@Othereeeen Yes, lots of comments and the reason is obvious. So, the solution is the obvious IMO, too.
All customers should be treated equally. In fact the ones who've been around the longest, if anything, should be the ones to receive perks.
The newbies may get free shipping until the end of Jan.and boost sales during the holidays, but what happens to them afterwards? Do they leave when they have to pay shipping when free shipping is available elsewhere? Faster delivery? Better quality and customer service?
This decision was short sited at best.