Life can get hectic, and sometimes, despite our best intentions, we miss important dates—like sending out Christmas cards. If you didn’t quite get your holiday wishes out on time, don’t worry! A thoughtful belated Christmas card can still spread cheer and show your loved ones you’re thinking of them. Whether you’re sending your card a few days late or after the New Year, a heartfelt message will always be appreciated. Here are some meaningful and lighthearted belated Christmas wishes to include in your card that make up for the delay.
How to Write Belated Christmas Wishes
When sending a late Christmas card, the key is to acknowledge the delay while maintaining the festive spirit. Apologize lightly for being late, and then focus on sending warm wishes for the season and the upcoming year. You can make your message sweet, funny, or sincere—whatever feels most natural to you and your recipient.
Whether your holiday card arrives shortly after Christmas or well into January, here are some belated Christmas wishes you can use to craft the perfect message.
Heartfelt Belated Christmas Messages
- “Oops! It looks like my Christmas wishes got a little delayed this year, but they’re still filled with just as much love! Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a happy New Year ahead.”
- “Better late than never! Sending you warm holiday wishes, even though they’re arriving a little behind schedule. I hope your Christmas was merry and bright!”
- “Even though this card is late, my wishes for your happiness and health remain the same. Merry (belated) Christmas and all the best for the New Year!”
- “The holiday rush may have gotten the best of me, but I’m still sending you all my love and joy for Christmas and beyond. Wishing you a wonderful start to the New Year!”
- “Christmas may have come and gone, but the warmth and joy it brings last all year. Sending you belated Christmas wishes with love and cheer!”
Funny Belated Christmas Wishes
If you’d rather add some humor to your belated Christmas wishes, these messages will make your recipient smile despite the tardiness. Also check out our collection of funny Christmas cards to send to loved ones:
- “Whoops! Looks like I missed the sleigh this year. Sending you a belated Merry Christmas and a promise to be on time next year!”
- “Just think of this card as spreading Christmas cheer after the holiday rush. Wishing you a late but still jolly Christmas!”
- “This Christmas card may be late, but at least it’s fashionably late! Hope you had a wonderful holiday and are ready for a fantastic New Year.”
- “I blame Santa for my tardiness—his reindeer are just too slow! Sending you lots of love, even though my Christmas wishes arrived late.”
- “It’s never too late to spread Christmas cheer, right? Hope your holiday was magical and that you’re starting the New Year off right!”
New Year Wishes in a Belated Christmas Card
When Christmas has passed, but you still want to send warm greetings, combining your belated wishes with New Year’s cheer is a great idea. Here are a few ways to merge Christmas and New Year’s messages:
- “I may have missed Christmas, but I’m right on time to wish you a happy and healthy New Year! May the holiday season bring you peace, love, and joy all year long.”
- “Merry (belated) Christmas and Happy New Year! I hope your holidays were filled with happiness, and I’m sending my best wishes for the year ahead.”
- “Christmas may have passed, but the joy and warmth of the season live on. Wishing you a bright New Year full of love, laughter, and good health.”
- “Here’s to making up for lost time—Merry (late) Christmas and Happy New Year! Wishing you all the best as we step into the new year together.”
- “I may have missed Christmas, but I’m still sending you plenty of holiday cheer! May the New Year bring you even more joy and love.”
Thoughtful Belated Christmas Wishes
If you want to be more reflective in your message, these belated Christmas wishes will express your heartfelt sentiments:
- “The holiday season can be busy, but my thoughts are always with you. Sending belated Christmas wishes filled with love and joy for the New Year ahead.”
- “I may have missed sending this card on time, but the sentiment is just as strong. Wishing you a peaceful Christmas season and a prosperous New Year.”
- “Sending this Christmas card late doesn’t change how much you mean to me. I hope your holiday was wonderful and that the New Year brings you all the happiness you deserve.”
- “Even though this card is late, the wishes inside it come from the heart. May your Christmas memories be warm, and may your New Year be filled with joy.”
- “I might be a little late, but my thoughts of you are always on time. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a year filled with love and happiness.”
Sending Belated Christmas Wishes with Heart
Though your Christmas card may arrive late, it’s the thought that counts. A belated Christmas wish is still an opportunity to connect with loved ones and send them heartfelt greetings. Whether you choose a sincere, funny, or reflective message, your belated Christmas card will spread holiday cheer and brighten someone’s day.
With Shutterfly’s customizable holiday cards, you can still create beautiful, personalized Christmas greetings even after the season has passed. Choose from a variety of designs and add your special message to ensure your belated Christmas wishes stand out and leave a lasting impression.
Additional Resources:
- New Year’s Cards
- Funny Christmas Cards
- Christmas Cards
- Holiday Cards
- Holiday Party Invitations
- Photo Christmas Ornaments
- Winter Quotes
- New Year Quotes
