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What to Write in a Holiday Card

taking holiday card out of a mailbox

Not sure what to write in a holiday card? The best messages don’t need to be long or elaborate. A few thoughtful words can make someone feel remembered and appreciated during the holiday season. Whether you’re writing to close family members, longtime friends, coworkers, clients, or neighbors, focus on sincerity and choose a message that fits your relationship.

Start with a warm greeting.
Open with a festive greeting like “Happy Holidays,” “Season’s Greetings,” “Merry Christmas,” or “Wishing You a Joyful Holiday Season.” Your greeting helps set the tone for the rest of the message.

Add a personal touch.
Including a shared memory, life update, expression of gratitude, or mention of the recipient makes your card feel more meaningful. One simple approach is to address the person directly, mention a meaningful moment from the year, and end with a heartfelt holiday wish.

Friend:
Emma, it was so much fun catching up this summer and hearing about everything you’ve been up to. Wishing you a holiday season filled with laughter, relaxation, and plenty of reasons to celebrate.

Family:
Congratulations again on your new home. It’s been wonderful watching your family settle in and create new memories together. Wishing you a cozy holiday season and a happy New Year filled with joy.

Colleague:
Thank you for your support and collaboration this year. Working together made several important projects especially rewarding. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and continued success in the year ahead.

Share your holiday wishes.
Let the recipient know what you’re wishing for them in the coming season and year ahead. Wishes for happiness, peace, health, success, and time with loved ones are timeless options that work for nearly anyone.

Match your message to the recipient.
A note to your best friend will naturally sound different from a message to a client or coworker. Family members may appreciate something sentimental, while professional contacts typically benefit from warm but polished language.

Keep it simple if you’re short on space.
Holiday card messages don’t need to be lengthy. A thoughtful sentence paired with a family photo or personalized card design can be just as meaningful as a longer note.

End with a warm closing.
Finish with a sign-off that feels natural, such as “With Love,” “Thinking of You,” “Warm Wishes,” “Happy Holidays,” or “Wishing You All the Best in the New Year.”

How to Personalize Holiday Messages for Any Relationship

The most meaningful holiday card messages reflect your unique relationship with the recipient. While a warm holiday wish is always appreciated, adding a personal detail can make your message feel more thoughtful and memorable. Consider mentioning a shared experience, celebrating a milestone, expressing gratitude, or acknowledging something special from the past year.

Family

Family holiday card messages are a great opportunity to celebrate meaningful moments from the year. Consider mentioning a milestone such as a new home, new baby, graduation, retirement, or memorable family gathering. You can also reference favorite traditions or express gratitude for the time you’ve spent together.

Friends

When writing to friends, think about shared memories, inside jokes, trips, celebrations, or experiences that made the year special. A simple reference to a meaningful moment can make your holiday message feel more heartfelt and personal.

Coworkers and Colleagues

Professional holiday messages can still feel personal. Thank coworkers for their support, collaboration, or accomplishments throughout the year. Mentioning a successful project, a shared achievement, or appreciation for working together can help your message feel genuine while remaining professional.

New Acquaintances

If you don’t know someone well, keep your message warm and sincere. Focus on wishing them happiness, peace, and success in the coming year. A simple, genuine holiday greeting is often the most appropriate approach for newer relationships.

General Happy Holidays Messages

Looking for simple, universal holiday card messages? These cheerful greetings work for friends, family, coworkers, and anyone else you want to send a little seasonal joy.

Inclusive Holiday Card Messages for Any Recipient

Not sure which holiday your recipient celebrates? These inclusive holiday card messages help you share warm wishes, gratitude, and seasonal cheer without referencing a specific holiday tradition.

 

Merry Christmas Wishes

When you want to celebrate Christmas itself, these Christmas card greetings are perfect. From classic to religious to lighthearted, they capture the spirit of the season.

Short Holiday Card Messages

Sometimes a few simple words are all you need to spread holiday cheer. These short holiday card messages are perfect for photo cards, gift tags, social posts, or anyone who prefers a concise greeting.

Funny Holiday Card Greetings

Add a little laughter to the season with these funny holiday card messages. Whether you’re poking fun at holiday shopping, family traditions, or the annual race to get everything done before the new year, these lighthearted greetings are sure to bring a smile.

christmas card and matching envelope

Business Holiday Card Greetings

Show appreciation to coworkers, clients, and colleagues with professional holiday card messages that are festive yet polished—perfect for spreading cheer in the workplace.

Holiday Wishes for Family

Family is at the heart of the season. These holiday card greetings for family convey love and gratitude to parents, siblings, grandparents, and all your nearest and dearest.

Holiday Messages for Friends

Friends make the holidays brighter. These holiday wishes for friends range from heartfelt and sentimental to playful and fun, perfect for your social circle.

Romantic Holiday Messages

Celebrate the season with your special someone. These holiday messages are sweet, cozy, and filled with love for partners, spouses, or anyone close to your heart.

Holiday Messages for Kids

Bring the magic of the holidays to life with holiday wishes for kids that are fun, silly, and full of wonder—perfect for little ones eagerly awaiting Santa.

Pet-Themed Holiday Messages

Our pets are part of the family too! These pet holiday card greetings are playful, pun-filled, and perfect for sharing the joy your furry (or feathered) friends bring.

Happy New Year Wishes

Celebrate the year ahead with New Year wishes focused on fresh starts, new opportunities, and hopeful beginnings. These messages are perfect for holiday cards sent around the New Year or for anyone looking to end the season on an uplifting note.

Holiday Quotes

Sometimes the perfect words have already been written. These holiday quotes—from classic sayings to inspiring lines—add warmth, wisdom, and timeless charm to your seasonal greetings. They’re a great choice if you’re not sure what to write in a holiday card but want your message to feel meaningful.

What to Write When You Don’t Know What to Say

Writing a holiday card doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’re struggling to find the right words, focus on something genuine rather than trying to create the perfect message. A simple, heartfelt note will almost always feel more meaningful than something overly formal or elaborate.

A good rule of thumb is to mention the person, share something true, and end with a warm holiday wish.

For a Distant Relative

Thinking of you this holiday season and hoping you’ve had a wonderful year. Wishing you and your family a joyful holiday season and all the best in the year ahead.

For a Professional Acquaintance

It was a pleasure connecting with you this year. Wishing you a happy holiday season and continued success in the coming year.

For a Neighbor

We’re grateful to have such wonderful neighbors. Wishing you a warm holiday season filled with happiness, laughter, and time with loved ones.

Frequently Asked Questions About Holiday Card Messages

What should I write in a holiday card?

A thoughtful holiday card message typically includes a warm greeting, a personal note, and wishes for the holiday season or upcoming year. Consider mentioning a shared memory, milestone, expression of gratitude, or meaningful moment from the past year to make your message feel more personal. The best holiday messages feel sincere and reflect your relationship with the recipient.

What is a good Happy Holidays message?

A simple message like “Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with peace, happiness, and time with loved ones” works well for friends, family members, neighbors, coworkers, and professional contacts.

How do I make holiday cards inclusive for recipients who may not celebrate Christmas?

Choose non-denominational holiday wording that focuses on peace, joy, gratitude, togetherness, or the new year instead of Christmas-specific language. For recipients abroad or international friends whose traditions may vary, select custom holiday cards with inclusive greetings like “Warmest wishes this season,” “Happy Holidays,” or “Wishing you joy in the new year,” and pair them with neutral winter, family, photo, greenery, snowflake, or festive design themes.

How do you write a holiday card to someone you don’t know well?

Keep your message warm and universal. Focus on wishing the recipient happiness, good health, and a wonderful holiday season without including deeply personal details.

What is the difference between a holiday card and a Christmas card message?

Holiday card messages are inclusive and can be shared with people who celebrate different traditions throughout the season. Christmas card messages specifically reference Christmas and related celebrations.

How long should a holiday card message be?

Holiday card messages can be as short as a single sentence or as long as a personal letter. Most people choose a few thoughtful lines that express holiday wishes and appreciation.

What do you write in a holiday card for coworkers?

Professional holiday card messages should be warm, positive, and respectful. Thanking coworkers for their support during the year and wishing them a happy holiday season is always appropriate.

What are some professional holiday wishes for clients?

Client holiday messages should express gratitude while maintaining a professional tone. A simple note thanking them for their partnership and wishing them success and happiness in the year ahead works well.

What are some short holiday wishes for cards?

Short holiday wishes include:

Related Resources

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]]> What to Write in a Christmas Card: 70+ Christmas Card Messages https://www.shutterfly.com/ideas/christmas-card-wording/ https://www.shutterfly.com/ideas/christmas-card-wording/#respond Mon, 17 Aug 2026 17:00:12 +0000 https://shutterflywpe.wpengine.com/?p=2128 Learn what to write in a Christmas card with message ideas for family, friends, coworkers, and more. Find Christmas card wording for every recipient.

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Writing a Christmas card is one of the simplest ways to stay connected with family, friends, coworkers, and loved ones during the holiday season. Whether you’re sending a heartfelt family update, a short holiday greeting, or a professional message, the right Christmas card wording can make your card feel more personal and memorable.

Not sure what to write in a Christmas card? Start with a festive greeting, add a personal message, share your holiday wishes, and end with a warm sign-off. Use the examples below for inspiration, then customize your message to fit your relationship with each recipient.

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family photo christmas cards with enclosure cards, linned envelope and personalized addressing

What to Write in a Christmas Card

A thoughtful Christmas card message doesn’t have to be long. Most holiday greetings follow a simple format that makes them easy to personalize.

1. Start with a Holiday Greeting

Begin your card with a cheerful holiday greeting.

Examples:

  • Merry Christmas!
  • Happy Holidays!
  • Season’s Greetings!
  • Wishing you a joyful holiday season.
  • Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2. Add a Personal Message

Include a sentence that reflects your relationship with the recipient. This can be a shared memory, a thank-you, or a quick life update.

Examples:

  • We’re so grateful for your friendship and support this year.
  • It’s always a joy celebrating the holidays with you.
  • Thank you for being such an important part of our lives.
  • We loved making memories with you this year and look forward to many more.

3. Share Your Holiday Wishes

Offer warm wishes for the holiday season and the year ahead.

Examples:

  • Wishing you peace, joy, and happiness this Christmas.
  • May your holidays be filled with love, laughter, and special moments.
  • Hoping the New Year brings health, happiness, and success.
  • May the magic of the season stay with you throughout the coming year.

4. End With a Warm Sign-Off

Finish your message with a closing that matches the tone of your card.

Examples:

  • With love,
  • Warmest wishes,
  • Happy Holidays,
  • Merry Christmas,
  • Love always,
  • From our family to yours,
  • Cheers to the season,

Christmas Card Messages

Looking for the right words to include in your holiday card? These Christmas card messages are simple, warm, and easy to personalize for family, friends, neighbors, and loved ones.

  • Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
  • Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a wonderful year ahead.
  • Sending warm wishes for a Christmas filled with love, laughter, and special memories.
  • May your holidays be merry and bright, and your New Year filled with happiness.
  • Wishing you peace, joy, and all the best this Christmas season.
  • Hope your home is filled with love, laughter, and holiday cheer.
  • Thinking of you this Christmas and wishing you a season full of happiness.
  • May the magic of Christmas bring you comfort, joy, and hope in the year ahead.
  • Sending heartfelt holiday wishes to you and your loved ones.
  • Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with health, happiness, and success.

Christmas Card Messages For Family

Whether you’re celebrating together or sending love from afar, Christmas is a time to remind family how much they mean to you. These Christmas messages for family range from heartfelt and sentimental to warm and simple.

  • Merry Christmas to the people who make every holiday season special. I’m so grateful for our family.
  • Wishing our family a Christmas filled with laughter, love, and plenty of time together.
  • The best part of Christmas is celebrating it with the people I love most. Merry Christmas!
  • Sending love and warm wishes to my wonderful family this holiday season.
  • So thankful for the memories we’ve shared this year and looking forward to making more in the year ahead.
  • No matter how near or far we are, family is always at the heart of Christmas. Merry Christmas!
  • Wishing you a season filled with cozy moments, favorite traditions, and time with loved ones.
  • Christmas wouldn’t be the same without our family’s traditions, laughter, and love.
  • Grateful for every holiday memory we’ve shared and excited for the ones still to come.
  • May your Christmas be filled with peace, joy, and everything that makes this season special.
  • Thinking of you and sending lots of love this Christmas. I can’t wait to celebrate together again soon.
  • Sending love from our family to yours. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Christmas Card Messages For Friends

Friends make the holiday season even more meaningful. Whether you’re writing to a lifelong best friend or someone who made your year brighter, these Christmas messages for friends help you share your appreciation and holiday cheer.

  • Merry Christmas to a wonderful friend. Wishing you a season filled with joy, laughter, and everything you love most.
  • So grateful for your friendship this Christmas and all year long.
  • Friends like you make the holidays brighter. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
  • Sending warm wishes to one of my favorite people this holiday season.
  • Thank you for all the laughs, memories, and support this year. Merry Christmas!
  • Wishing you peace, happiness, and plenty of reasons to celebrate this Christmas.
  • The holidays are even more special because of friends like you.
  • Hope your Christmas is filled with good company, great memories, and lots of holiday cheer.
  • Grateful for your friendship today and every day. Merry Christmas!
  • Wishing you a season full of cozy moments, festive traditions, and time spent with the people you love.
  • Merry Christmas to a friend who always knows how to make life a little brighter.
  • Cheers to another year of friendship, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Happy Holidays!

front and back of christmas card with photo and christmas card greeting

Professional Christmas Card Messages

Whether you’re writing to coworkers, your boss, clients, or business partners, professional Christmas card messages should feel warm, appreciative, and appropriate for the workplace. These examples help you share holiday wishes while keeping the tone friendly and professional.

Christmas Card Messages for Coworkers

  • Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a wonderful New Year.
  • It’s a pleasure working alongside you. Happy Holidays!
  • Thank you for your support, teamwork, and positivity throughout the year.
  • Wishing you a well-deserved break and a holiday season filled with happiness.
  • Happy Holidays to a coworker who helps make work a little brighter every day.
  • Grateful to be part of the same team. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
  • Wishing you peace, joy, and success in the year ahead.
  • Thank you for being such a great colleague. Enjoy the holidays!

Christmas Card Messages for Your Boss

  • Thank you for your leadership, support, and encouragement throughout the year. Merry Christmas!
  • Wishing you and your family a joyful holiday season and a successful New Year.
  • Thank you for helping our team grow and succeed this year.
  • Your guidance and support are truly appreciated. Happy Holidays!
  • Wishing you a relaxing holiday season and all the best in the coming year.
  • Thank you for another great year of leadership and inspiration.
  • Merry Christmas and thank you for everything you do for our team.
  • Best wishes for a happy holiday season and a successful year ahead.

Business Christmas Card Greetings

  • Thank you for your support and partnership this year. Happy Holidays!
  • Wishing you a joyful holiday season and continued success in the New Year.
  • We appreciate the opportunity to work with you and look forward to the year ahead.
  • Season’s Greetings from all of us at [Company Name].
  • Thank you for your trust and partnership. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season.
  • Warm wishes for peace, happiness, and success in the coming year.
  • We are grateful for your continued support and wish you all the best this holiday season.
  • Happy Holidays from our team to yours.
  • Thank you for being part of our journey this year. We look forward to working together in the future.
  • Best wishes for a happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year.

Religious Christmas Card Messages

Christmas is a season of faith, gratitude, and celebration as Christians around the world honor the birth of Jesus. These religious Christmas card messages share blessings, encouragement, and Scripture-inspired sentiments to help you send meaningful holiday wishes to family and friends.

  • May your heart be filled with the joy of Christ’s birth this Christmas. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.” (Isaiah 9:6)
  • Wishing you peace, hope, and every blessing as you celebrate the season. “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace.” (Luke 2:14)
  • May the light of Jesus shine brightly in your home and guide you throughout the coming year. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)
  • Rejoicing with you in the greatest gift of all, the birth of our Savior. “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you.” (Luke 2:11)
  • May God’s love surround you and your family this Christmas and always. “We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)
  • Celebrating the wonder of Christmas and the promise of God’s grace. “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” (John 1:14)
  • Sending prayers for a Christmas filled with faith, joy, and God’s blessings. “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” (Luke 2:10)
  • May the hope of Christ’s birth bring comfort and peace to your heart this season. “Every good and perfect gift is from above.” (James 1:17)
  • Wishing you a joyful Christmas as we celebrate God’s greatest gift to the world. “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15)
  • May your Christmas be filled with the wonder of God’s love and the joy of His promises. “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.” (Matthew 1:21)

Funny Christmas Card Messages

Add a little humor to your holiday greetings with funny Christmas card messages that are lighthearted, festive, and family-friendly. These playful messages are perfect for friends, relatives, and anyone who appreciates a good holiday laugh.

  • Merry Christmas! May your holiday be filled with joy, laughter, and as few trips to the mall as possible.
  • Wishing you a Christmas that’s merry, bright, and free of last-minute gift shopping.
  • Hope your holiday season is filled with cookies, cocoa, and zero awkward family conversations.
  • Merry Christmas! May your presents be plentiful and your returns be easy.
  • The older we get, the harder it is to shop for each other. That’s why you’re getting this card.
  • Wishing you peace, joy, and a perfectly untangled strand of Christmas lights.
  • Merry Christmas! Let’s agree to blame any extra holiday cookies on Santa.
  • Hope your stocking is full and your email inbox is empty this holiday season.
  • Christmas calories don’t count. At least that’s what we’re telling ourselves.
  • Wishing you a holiday season that’s as magical as finding the perfect parking spot in December.
  • Merry Christmas! If you didn’t finish your shopping yet, just know you’re not alone.
  • May your gifts be thoughtful, your coffee be strong, and your relatives behave themselves.

Christmas Card Wording FAQs

What should I write in a Christmas card?

A Christmas card message typically includes a holiday greeting, a personal note, warm wishes for the season, and a sign-off. Even a short message can feel meaningful when it’s personalized for the recipient.

What is a simple Christmas card message?

“Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Wishing you peace, joy, and happiness throughout the holiday season.”

How do you end a Christmas card?

Popular Christmas card sign-offs include “With love,” “Warm wishes,” “Happy Holidays,” “Merry Christmas,” and “From our family to yours.”

What should I write in a professional Christmas card?

Professional Christmas card messages should be warm, appreciative, and respectful. Thank coworkers, clients, or business partners for their support and wish them success in the coming year.

How long should a Christmas card message be?

Most Christmas card messages are one to three sentences long. A short, sincere message often feels more personal than a lengthy greeting.

Can I include a longer message in my Christmas card?

Yes. Shutterfly offers free back-of-card customization, giving you extra space for family updates, holiday letters, milestone announcements, and personalized messages. You can also add photos and custom details to make your card even more meaningful.

Related Resources on Christmas Card Wording

The best Christmas card messages are the ones that feel personal. Whether you’re sending holiday greetings to family, friends, coworkers, or loved ones near and far, use these ideas as inspiration and make them your own. When you’re ready to create your holiday cards, explore Shutterfly’s collection of custom Christmas cards to find a design that perfectly complements your message.

Additional Resources:

The post What to Write in a Christmas Card: 70+ Christmas Card Messages appeared first on Ideas & Inspiration.


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The holiday season is all about spreading joy, warmth, and a little bit of magic. One of the simplest ways to do that is through a thoughtfully written Christmas card. While choosing the perfect card is important, what you write inside can make your greeting even more memorable. A heartfelt sign-off can leave a lasting impression, whether you’re sending a card to a friend, family member, colleague, client, or neighbor. Use these tips and examples to find the perfect way to end your holiday message.