Everyone needs a break. Yes, even busy entrepreneurs and small business owners like you need to spend time with family and friends during the Christmas holidays. Auto-reply messages will ensure that even when you’re out celebrating, your callers will get a professional response.

Why should you know how to set auto-reply messages to calls and texts? Because it makes your business look professional. If your clients or customers call, they would know that you respect them enough to explain your absence. It also tells them what to do if they can’t reach you.

Christmas auto-reply message samples for business owners

Setting up auto-reply messages on iOS and Android is easy. With these samples, now you’ll have more than enough to choose from.

From the owner of a traditional business

Hi, thank you for your call. Unfortunately, I’m out of the office from ____ to _____ for the Christmas holidays. If it’s urgent, you may reach ______ on ________. Thank you for your patience. I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Hi, I’m currently out of the office for the Christmas holidays. I’ll be back on ______. In case you don’t get a reply from me after ______, I request you to send a follow-up email or message. Thank you for your patience.

From a professional and friendly manager or owner

Hi, sorry you couldn’t reach me. I am on my Christmas holiday and will return by _____. If you have an urgent query, please either call ______ on ________ or email _______. If not, I’ll get back to you when I’m back in the office. Thank you. Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Hey, thank you for your call. I am on holiday right now. I’ll get back to you when I’m back in the office on _______. I appreciate your understanding and wish you a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

From someone who’ll not be checking their messages

Hi, sorry you couldn’t reach me. As I am enjoying my Christmas holiday, I decided – with a lot of help from my family – that I need a much-needed digital detox. So, I won’t be checking calls, texts or emails until I’m back on _______. If it’s an urgent message, please email ________.

Hey, I’m out of the office on the Christmas holidays until ______. This is my phone-free, email-free, text-free time. Sorry, I will be completely unreachable. I’ll respond when I’m back. Thank you for your patience.

From someone who will occasionally check their messages

Hi, I’m on Christmas holiday until _______. During the break, I might check my calls and messages once in a while. If I do see your message, I’ll respond. Otherwise, I’ll get back to you when I’m back in the office.

Hi, I’m on Christmas holiday. While I’ve promised everyone that I won’t be checking my messages, on the off chance I do, I’ll respond. In case I don’t see your message, I’ll reply when I’m back in the office on _______.

From somebody who is definitely in the festive spirit!

Hi, as per Santa’s instructions, I won’t be checking calls or messages from ______ to ______ while on the Christmas holidays. I’ve been ordered to spend time with my family and that’s what I’ll be doing. I’ll get back to you when I’m back in the office. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones!

In short

Auto-reply messages need not be confined to holidays. With a second-line app, you’ll get that as a standard feature that you can easily set up when you’re out of the office or during weekends.