What To Write in a Christmas Card

What to Write in a Christmas Card

When writing, a general rule of thumb is to keep your message appropriate to the recipient and the occasion. Christmas card notes should be short and sweet, but inscriptions should also be warm and seasonal. Of course, write accordingly if the recipient is your "Aunt Joan," who requires paragraphs of life updates. Strike a balance between concise and festive, and you'll have appropriate Christmas card sentiments for everyone on your list.

Begin (and end) each inscription with a seasonal greeting such as "Merry Christmas." Follow it with a personal message appropriate to your relationship with the recipient, and close with a final festive address, plus your signature. Most of the sentiments collected below work for general seasonal greetings too. You could also add "Happy Holidays," "Season's Greetings," or "Happy Hanukkah" to the message, depending on the holiday you're celebrating and who is the recipient of your correspondence. Happy writing!

What to Write in a Christmas Card for a Boyfriend or Girlfriend

This card should be appropriately festive and affectionate. Show your love in holiday spirit with a message that's as caring as it is merry and bright. Think of these Christmas greeting cards as a seasonal take on a cheeky love note. It's ideal for keeping the message short and sweet. When it comes to significant others, go for try out one of these classic directives and add a personal, holly touch.

"All I Want for Christmas Is You"

This Christmas, you're the best gift I could ever receive.

I hope this Christmas brings you happiness and joy.

Christmas is all about love, and I'm lucky to spend it with you.

You make my heart sing.

You light up my life all year long.

Merry Christmas to the one I love.

My favorite part of Christmas is spending it with you.

You're brighter than all the Christmas lights.

I asked Santa for you, and wow, did he deliver.

What to Write in a Christmas Card for Family

There's just something about the holiday season that makes you want to embrace your family even tighter, and a well-written card is a great way to let your family know how much you care. Writing warm greetings for family members makes you want to display, treasure, and keep Christmas cards for years to come. Make your cards worth the safe keeping with a heartfelt, festive note that communicates love and best wishes.

Family is the best Christmas gift of all.

Family is a reason to be thankful this season.

Wishing good health and happiness for you this holiday season

Dashing through the snow to wish you a Merry Christmas.

Thank you for all the Christmas memories.

"I'll Be Home for Christmas"

Sending my love to you this Christmas and all year long.

Sending my love to you this Christmas and all year long.

What to Write in a Christmas Card to a Friend

When writing to a friend, feel free to inscribe your card with warm wishes and personal sentiments, even jokes that are appropriate to the occasion. This card should reflect the friendship you share with the recipient. Sometimes, we don't tell our friends we appreciate them as much as we should, so take this as an opportunity to put those tender friendship feelings on paper to say that you cherish them. The weather may be chilly (maybe even a white Christmas), but the sentiments couldn't be warmer.

The holidays are the perfect time you tell you how much I treasure our friendship.

You're a gift all year long.

Thank you for the gift of your friendship.

I hope Santa brings everything you want this year. You deserve it!

You narrowly avoided the naughty list this year, friend. That calls for celebration!

I'm sending all the magic of Christmas your way this holiday season.

You bring joy to my world, and I cherish our friendship.

I'm looking forward to rockin' around the Christmas tree with you this year.

What to Write in a Business Christmas Card

When writing a Christmas card for a business acquaintance, a co-worker, or a client, it's essential to ensure that your sentiments are elegant, professional, and sincere. Jot something down that communicates best wishes for the holiday season but avoids any overly-tender language. Be cognizant of who you're speaking to and your relationship with them. You may not be their loved one but you certainly want them to have a happy holiday with their loved ones. Be cordial and a bit formal, but don't skimp on that jolly spirit.

Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas.

Warmest wishes this holiday season.

It's a pleasure to work with you all year long, and it's my joy to wish you a Merry Christmas.

I hope the holidays bring you peace, goodwill, and happiness this year.

The Christmas season is a good time to remind you how much I appreciate your business and continued support.

I hope your holidays are filled with joy and laughter.

The Christmas season is a good time to remind you how much I appreciate your business and continued support.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

What to Write in a Teacher's Christmas Card

Christmas cards for teachers should also contain messages that are more professional than they are casual, and they should be heartfelt too. It's appropriate to share how much the teacher, their attention, and their dedication mean to you and your child. Use this card as an opportunity to show your appreciation for your child's teacher. They're been an instrumental role model since the school year began and we can't let their impact go unnoticed this holiday season.

A great teacher is the best gift a child can receive.

If teachers were Christmas gifts, we'd pick you!

You're a gift to all those whose lives you touch.

Wishing you a joyous holiday season and the happiest of New Years.

This year, I hope you and yours unwrap a wonderful holiday season.

Wishing you joy, happiness, and peace this Christmas.

"What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps… means a little bit more!" ―Dr. Seuss

What to Write on a Christmas Photo Card

Adding a personal inscription to photo cards is nice, but the greeting and signature are non-negotiable. The key to a greeting that will complement your photo is to keep it super short and sweet. Go for a straightforward holiday wish or an even more concise header. This may be the only time that you'll hear an editor recommending a fragment, so don't be afraid to opt for a brief holiday colloquialism. And remember: these greetings are one size fits all. They're be going out to everybody so make sure that the message is one that suits everyone on your list. Here are a few ideas for greetings to add to your photo card designs this year.

"We Wish You a Merry Christmas"

Merry and Bright

Peace on Earth

Have a holly, jolly Christmas!

"Deck the Halls"

"It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas"

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"

"Christmastime Is Here Again"

Jingle all the way!

"Joy to the World"

"'Twas the night before Christmas…"

"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!" —Clement Clarke Moore

Additional Christmas Card Inscription Ideas

You can also include Christmas quotes or Bible verses in addition to, or instead of, a personalized message. This Christmas, go creative or traditional and choose the option that works for you and communicates what you feel in your heart. You know your circle better than anybody and all that really matters is letting them know you care. For more Christmas card etiquette, check out our tips for addressing holiday cards and our guidelines for timing and sending cards.