What to Write in a Christmas Card

Ho! Ho! Ho!

It’s that time of year again! Time for twinkling lights, festive carols and merry celebrations. And time for spreading holiday cheer by giving Christmas cards to the special people in your world.

If you are wondering what to say in a Christmas card or if you’re not someone who typically includes a long letter with your card, you might be looking for short Christmas messages to write in cards that make your holiday greeting seem just a little more personal. The good news is that if simply scribbling your name and sealing the envelope are not for you, we’ve got some ideas on what to write in a Christmas card to help you through.

We’ll break it down for you into a bunch of possible scenarios. Everything from what to write in a Christmas card for friends and family to business associates to that special someone in your life. Use these ideas to add a thoughtful and personal touch to your Christmas wishes this year.

Structuring Your Christmas Message

Before deciding what to say in your Christmas card, consider how you want to say it. Whether you’re sending a quick holiday greeting, a heartfelt message or a family update, make sure your message’s tone, style and length is right for the recipient. Here’s a simple structure that can guide you as you write each card:

Seasonal greeting: Start with a warm, traditional greeting that fits the occasion. For example, “Merry Christmas” or “Season’s Greetings” can set the holiday tone, while “Happy Holidays” or “Joyful New Year” keeps it inclusive for different traditions.
Personal note for your recipient: Add a personal touch that speaks to your relationship. Keep it simple for acquaintances, but feel free to share warm wishes or special memories for close family and friends.
Festive signoff: Conclude with a cheerful closing that leaves a lasting impression, such as “Warm Wishes,” “Festively Yours” or “All the Merry Best.”

General Messages for Christmas Cards: Ideas for Anyone

Wishing you a Christmas that’s merry and bright!
Have yourself a merry little Christmas … and an amazingly awesome new year!
Knowing people like you makes this special time of year even brighter.
Hope your Christmas is totally wonderful in every way.
Wishing you a bright and beautiful season of joy.
May all your Christmas dreams come true!
Have a jolly, joy-filled Christmas!

Christmas Messages for Family:

Christmas is all about celebrating the people we care about most … and no one means more to me than special family like you.
Family is what Christmas is all about. So grateful for you!
You’re an important part of my life, and I’m so glad we’re family.
This time of year, I’m especially grateful for family like you.
Our family is so lucky to have you in it. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

Christmas Card Messages for Friends:

Your friendship is such a beautiful gift in my life … thank you.
Thank you for being such an amazing friend and such an important part of my life.
Feeling grateful at Christmas for the awesome friend I have in you.
The true meaning of Christmas is remembering special people like you.
So lucky and grateful to have a friend like you.

Christmas Card Sentiments for that Special Someone in Your Life:

I couldn’t ask for a better gift than spending Christmas with you.
You make the holidays special to me. And I love sharing life and love with you.
You’re the best part of Christmas to me.
Here’s to a wonderful Christmas together!
All I want for Christmas is you.

Christmas Messages for Across the Miles:

Thinking of you and hoping your holidays are amazing.
Wish we could be seeing each other over the holidays, but I’ll be thinking of you.
You’re in my heart this Christmas and always.
Thinking of you with love and wishing you a magical Christmas.
Even though we won’t be together this Christmas, know that I’ll be thinking of you and wishing you everything merry and bright!

Religious Christmas Card Messages:

You’re such a blessing in my life at Christmas and always.
May God bless your Christmas season with joy and love.
Part of the spirit of Christmas is thinking about the special people who bless this world … like you.
May the miracle of Christ’s birth bless your life with special joy this season.

Holiday Greetings for Those Who Don't Celebrate Christmas:

May this be a season of many gifts and joys for you.
Hope your holiday is filled with wonderful things!
Wishing you and your family a beautiful holiday season.
Wishing you a season filled with beauty and a heart filled with joy.

Clever or Funny Christmas Card Messages:

Hope your holiday is filled with plenty of ho-ho-ho!
Eat, Drink, Be Merry. Repeat as needed … and have an awesome holiday!
Merry Christmas to someone who’s definitely on my “nice” list!
Hope this holiday season decks your halls with lots of merry!
‘Tis the season to get tipsy! Cheers to a wonderful Christmas!
Wishing you whatever jingles your bells!

Business Christmas Card Greetings and Holiday Messages to Employees:

With thanks and wishes for a wonderful holiday season.
Thanks for all your hard/excellent work. Have a great Christmas!
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season. Here’s to a happy and successful new year!
Doing business with you is a real pleasure. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas.
Thanks for being such an important part of our team. Hope you have a great holiday and new year!
Enjoy the holidays!
With continued thanks for your business…and wishes for a happy and prosperous new year.

Popular Christmas Sayings

Merry Christmas to you and yours!
May your Christmas be merry and bright!
Wishing you every joy this season.
Peace and joy to you and yours.
Have a holly, jolly Christmas!
Thinking of you at the holidays.
May your Christmas be magical.

Famous Christmas Quotes for Cards

From beloved holiday films and classic literature to memorable words from famous figures, a well-chosen Christmas quote might capture the season’s spirit perfectly.

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. — Buddy, “Elf”
Peace on earth will come to stay, when we live Christmas every day. — Helen Steiner Rice
What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas ... perhaps ... means a little bit more! — Dr. Seuss, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”
I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year. — Charles Dickens, “A Christmas Carol”
I don’t think Christmas is necessarily about things. It’s about being good to one another. — Carrie Fisher
I sincerely hope your Christmas ... may abound in the gaieties which the season generally brings. — Jane Austen, “Pride and Prejudice”

Add a Digital Gift to Your Christmas Card

Add some extra merry to your Christmas cards by including a thoughtful gift! American Greetings offers a variety of digital gifts you can easily attach to any card, such as gift cards, cash gifts, custom songs, personalized messages and gifts of experience. These gifts add a personal touch that make your card even more special … and that will make you feel pretty great, too. For even more Christmas gift inspiration, be sure to check out our Christmas gift guide.

The Origin of Christmas and Christmas Lore

Knowing what to write in a Christmas card can be tricky if you don’t celebrate it yourself. Originally a pagan winter festival, Christmas later became a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, symbolizing hope and goodwill. Today, it blends religious and cultural traditions, bringing families together to exchange gifts, share meals, attend church and celebrate kindness. Understanding this spirit of festivity and togetherness can help you write a thoughtful message for those who celebrate.

Wrapping Up Your Christmas Messages

With the ideas above and your own creativity and inspiration, we hope you’re feeling confident that you can find just the right Christmas message to write in cards for every person on your list.

Remember, you can lift phrases from any category and combine them with phrases from other categories to create the holiday card greeting that perfectly expresses what you want to say — whatever works best for you and fits the relationship you have with the person receiving that card.

As for our wish for you?

That this holiday season finds you dashing through those Christmas cards in no time at all! Get started with a 7-day free trial membership.

Merry Christmas!