What to write in a Christmas card: 40 messages for everyone on your list
Write one line that greets them, one that's personal (a memory, a thank you or something you're looking forward to), and one that signs off warmly. For example: "Merry Christmas, Nan! Thank you for teaching me your mince pies. Saving you a seat at the table. Love always, Jack."
The two-minute formula
Most great Christmas messages have three parts:
- The greeting. "Merry Christmas, Nan!" or "Happy Christmas to you all."
- One personal line. A memory, a thank you, or something you're looking forward to together.
- A warm sign-off. "Love always," "Can't wait to see you," or "With all our love."
The personal line is the one people remember. "Thank you for the Sunday roasts this year" beats "Wishing you a magical festive season" every time.
Christmas messages for family
- Merry Christmas! This year flew by, but every Sunday with you was the best part of it.
- Happy Christmas to the people who make home feel like home.
- Wishing you a cosy Christmas full of good food, bad jokes and too many crackers.
- To my favourite people: thank you for everything this year. Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas, Mum and Dad. However old I get, Christmas still means you.
- Happy Christmas to my brilliant brother. Same seat, same argument over the board game?
- Merry Christmas to the best sister anyone could ask for. Thanks for always picking up.
- To our wonderful family: may your Christmas be as warm as your house smells on Christmas morning.
Christmas messages for grandparents
- Merry Christmas, Nan! Nobody makes Christmas feel like Christmas the way you do.
- Happy Christmas, Grandad. Thank you for the stories, the sweets and the patience.
- Merry Christmas to the best grandparents in the world. We love you more than mince pies.
- Thinking of you this Christmas and every day. Can't wait for our next cup of tea together.
- Merry Christmas, Grandma. Your hugs are still my favourite present.
For more, see our full list of Christmas messages for grandparents.
Christmas messages for family far away
If you're spending Christmas apart, say it plainly and point to when you'll be together again.
- Merry Christmas from the other side of the world. I'm with you in every way that counts.
- The miles are long this year, but my love gets there first. Merry Christmas.
- Missing you at the table this year. Save me a cracker for next Christmas.
- Happy Christmas! I'll be calling at 9am your time. Have the kettle on.
- Different time zones, same Christmas. Love you all.
A voice message lands even harder than writing when you can't be there. An animated Christmas e-card lets you record up to 60 seconds that plays when they open it.
Christmas messages for friends
- Merry Christmas to the friend who's basically family by now.
- Happy Christmas! Here's to more late nights, long walks and terrible karaoke next year.
- Thank you for being there this year, in all the ways that mattered. Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas! Our group chat is still the best thing on my phone.
- Wishing you the cosiest Christmas and a properly lazy Boxing Day.
Christmas messages for a partner
- Merry Christmas to my favourite person. Every year with you is the best one yet.
- Happy Christmas, love. You're still the best present I ever got.
- Our first Christmas in the new place, and I can't imagine sharing it with anyone else.
- Merry Christmas! Thank you for making every ordinary day feel like a holiday.
Christmas messages for colleagues and clients
Keep these warm but short, and avoid anything too personal.
- Merry Christmas and thank you for a brilliant year of working together.
- Wishing you a restful Christmas and a happy New Year. See you in January!
- Thank you for your support this year. Happy holidays from all of us.
- Merry Christmas to the best team I could ask for. Enjoy the break, you've earned it.
Christmas messages for children
- Merry Christmas! We hope Father Christmas brings everything on your list (and a bit more).
- Happy Christmas, superstar! Have the most magical day.
- To our favourite little elf: Merry Christmas and lots of love.
Funny Christmas messages
- Merry Christmas! Let's eat our weight in roast potatoes and call it tradition.
- Happy Christmas. I got you this card instead of a present. You're welcome.
- May your Christmas be merry and your WiFi be strong.
Religious Christmas messages
- Wishing you peace and joy as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Merry Christmas.
- May the light of Christmas fill your home with hope this year.
- Peace on earth and goodwill to all. God bless you this Christmas.
How to sign off
- With love,
- Love always,
- With all our love,
- Big hugs,
- Merry Christmas from all of us,
- Lots of love, and see you soon,
Make it more than words
If the people you love are far away, or you're simply running late this year, you can make an animated Christmas card with your voice, photos from the year and a message from everyone in the family. It opens on any phone, with no app, and takes about five minutes.
Say it with Snowglobe.
An animated Christmas card with your voice, your photos and the whole family. From £2.99.
Questions
What should I write in a Christmas card?
A greeting, one personal line such as a memory or a thank you, and a warm sign-off. For example: "Merry Christmas, Nan! Thank you for the Sunday roasts this year. Love always, Jack."
What do you write in a Christmas card to family far away?
Say that you miss them, point to when you'll next be together, and keep it warm and simple: "Missing you at the table this year. Save me a cracker for next Christmas."
What should I write in a Christmas card to a colleague?
Keep it short and friendly: "Merry Christmas and thank you for a brilliant year of working together."
How do I sign off a Christmas card?
"With love", "Love always", "With all our love" and "Merry Christmas from all of us" all work well.