Christmas Card Messages

Tips for writing a good card message

Keep it short and sincere: two to four sentences is enough. Mention one specific thing, such as a shared memory, a milestone or a quality you admire. Match the tone to the relationship. Use the person's name. Avoid long updates unless you are writing a family letter. Check spelling, especially names. If you are unsure about religious wording, choose a general greeting such as "Warmest wishes for the holidays". Sign by hand, even if the card is printed.

Mail cards by the first or second week of December in the United States for delivery before Christmas, and earlier for international mail. Our shipping deadlines page gives postal cutoffs for gifts that can guide card timing too.

Short and simple messages for everyone

• Merry Christmas and a happy new year.
• Wishing you peace, joy and a very warm holiday.
• Thinking of you this Christmas and wishing you all the best.
• May your holidays be filled with good food and good company.
• Warmest wishes for a wonderful holiday season.
• Season's greetings from our house to yours.
• Sending you love and light this Christmas.
• Here's to a cozy, happy December.

Messages for family

• To Mom: Thank you for every Christmas you made magical. I love you more than I can fit in a card.
• To Dad: You taught me that showing up matters most. Merry Christmas, and thank you.
• To Grandma: Your kitchen is my favorite place at Christmas. I'm counting the days until I see you.
• To Grandpa: Thank you for the stories. I hope we have many more by the fire this year.
• To my sister: Merry Christmas to my first and best friend.
• To my brother: Here's to another year of terrible gifts and great laughs.
• To our children: Watching you at Christmas is our favorite gift. We love you.
• To parents-in-law: Thank you for welcoming me so warmly. Wishing you a joyful Christmas.

Messages for a partner

• You are my favorite person to spend Christmas with. I love you.
• Every year with you feels like the best one. Merry Christmas, my love.
• Thank you for making our home the warmest place I know.
• For the person who makes ordinary days feel like holidays: Merry Christmas.
• Another year, another reason to be grateful for you.
• I would still choose you if it were snowing sideways. Merry Christmas.

Messages for friends

• Thank you for being the kind of friend who makes the year better. Merry Christmas.
• I wish we lived closer, but I'm sending you a big hug and a lot of love.
• Cheers to a year of laughter and many more to come.
• You are a gift in my life. Happy holidays.
• Let's make plans for January. I miss you. Merry Christmas.
• Thanks for always being there, even when I'm a terrible texter.

Messages for coworkers and bosses

• Thank you for a year of great teamwork. Happy holidays to you and yours.
• Wishing you a restful break and a wonderful new year.
• It has been a pleasure working with you this year. Season's greetings.
• Thank you for your leadership and support. Warm wishes for the holidays.
• Grateful for our team and everything we accomplished. Enjoy the holidays.

Messages for clients and business contacts

• Thank you for your partnership this year. We wish you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous new year.
• We value working with you and look forward to continuing in the year ahead. Happy holidays.
• Wishing you and your team a peaceful holiday season.
• With gratitude for your trust and support in the past year.

Keep business cards neutral and inclusive, and avoid religious language unless you know the recipient shares it.

Messages for teachers and school staff

• Thank you for helping Maya grow in confidence and love of reading this year. Wishing you a restful holiday.
• Your patience and kindness make a real difference. Thank you for everything you do. Happy holidays.
• We are so grateful to have you as our teacher. Merry Christmas.
• Thank you for making learning fun. We hope you have a wonderful break.
• From the whole class: thank you for a great term. Enjoy the holidays.
• To the bus driver, the aide and the front-office team: thank you for taking care of our kids every day.

For gift ideas, see our guide to teacher gifts.

Religious and spiritual messages

• May the peace and joy of Christ's birth fill your heart this Christmas.
• Wishing you the blessings of the season and God's grace in the new year.
• Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace. Merry Christmas.
• May the light of Christmas guide you through the year ahead.
• May your Christmas be blessed with hope, love and peace.

Funny messages

• May your Christmas be merry, your pie be sweet and your relatives be on time.
• I hope the only thing you wrap this year is gifts, not your head around the in-laws' politics.
• Santa has you on the nice list. I have witnesses.
• Wishing you a holiday season with fewer cookies than you plan to eat and more than you should.
• May all your Christmases be white and all your wrapping paper be reusable.
• This card is a gift. The receipt is in the mail.

Messages for sympathy and tough years

Some people face the holidays in grief or hardship. A simple, quiet message is best:

• Thinking of you this Christmas and holding you in my thoughts.
• I know this season may be hard. I am here whenever you want to talk.
• Sending you love and light, and no pressure to be merry.
• Remembering Dad with you this Christmas.

Avoid cheerful phrases that dismiss feelings. Offer to call or visit.

Messages for people far away

• I wish I could be there with you. Sending hugs across the miles.
• Though we are far apart, you are in my heart this Christmas.
• Let's celebrate together on a video call. Merry Christmas.
• Distance is just a number. Happy holidays, my friend.

A note on holiday letters

If you write a family update, keep it to one page, be specific and include some humor. Share news that is meaningful, and avoid boasting. Add a personal line to each one by hand. Include a photo, and ask for news in return.