Christmas Card - What to Write in a Christmas Card

What to Write in a Christmas Card

Writing Christmas cards should be one of the nice bits of the festive season, but after the twentieth card, inspiration tends to dry up. You end up writing the same thing over and over, or worse, just signing your name.

The messages below cover everyone on your list - from close family to colleagues you only see at the office party. Pick a message, make it your own, and get back to the mince pies.

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In This Guide

Quick Messages

Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year. With warmest regards.
Merry Christmas! Hope you have a brilliant time over the holidays. See you in the new year!
Christmas is about the people we love, and I feel so lucky to have you in my life. Wishing you the happiest of Christmases.
Merry Christmas! May your turkey be moist, your presents be plentiful, and your in-laws be tolerable.
May the joy and peace of Christmas be with you today and throughout the New Year. God bless you and your family.
Another year done, and I am grateful for every moment of it that included you. Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

For Family

Family Christmas cards can be short and sweet or long and sentimental - it depends on your family. Either way, a personal touch goes a long way.

Merry Christmas to the best family anyone could wish for. I love you all more than you know, and I am so grateful for every moment we spend together.
Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas filled with love, laughter, and far too much food. Cannot wait to see everyone.
To our wonderful family - may this Christmas bring you joy, peace, and all the happiness you deserve. With all our love.
Merry Christmas, everyone! Looking forward to the annual arguments over board games and who gets the last roast potato. Love you all.

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For Friends & Colleagues

Friends and colleagues get the widest range of tones. Go warm and personal for close friends, polished and professional for work contacts.

Merry Christmas, mate! Hope you have a fantastic break and come back fully recharged. You deserve it.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and all the best for the year ahead. It has been a pleasure working with you this year.
Happy Christmas! Thanks for being such a brilliant friend this year. Here is to more good times in the new year.
Merry Christmas! Hope Santa brings you everything on your list and nothing you need to return. Have a great one!

Funny Christmas Messages

Sometimes a bit of festive humour is exactly what a Christmas card needs. These work well for friends and family who prefer a laugh over a lecture.

Merry Christmas! I got you a card because gift shopping is stressful and I value my sanity. Enjoy!
Wishing you a Christmas where nobody asks when you are getting married, having kids, or buying a house. Dream big.
May your Christmas be merry, your bank account survive January, and your New Year's resolution last until at least February.
Happy Christmas! Remember, calories do not count between the 25th and the 1st. That is science.

Writing Tips

Write something different in each card

It takes more effort, but even adding one personal line to each card makes it feel individual rather than mass-produced.

Send them early

Aim to post your cards by mid-December. Anything after the 20th is cutting it fine, and arriving after Christmas defeats the purpose.

Include a brief update

For people you do not see often, a sentence or two about your year adds a personal touch without writing a full newsletter.

Handwrite the message

A printed card with a handwritten message inside always feels more thoughtful than one that is entirely printed.

What Not to Write

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good Christmas card message?
A warm wish for the festive season, something personal if you know the recipient well, and a hope for a happy new year. It does not need to be long - two or three sincere lines are perfect.
When should you send Christmas cards?
Post them in the first or second week of December to ensure they arrive in good time. For international cards, send even earlier - early December at the latest.
Should you send Christmas cards to people who don't celebrate Christmas?
If in doubt, send a "Season's Greetings" or "Happy Holidays" card instead. This acknowledges the festive period without assuming the recipient celebrates Christmas specifically.
Is it OK to send an e-card instead of a physical Christmas card?
For colleagues and acquaintances, an e-card is perfectly fine. For close friends and family, a physical card carries more weight and feels more personal.

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