Christmas messages for grandparents: 40 ideas that will make them smile

Why specific beats sentimental

Grandparents have received a lot of cards. The ones they keep mention something real: the biscuit tin, the way they hum while cooking, the walk to the park every Sunday. Start with a memory, then say thank you, then look ahead.

"Merry Christmas, Nan. I still can't make gravy like yours, but I'm trying. Thank you for every Sunday at yours. See you on Boxing Day."

Short Christmas messages for Nan or Grandma

1. Merry Christmas, Nan. Nobody does Christmas like you do.
2. Thank you for every hug, every biscuit and every bit of advice I ignored. Love you, Grandma.
3. Christmas starts the moment I smell your kitchen. Merry Christmas, Nan.
4. Wishing the best Nan in the world a cosy, happy Christmas.
5. You make every Christmas feel like home. Love you lots.
6. I hope Father Christmas brings you everything you deserve, which is a lot.
7. Merry Christmas to the woman who taught me to play cards (and cheat a little).
8. Sending you the biggest Christmas hug until I can give you a real one.
9. Thank you for always saving me the last mince pie.
10. Merry Christmas, Grandma. I'm so lucky you're mine.

Short Christmas messages for Grandad or Grandpa

11. Merry Christmas, Grandad. Still the best storyteller I know.
12. Thank you for teaching me to ride a bike, fix a puncture and never give up.
13. Wishing you a peaceful Christmas and the comfiest chair in the house.
14. Merry Christmas to my favourite person to watch the football with.
15. I hope this Christmas is as kind to you as you've always been to us.
16. Here's to more walks, more chats and more of your terrible jokes.
17. Merry Christmas, Grandpa. You're the reason I love Christmas.
18. Thank you for always making time for me.
19. Enjoy every minute, and save me some of the good chocolates.
20. Love you, Grandad. Merry Christmas.

When you can't be together this year

21. I'm far away this Christmas, but I'm thinking of you every minute.
22. Save my seat at the table for next year, Nan.
23. I'll call you after lunch. Have the tea ready.
24. Distance can't stop me loving you. Merry Christmas.
25. This is the first Christmas I'm not there, so I wanted you to hear my voice first thing.
26. Missing your kitchen, your hugs and your telly being too loud.
27. Raising a glass to you from here. Merry Christmas.
28. Next year, I'm bringing the crackers.

From young grandchildren (parents, write these down as they say them)

29. Merry Christmas Nanny, I love you to the moon.
30. I've been very good this year. Mostly.
31. Thank you for my sweets. Can I have more?
32. I drew you a reindeer. It's the brown one.
33. You are the best Grandad because you do the voices.

For a grandparent who has had a hard year

34. This year has been tough, and you've been so brave. We're all with you.
35. Wishing you a gentle, peaceful Christmas surrounded by love.
36. We're thinking of you and Grandad today and every day.
37. Whatever this Christmas brings, you're never on your own.

Funny ones

38. Merry Christmas to the only person who still thinks I'm perfect.
39. Thanks for the socks in advance.
40. You're not old, you're vintage. Merry Christmas.

Make it something they can hear

Many grandparents say the best part of a card is the handwriting, because it feels like you. A voice note does the same thing, only more so. An animated Snowglobe card lets you record up to 60 seconds, add family photos and schedule it to arrive at 7am on Christmas Day.