A Festive Cheer for the Best Out Of Office emails for the Holiday Season – The Daily Dose of Digital – 19/12/24

It’s getting to that time of year where people strategically book a few days off either side of Christmas and the New Year to give themselves a break. Or to deal with the last-minute Christmas shopping. Either way, slapping on your “Out of Office” auto-responder in your email platform of choice is somehow so satisfying!

Increasingly, it seems people are using these OOO emails to bring a bit of festive cheer (perhaps knowing that most people see the subject line and click delete, so they can get away with it). In today’s more light-hearted Daily Dose, I’ll share some of the best I've seen this year from around the internet. Be sure to leave your favourites in the comments if I miss any!

Disclaimer: I cannot be held responsible for any job losses as a result of you using any of these options!

The HoHoHilarious Holiday OOO Emails

Out-of-office emails during the holiday season can often be bland, but creative & witty responses bring smiles. Here are a few classics:

1. The Blunt Realist "I am out of the office until [date]. I have full access to phone and email but refuse to use them for work."

Why it works: This OOO resonates because its got a pretty candid, tongue-in-cheek tone. It breaks the monotony of professional-sounding auto-responses and reflects a relatable holiday sentiment of disconnecting from work entirely.

When to avoid it: In ultra-formal corporate settings, humour like this might be misunderstood. Use with caution if your audience expects professionalism at all times.

2. The Die Hard Dilemma "Sorry I missed you. I’m out of the office and slow to respond until after the break. While I have you, though, help settle an argument: What was the best Die Hard movie? (1) The Office Christmas Party Gone Wrong; (2) Airport Conspiracy; (3) Samuel L. Jackson. Enough said!"

Why it works: Injecting a bit of pop culture into an Xmas OOO email makes it memorable and engaging. It encourages interaction and provides the sender with a fun post-holiday thread to follow up on.

When to avoid it: If recipients are unlikely to appreciate light-hearted debates or if your industry avoids pop culture references in communication. Duh.

3. The Ultimate Gratitude List "I’m out of the office until [date]. While you’re here, let me share what I’m grateful for this holiday season: Coffee, my team, our clients... did I mention coffee? Oh, and a break from emails. Wishing you a warm, festive season!"

Why it works: This template strikes a balance between warmth and professionalism. It subtly acknowledges clients and colleagues, making it versatile for most industries.

When to avoid it: Rarely. However, ensure it doesn’t feel overly generic if sent to high-value contacts.

4. The Recipe Recommendation "Ho ho ho! I will be out of the office until [date], indulging in Christmas cookies and watching Home Alone on repeat. Here’s my favourite gingerbread recipe if you’d like to join the festive fun!"

Why it works: Is this a bit of a ‘Karen from Accounts’ email? Maybe, but adding a recipe personalises your OOO email and conveys a sense of sharing and community. Which tis what the season’s all about, innit?

When to avoid it: If your audience might find the recipe irrelevant or the email overly casual.

Over-the-Top OOO Examples

For those aiming to stand out, here are the quirkiest templates that push the boundaries:

1. The Sarcastic Deletion Warning "I will be on holiday from [date] to [date]. Each person may send me one email while I am gone. I will randomly delete multiple emails from you until only one is left. You have already sent me one email."

Why it works: It’s just funny! This comedic tone adds a playful yet attention-grabbing spin to standard OOO messages. It shows personality in a way few would expect. But also, talks to the inbox move we all pull on day 1 back from annual leave… select all… delete! (I am joking! Or am I…?)

When to avoid it: Be cautious with audiences who might take the sarcasm literally or are unfamiliar with your sense of humour.

2. The Rebellious Escape Artist "I’ve run away to join the circus. A different one. Back on [date]."

Why it works: Short and whimsical, this message conveys your break with humour while leaving a lasting impression.

When to avoid it: Avoid using it with external clients or anyone who might interpret the tone as flippant.

3. The ‘Sorry, Not Sorry’ Reply "Oh hey, it’s Christmas, what are you doing emailing me? I’m busy watching Elf and being 90% Wine & Cheese. Back in January!"

Why it works: It feels like a conversation rather than an automated message, engaging the recipient with relatable humour.

When to avoid it: If your recipient might not appreciate this level of casualness.

So, your OOO is going ON!!! Is it Christmas now?

These festive Out of Office emails show that even the most mundane, automated interactions can become moments of delight. From witty humour to heartfelt gratitude, there's a template for everyone. The festive season is the perfect excuse to inject creativity into your emails and leave a memorable impression.

I’d like to leave you with a poem from Christmas icon John McClane: “Yippee-Ki-Yay, motherf**ker!"

Which of these OOO emails is your favourite? Have one to add? Let me know in the comments below!