The local grocer is left with 200 frozen turkeys and other items on the shelves. Other retailers have seasonal items left unsold. Banks have problems with direct deposit and ATMs. Some cash-strapped families suffer through holidays waiting for paychecks. The economy begins to drag.
Some systems produce corrupt data, others treat records as inactive.
More business problems develop. Many problems with infrastructure occur as computer chips embedded in control systems fail to work properly. The local power company experiences system problems, outages, brownouts, and power surges which wreak havoc on residents and businesses. The first business day in 2000 sees sporadic problems and failures with systems in many businesses, financial institutions, medical facilities, schools, and the local government. Some companies billing and accounts payable system fail.