One contractor I know had the permits issued between Christmas and NYE - and he was out of town - so he never did the abatement until the new year.

Make your rehab-house purchases while others are busy purchasing Christmas gifts.

There may also be some Christmas hangover depending on your upfront fees (1st and last month's rent + 1 month security deposit??)

Last year I sold one of our finished rehabs three days before Thanksgiving... and was doing a home inspection with a buyer of another one of our homes on Christmas Eve.

Maryland weather is unpredictable this time of year...it was 70 degrees on Christmas, but will be below freezing at night this week.

However, if my good clients or realtors send me a gift at Christmas or in a Thank You note, as a regular part of business communication, and without expectation, I really don't see a problem.  

2nd If I get a call at 11pm on Christmas Eve that the toilet is overflowing in an upstairs unit I am much more likely to smile on my way to the property if I like the person Im about to help.  3rd good relationships with tenants PAY!  

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year All. 

Thanks @Carol VenoliaWhen you say "clean up the fireplace" do you mean steam clean it?

Just curious (OK I am tempted to say I want the second house which I know is totally unrealistic, impractical etc but  its Christmas time!