, and website banners.
-
-
Plan Outreach Initiatives
-
Contact local charities for Thanksgiving and Christmas service projects (e.g., food banks, coat drives). Begin promotion for these events within your congregation and through community partners.
-
Mid October: Marketing and Promotions
-
Thanksgiving Service & Outreach Prep
-
Plan and promote a Thanksgiving worship service.
-
Organize a community meal or food drive with details posted on the website and social media.
-
-
Social Media Content Calendar
-
Start scheduling holiday-themed posts across platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, etc.). Focus on gratitude, hope, and giving.
-
Share stories or testimonials of church service projects and how people can get involved.
-
-
Community Partnerships
-
Partner with local businesses or organizations to host community-wide Thanksgiving or Christmas events.
-
Coordinate advertising with community boards, local press, and neighborhood social media groups.
-
-
Begin Promoting Advent
-
Advertise Advent services (in-person and online).
-
Create an Advent devotional guide to share with members and online followers.
-
Early November: Thanksgiving Final Prep
-
Finalize Thanksgiving Details
-
Confirm volunteers for the meal, food drives, or service projects.
-
Send reminders to the congregation about Thanksgiving service and community events.
-
-
Thanksgiving Marketing Blitz
-
Push final promotions for the Thanksgiving service/event via email blasts, social media posts, and flyers.
-
Include reminders in church announcements and bulletins.
-
-
Post-Thanksgiving Gratitude Campaign
-
Encourage the congregation to share what they are thankful for on social media.
-
Share images from Thanksgiving events (with permission) and highlight impact stories.
-
Late November: Advent Launch
-
Decorate the Church
-
Set up Advent wreaths, Christmas lights, and decorations.
-
Post photos of the transformation on social media to build excitement.
-
-
Host an Advent Kickoff Event
-
Plan a community-wide or congregation-only event to mark the start of Advent.
-
Share Advent resources (daily devotionals, prayer guides) and invite people to Advent services.
-
-
Advent Sermon Series
-
Promote your Advent sermon series theme and scripture references.
-
Share teaser videos or posts on social media about what to expect.
-
-
Daily/Weekly Advent Content
-
Schedule weekly Advent reflections or prayers on social media.
-
Highlight one service project or giving opportunity each week of Advent (food drives, toy donations, etc.).
-
December: Christmas Prep and Promotions
-
Promote Christmas Eve/Day Services
-
Create event pages for Christmas Eve/Day services and invite the community.
-
Share details about children’s pageants, special music, or other unique aspects of the service.
-
-
Christmas Marketing Campaign
-
Ramp up social media posts, focusing on the message of hope, peace, and joy.
-
Send email invitations to congregation members and encourage them to share with friends.
-
-
Community Outreach
-
Organize caroling events, gift drives for underprivileged families, or visits to nursing homes.
-
Publicize these efforts locally and online to encourage participation.
-
-
Prepare Christmas Eve Programs
-
Finalize orders of service, program handouts, and multimedia needs.
-
Share a sneak peek of the service (e.g., choir rehearsal, behind-the-scenes video) on social media.
-
-
Follow-up & Thank You
-
After Christmas, send thank you notes to volunteers, donors, and community partners.
-
Share photos and testimonies from Advent and Christmas events online, highlighting the church’s impact.
-
This checklist will ensure a well-organized and impactful holiday season for your church community, both in-person and online.