Every December I end up writing the same three words in about forty cards, then feeling a bit guilty about it. “Merry Christmas” isn’t wrong, exactly, it’s just not very much. So this year I actually sat down and worked out some better options, sorted by who’s getting the card.
For Family
- “Wishing you a Christmas filled with warmth, love, and probably too much food. Can’t wait to see you.”
- “Merry Christmas to the best family I could ask for. So grateful for every single one of you.”
- “Christmas isn’t really Christmas without you all. Wishing you the loveliest day.”
- “Sending love this Christmas and always. Here’s to another year of memories together.”
For Friends
- “Merry Christmas to one of my favourite people. Thank you for another year of laughs and good company.”
- “Wishing you a Christmas as brilliant as you are. See you for a catch up in the new year.”
- “So grateful for your friendship this year. Merry Christmas, and here’s to more of the same in the next one.”
- “Merry Christmas! Hope your day is full of good food, good people, and absolutely no arguments about the remote.”
For Colleagues
- “Merry Christmas! Thank you for making this year at work a good one. Wishing you a restful break.”
- “Wishing you a very merry Christmas and a well-earned rest. See you in the new year.”
- “Merry Christmas! Thanks for being brilliant to work alongside this year.”
Funny Christmas Messages
- “Merry Christmas! May your wrapping paper be plentiful and your sellotape never run out mid-present.”
- “Wishing you a Christmas with just the right amount of family time, not one minute more.”
- “Merry Christmas! Here’s to eating your bodyweight in cheese and not feeling even slightly sorry about it.”
- “May your Christmas dinner be perfectly cooked and your paper hat stay on for at least one photo.”
For Someone Who’s Had a Hard Year
Christmas isn’t easy for everyone, and a card doesn’t need to pretend otherwise.
- “Thinking of you this Christmas, especially after the year you’ve had. Sending love and hoping the day brings you some comfort.”
- “Wishing you a gentle Christmas this year. You’ve been through so much, and I hope this season gives you a little peace.”
- “This Christmas might look different for you, and that’s alright. Sending love, and I’m here whenever you need me.”
Short and Simple Wishes
- “Merry Christmas and all the best for the new year.”
- “Wishing you a wonderful Christmas.”
- “Merry Christmas, with love.”
- “Sending festive cheer your way.”
- “Happy Christmas to you and yours.”
What Not to Write
I’d steer clear of assuming everyone celebrates the same way, not everyone’s religious, and not everyone’s Christmas involves a big family gathering, so a general “wishing you a lovely festive season” is often safer for colleagues or people you don’t know well. And if someone’s had a genuinely difficult year, I’d avoid anything overly cheerful that ignores it, a gentler message tends to land better.
Making Your Card More Meaningful
A hand-painted Christmas card tends to get kept a bit longer than the boxed set from the supermarket. You can browse the collection at A Little Painted Hello.
Questions People Ask Me About This
Should I sign from the whole family or just myself? Either works, it depends how you usually sign things. “From the [surname] family” is common if you’re sending on behalf of everyone.
What do I write for someone who doesn’t celebrate Christmas? A general “wishing you a wonderful festive season” or “happy holidays” works well and doesn’t assume anything.
Is it okay to send a funny Christmas card to a colleague? Depends on the workplace, but generally I’d keep it warm rather than jokey unless you know them well.
For other occasions, have a look at my birthday message ideas or my card for a hard time post, or browse the full complete guide to what to write in a card.
Let me know in the comments what you usually write in your Christmas cards, I could always use more ideas.