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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. Even a simple sentence can make your holiday message feel genuine and memorable.

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.”

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.

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.

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. The best 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 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

The post 160+ Holiday Wishes: What to Write in a Holiday Card appeared first on Ideas & Inspiration.


160+ Holiday Wishes: What to Write in a Holiday Card was first posted on July 22, 2026 at 1:00 pm.
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]]> 75+ Christmas Quotes to Help You Celebrate the Season https://www.shutterfly.com/ideas/christmas-quotes/ https://www.shutterfly.com/ideas/christmas-quotes/#respond Thu, 16 Jul 2026 20:00:29 +0000 https://shutterflywpe.wpengine.com/?p=50417 Find the best Christmas quotes to celebrate the season, from funny and heartfelt to inspirational, perfect for sharing holiday cheer with everyone.

The post 75+ Christmas Quotes to Help You Celebrate the Season appeared first on Ideas & Inspiration.


75+ Christmas Quotes to Help You Celebrate the Season was first posted on July 16, 2026 at 1:00 pm.
©2016 "". Use of this feed is for personal non-commercial use only. If you are not reading this article in your feed reader, then the site is guilty of copyright infringement. Please contact me at iops-dco@shutterfly.com
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Christmas quotes capture the joy, warmth, and magic of the holiday season in just a few words. We’ve gathered some of the best quotes, from witty one-liners to heartfelt messages, to inspire, entertain, and spread holiday cheer. Whether you’re reflecting on the season, sharing a laugh with loved ones, or adding a meaningful touch to your Christmas cards, holiday cards, or holiday party invitations, these quotes help make every message more memorable.