The Day After Thanksgiving: When Everyone Calls Their CFO

I was chatting with my CFO partner, Anna Reyes Agnew, recently, and we found ourselves laughing about a shared experience that every CFO knows all too well: the day after a holiday. It’s that moment when the world seems to wake up all at once, and CFOs become the go-to for every question, concern, and “urgent” request.

Anna put it beautifully: "The day after a holiday, it’s like everyone collectively remembers they have a CFO—and they all call at the same time." Whether it’s pent-up questions that brewed over the holiday, last-minute financial requests, or the inevitable crunch to meet year-end goals, it’s a predictable and oddly unifying experience.

Why the "Day After" Hits So Hard

As Anna and I talked, we unpacked why the day after a holiday feels like such a perfect storm:

1. The Holiday Pause Effect: The natural lull during holidays gives people time to reflect on lingering business issues. When operations resume, those thoughts translate into action.
2. Deadlines Amplified: The calendar doesn’t stop for holidays. Whether it’s year-end reporting, tax planning, or a deal closing, deadlines often loom right after a holiday.
3. Budget Season Crunch: Holidays often coincide with the budget planning cycle, adding to the urgency as companies race to finalize numbers for the new year.
4. Cash Flow Anxiety: For businesses tied to holiday sales cycles, the first day back is the moment of reckoning for revenue results—and the questions pour in.

The Role of CFOs in Managing the Chaos

Anna and I agreed that the “day after” isn’t just a moment of stress; it’s an opportunity to demonstrate leadership. CFOs don’t just field questions—we provide clarity and direction during times when businesses feel the most pressure.

Here are a few insights we shared on how to manage this unique challenge:

• Get Ahead of It: CFOs who anticipate the post-holiday rush can reduce the chaos. Sending pre-holiday updates, finalizing reports early, and clarifying team responsibilities can make the “day after” much smoother.
• Embrace the Opportunity: Anna shared how she uses the day after to connect with her team and key stakeholders. It’s a chance to show responsiveness, reinforce priorities, and build trust.
• Leverage Technology: Tools like dashboards, automated reports, and collaborative platforms can streamline responses and reduce repetitive questions.

A Call for Patience and Preparation

As much as the day after a holiday can be overwhelming for CFOs, it’s also a chance for teams to reflect on how they approach financial leadership. Anna and I both agreed that teams can help by:

• Consolidating questions into focused requests.
• Preparing all relevant data before reaching out.
• Understanding that CFOs are juggling multiple priorities on these high-demand days.

A Lighthearted Reminder

At one point in our conversation, Anna joked, "We should just block our calendars the day after every holiday." While tempting, we both know that’s not how leadership works. Instead, we face the day with humor, preparation, and an extra-large cup of coffee.

Wrapping It Up

The day after a holiday is more than just a busy day—it’s a reminder of the unique role CFOs play in keeping businesses on track. It’s a challenge, yes, but it’s also an opportunity to lead with grace under pressure.

So, to my fellow CFOs, here’s to handling the post-holiday chaos with professionalism and a sense of humor. And to everyone else, thank your CFO today. They’re probably in the middle of their third cup of coffee, juggling spreadsheets, and answering your call.

Authors

Anna Reyes Agnew, MBA, CTP is a Partner at the Florida CFO Group, a Certified Treasury Professional, and multi-lingual. As an Operational CFO with over 15 years of CFO experience in 29+ industries, Anna's hands-on, collaborative, results-oriented approach has driven success in both corporate and consulting roles for public and privately held companies of varying sizes, from start-ups to multi-billion-dollar enterprises. You can also visit Anna’s LinkedIn Profile for more information. You can email Anna directly here.

Don Noble, a Partner at the Florida CFO Group and a technology expert, has an extensive background in financial leadership and advisory roles. Leveraging his wealth of experience, he collaborates with businesses to optimize their financial and technological strategies, fostering growth and resilience in a dynamic marketplace. Don is also a doctoral student studying CFO leadership. You can also visit Don’s LinkedIn Profile for more information.

Florida CFO Group