The 3-line formula: 1) a greeting (“Dear Sam”), 2) a message from below, 3) one personal line — a memory from this year or something you’re looking forward to. Then a warm sign-off. That personal line is what people remember.
Short and simple Christmas messages
- Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
- Wishing you peace, joy and love this Christmas.
- Warmest wishes for a wonderful holiday season.
- Have a cosy Christmas and a bright New Year.
- Season’s greetings and best wishes for 2027.
- Thinking of you this Christmas.
- May your holidays sparkle with joy.
- Sending love and festive cheer your way.
- Wishing you a Christmas full of laughter.
- Merry everything and happy always.
- Joy to you and yours this Christmas.
- Here’s to a magical Christmas and a happy 2027.
- Peace on earth and plenty of mince pies.
- Wishing you all the best this festive season.
- Happy holidays from our home to yours.
- Eat, drink and be merry!
Christmas card messages for family
- Merry Christmas to the best family anyone could ask for. Every year with you is a gift.
- Mum and Dad, thank you for every Christmas memory you’ve given us. We love you more than words (or wrapping paper) can say.
- To my wonderful sister: here’s to more laughs, more late-night chats and more stolen chocolates from the tin.
- Wishing my favourite brother a Christmas as awesome as you think you are. Love you!
- Grandma and Grandpa, Christmas isn’t Christmas without you. Sending all our love and the biggest hugs.
- To our son and daughter-in-law: we’re so proud of the home you’ve built together. Merry Christmas!
- Even though we’re miles apart this year, you’re in our hearts at every carol and every candle.
- From our crazy household to yours — may your Christmas be merry and your leftovers last for days.
- To my husband/wife: you’re still my favourite present. Merry Christmas, my love.
- Merry Christmas to our little family. My only wish is more days like these.
Christmas messages for friends
- Merry Christmas to a friend who feels like family. Thank you for another brilliant year.
- Here’s to more adventures, more coffee and more terrible jokes in 2027. Love you lots!
- Wishing you a Christmas as fun as our group chat at 1am.
- Friends like you make the holidays (and the rest of the year) so much better. Merry Christmas!
- No matter how far apart we live, Christmas always reminds me how lucky I am to have you.
- Cheers to you this Christmas! Let’s catch up properly in the New Year — drinks are on me.
- Thank you for being there through every high and low this year. Merry Christmas, my friend.
- May your Christmas be filled with your favourite things — and may Santa finally bring you that thing you keep talking about.
Christmas card messages for coworkers and your boss
- Merry Christmas! It’s been a pleasure working with you this year. Enjoy a well-earned break.
- Happy holidays to a fantastic team. Thank you for all your hard work and good humour.
- Wishing you a relaxing Christmas and a successful New Year.
- Thanks for making Mondays bearable. Have a wonderful Christmas!
- Season’s greetings! Here’s to more wins (and fewer meetings) in 2027.
- To my manager: thank you for your support and guidance this year. Wishing you and your family a peaceful Christmas.
- Enjoy the holidays! May your inbox be empty and your plate be full.
- It’s been a busy year — thank you for being such a great colleague. Merry Christmas and see you in January!
Writing to someone who may not celebrate Christmas? “Happy holidays” or “Season’s greetings” are warm and inclusive choices for workplaces in the US, UK, Canada and Australia.
Business Christmas messages for clients and customers
- Thank you for your business and trust this year. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous 2027.
- Season’s greetings from all of us at [Company]. We truly appreciate working with you.
- As the year comes to a close, we’d like to thank you for your loyalty. Happy holidays!
- Wishing you peace, health and success in the New Year. It’s been a pleasure to partner with you.
- Our office is closed from 24 December to 1 January. Thank you for a wonderful year — we look forward to working with you in 2027.
Sending these by email? Our Christmas email subject lines guide helps you avoid the spam folder, and the out-of-office examples cover your holiday auto-reply.
Funny Christmas card messages
- Merry Christmas! I hope Santa brings you everything I couldn’t afford.
- Calories don’t count at Christmas. That’s science. Probably.
- Let’s get elfed up! Merry Christmas.
- Wishing you a Christmas with fewer tangled lights than mine.
- I was going to get you a present, but I gave you my presence instead. Merry Christmas!
- May your Wi-Fi be strong and your relatives be few.
- Sleigh all day! Merry Christmas.
- Dear Santa, I can explain… Merry Christmas anyway!
- Here’s to stretchy trousers and second helpings.
- Yule love this card. Merry Christmas!
- Resting grinch face, but happy to see you. Merry Christmas!
- Not a creature was stirring… except me, looking for the chocolate.
Religious Christmas card messages
- May the love and peace of Christ be with you this Christmas and always.
- “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.” — Isaiah 9:6. Wishing you a blessed Christmas.
- Celebrating the birth of our Saviour with you in our hearts. Merry Christmas and God bless.
- May the light of the Christmas star guide you through the New Year.
- “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” — Luke 2:14
- Praying that your home is filled with the hope, joy and peace of Jesus this Christmas.
Messages for kids and teachers
- Merry Christmas! Santa told me you’ve been extra good this year.
- Have a magical Christmas — and leave a carrot out for Rudolph!
- Wishing a super kid a super Christmas. Have fun opening your presents!
- To a wonderful teacher: thank you for your patience, kindness and all the glitter you’ve cleaned up. Merry Christmas!
- Thank you for making school a happy place for [child’s name]. Have a restful holiday!
When someone has had a difficult year
- Thinking of you this Christmas and sending gentle love your way. I’m here whenever you need me.
- I know this Christmas may feel different. Wishing you moments of peace and comfort.
- Holding you close in my thoughts this season. No need to reply — just know you’re loved.
- Remembering [name] with you this Christmas. Their light is still felt by so many.
How to sign a Christmas card
- Love,
- With love and best wishes,
- Warmest wishes,
- Merry Christmas,
- Season’s greetings,
- Fondly,
- Cheers,
- With festive wishes,
- Hugs,
- All the best,
- Kind regards (for clients),
- Love from all of us,
Christmas card deadlines
Posting cards abroad? Royal Mail, USPS, Canada Post and Australia Post publish last posting dates each year, usually from late November for international mail and mid-to-late December for domestic. Check your postal service’s website in early December and post early. Count down the days with our days until Christmas calculator.
Questions
What should I write in a Christmas card?
Start with a greeting, add a short message (like “Wishing you peace, joy and love this Christmas”), include one personal line about the year, then sign off with “Love” or “Warmest wishes”.
What do you write in a Christmas card to a coworker?
Keep it warm and simple: “Merry Christmas! It’s been a pleasure working with you this year. Enjoy a well-earned break.” Use “Happy holidays” if you’re not sure they celebrate Christmas.
Is it OK to just sign your name in a Christmas card?
Yes, but adding even one short line (“Hope to see you in the New Year!”) makes it feel much more personal.
How do you write a Christmas card for someone who is grieving?
Be gentle and brief: “Thinking of you this Christmas and sending love. I’m here whenever you need me.” Mentioning their loved one by name is often appreciated.