holiday setting a virgins dilemma

I don't have an Ebay store so I've never done this but...speaking as a BUYER, I would sincerely appreciate seeing that information posted (whatever it may say) than to be left wondering why wasn't my question answered, where is my package, etc. I think however you add that info it would be appreciated

WE USE BOTH OF THE VACATION SETTINGS THAT YOU HAVE MENTIONED. JUST MAKE SURE WHEN YOU ENTER THE INFO TO LET YOUR BUYERS KNOW IF YOUR MAIL WILL BE CHECKED WHILE YOU ARE AWAY. DONT BE SURPRISED IF YOUR BUYERS DONT READ THE INFO.
MY FRIEND USED THE SETTINGS A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO - WHEN HE WOULD BE IN THE HOSPITAL FOR SURGERY FOR A WEEK. HE ACTUALLY HAD A BUYER WRITE THAT THEY THOUGHT PACKAGES WOULD BE MAILED WHILE HE WAS IN THE HOSPITAL. JUST BE VERY CLEAR.

The other thing you can do is personalize the mail the buyer gets once they have bought. Most buyers do not notice the holiday message on the listing then will wonder where their goods are.
Add a note to the auto mail ebay sends out repeating that you are away and will attend to their purchase as soon as you get back.

If you want to have a great vacation without worries I would suggest closing all your listings including those for two or more days prior, send all your buyers that have not paid yet an email telling them to pay up or wait (in a nice way). Ebay's vacation notice is very small and buyer don't see it or read it! All they want is there item fast and they only look at the picture and the price! You won't get email questions that you have to answer either!
However, you may want to schedule a few listings to start a day or two before your return, just to help pay for the trip.
Have a great Holiday