December isn’t just the end of the year! It’s the most important month for strengthening client loyalty. That’s why having a December client appreciation checklist is essential for businesses in construction, home services, real estate, and other relationship-driven industries. Customers are already in a reflective, gratitude-filled mindset, making it the perfect time to reaffirm trust, boost retention, and plant seeds for referrals going into the new year.

Research shows that 80% of customers are more likely to continue doing business with a company that consistently shows appreciation, and referral likelihood increases by up to 50% when clients feel valued. Yet most businesses wait until the last minute or skip appreciation entirely.

This guide breaks down the ultimate December checklist for client appreciation, complete with strategies, examples, and tools to help you finish the year strong.

Along the way, we’ll share how Building Raving Fans’ automated gifting, review tools, and long-term nurture programs can help you create consistent appreciation year-round.

Why December Is the Best Time for Client Appreciation

December naturally puts clients in a mindset of gratitude, reflection, and generosity. When you show up during this period:

• You stay top-of-mind as clients plan for the new year

• You reinforce trust right before renewal or buying cycles

• You create emotional connection during a sentimental season

• You can spark reviews and referrals more easily

For a deeper look at the psychology behind gratitude, see our blog:

👉 “Holiday Marketing vs. Holiday Gratitude: Which One Wins Loyalty?”

The Ultimate December Client Appreciation Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure you’re covering every key touchpoint before the year ends.

1. Send a Warm Holiday Message (Email, Card, or SMS)

A simple, heartfelt message is one of the easiest ways to make clients feel remembered.

Checklist:

✔ Draft and send a holiday email

✔ Add personalization (name, service provided, year reference)

✔ Include a supportive, non-salesy tone

✔ Add your signature or owner’s message

Need inspiration? Check out our blog:

👉 “10 Done-for-You Holiday Messages You Can Send to Your Clients.”

2. Prepare and Deliver Client Appreciation Gifts

Holiday gifting is a powerful retention tool especially in service-based industries. According to data from business gifting platforms, gift recipients are 42% more likely to purchase again within the next six months.

Checklist:

✔ Choose a meaningful, brand-aligned gift

✔ Include a personalized card

✔ Deliver gifts before December 20th

✔ Track who received what for future referencing

Pro Tip: Building Raving Fans offers Automated Gifting & Appreciation Programs so you can set up gifts once and let the system handle the rest no manual logistics.

3. Collect End-of-Year Reviews (Before Clients Get Busy!)

December is one of the best months to boost 5-star reviews because customers are in a generous mood.

Checklist:

✔ Trigger review requests after successful services

✔ Use automation to follow up

✔ Make leaving a review effortless

✔ Thank clients personally once they review

Using BRF’s Raving Fans Reviews Platform and Scan-to-Review QR Code Cards, you can increase review conversions by up to 300%.

4. Send a “Year-in-Review” or “Thank You for an Amazing Year” Message

Clients love hearing how they contributed to your business success.

Checklist:

✔ Highlight milestones you achieved

✔ Mention how clients played a role

✔ Share one small story or client win

✔ Include hopes for the upcoming year

✔ Add a warm, friendly call to stay connected

This builds trust and reinforces the relationship going into the new year.

5. Set Up a January Nurture Sequence

December appreciation is powerful but January follow-up is what turns warm feelings into loyalty.

Checklist:

✔ Create a “Happy New Year” email

✔ Schedule onboarding sequences for new leads

✔ Set a quarterly check-in schedule

✔ Automate long-term nurture campaigns

BRF’s Long-Term Nurture Email Campaigns help you stay top-of-mind without any manual effort.

6. Spotlight Clients on Social Media

Public appreciation shows clients you genuinely value them.

Checklist:

✔ Highlight a client success story

✔ Tag clients (with permission)

✔ Share a “thank you to our amazing clients” post

✔ Add holiday branding to your graphics

This also boosts your social reach organically.

7. Verify That All Client Data Is Updated Before Year-End

Great appreciation relies on accurate information.

Checklist:

✔ Update contact details

✔ Note service history

✔ Tag VIP or high-value clients

✔ Review gifting preferences

✔ Add notes for 2026 planning

This ensures future appreciation efforts are smooth and consistent.

8. Set Up Automated Appreciation Touch points for Next Year

December is the perfect month to plan ahead rather than restart from scratch every year.

Checklist:

✔ Schedule quarterly thank-you messages

✔ Automate review requests

✔ Build a birthday/anniversary campaign

✔ Create a referral nurture sequence

✔ Add seasonal appreciation reminders

For help building a full year-round system, see our blog:

👉 “Building Trust Through Customer Appreciation.”

9. Plan a Post-Holiday Follow-Up

This step is often skipped but it’s where the magic happens.

Checklist:

✔ Send a “Hope your holidays were wonderful!” message

✔ Ask how you can support them in the new year

✔ Offer a free consultation or check-in

✔ Share resources, guides, or client-only tips

10. Evaluate Your Client Experience for the Past Year

Reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and where you can elevate your customers.

Checklist:

✔ Review client feedback and reviews

✔ Identify gaps in communication

✔ Set goals for retention and referrals

✔ Implement automated systems for 2026

The businesses that win in 2026 will be the ones that invest in relationships not just marketing.

Want to simplify your December appreciation strategy? Building Raving Fans can help automate gifting, reviews, and client follow-ups without adding tasks to your plate.

Ready to create a December appreciation plan that keeps clients loyal, engaged, and excited to refer you in 2026?

👉 Book your free Client Experience Strategy Call with Building Raving Fans today.

Let’s build a system that turns customers into lifelong raving fans.