What to Write in a Christmas Card

A simple formula for any Christmas card

1. Greeting: "Merry Christmas, Sam!" or "Happy holidays to you all."
2. Personal line: "Thank you for all your help with the move this year."
3. Wish: "Wishing you a peaceful Christmas and a wonderful new year."
4. Sign-off: "With love," "Warmly," or "Best wishes," and your name.

Christmas card messages for family

• "Merry Christmas, Mom and Dad. Thank you for always making the holidays feel like home."
• "Wishing you a Christmas full of laughter and a new year full of good news. Can't wait to see you."
• "To our wonderful grandparents: thank you for every story, every hug and every cookie. Merry Christmas!"
• "Merry Christmas from all of us. We miss you, and we're counting the days until our next visit."

For grandparents and older relatives, a printed photo of the family tucked into the card is often the best part. See gift ideas for grandparents.

Christmas card messages for a partner

• "My favorite thing about this year was doing it with you. Merry Christmas, my love."
• "Thank you for every coffee, every laugh and every hard day you made easier. Here's to next year."
• "Our first Christmas married, and already my favorite one. I love you."

A specific memory from the year makes it personal. See Christmas gifts for your wife and Christmas gifts for your husband.

Christmas card messages for friends

• "Merry Christmas! This year wouldn't have been the same without our Friday walks."
• "Happy holidays! Here's to more trips, more laughs and fewer group chats about plans that never happen."
• "Thinking of you this Christmas. I know it's been a hard year, and I'm always here."

Christmas card messages for coworkers, a boss and clients

Keep work cards warm but professional. "Happy holidays" is the safest greeting.

• Coworker: "Happy holidays! Thanks for being such a great teammate this year. Enjoy the break."
• Boss: "Thank you for your support this year, especially on the launch. Wishing you a restful holiday."
• Employee: "Thank you for everything you brought to the team this year, especially [one specific thing]. Happy holidays."
• Client: "Thank you for your trust and partnership this year. Wishing you and your team a happy holiday season."

See gifts for your boss and Christmas gifts for employees and clients.

Messages for teachers, neighbors and helpers

• Teacher: "Thank you for making [child's name] love coming to school. Merry Christmas and a restful break!"
• Neighbor: "Happy holidays from your neighbors at number 12! Thanks for keeping an eye on the house this year."
• Mail carrier or helper: "Thank you for all your hard work this year. Happy holidays!"

See teacher gift ideas and holiday gifts for neighbors.

Religious and non-religious wishes

• Religious: "Wishing you the peace and joy of Christ this Christmas." "May God bless you and your family this Christmas."
• Non-religious: "Wishing you warmth, rest and good company this season." "Here's to a cozy Christmas and a bright new year."
• For anyone: "Season's greetings and best wishes for the new year."

Use a faith-based message only when you know the person shares it. For people who celebrate other festivals, see what to write in a Diwali card.

Christmas card sign-offs

• Family and close friends: "With love," "Love always," "Big hugs,"
• Friends and neighbors: "Warmly," "Cheers," "With best wishes,"
• Work: "Best wishes," "Warm regards," "Kind regards,"

Writing a card that goes with a gift

When the card goes with a gift, say why you chose it: "I remembered you said your old one broke on the hike." One sentence like that turns a simple gift into a personal one. See how to make a gift more personal.

When to send Christmas cards

Aim to post cards by mid-December so they arrive before Christmas, and earlier for overseas addresses, which can take two to three weeks. Late? A "Happy New Year" card in early January is a warm alternative.