What to write in a Christmas card

A Christmas card only needs a line or two that sounds like you. Pick a message, add a name and print a folded card at home.

21 Christmas messages you can copy

Simple

• Merry Christmas, [name]! Wishing you a season full of warmth and good company. Copy
• Wishing you a peaceful Christmas and a bright new year. Copy
• Merry Christmas and happy new year from all of us. Copy
• Hoping your Christmas is cozy, merry and just a little bit magical. Copy
• Thinking of you this Christmas and sending love your way. Copy

Warm

• Christmas is not the same without you. I hope we get to raise a glass together very soon. Love you lots. Copy
• This year reminded me how lucky I am to have you in my life. Merry Christmas, and here is to many more. Copy
• Wishing you slow mornings, good food and people you love around the table. Merry Christmas! Copy
• Thank you for every phone call, every visit and every laugh this year. Merry Christmas to you and the whole crew. Copy
• Our favorite tradition is still the one where we all end up in the kitchen. Merry Christmas from our house to yours. Copy

Funny

• Merry Christmas! May your cookies be soft, your relatives be calm and your batteries be included. Copy
• Wishing you a Christmas with more naps than dishes. Copy
• I checked the list twice. You made the nice list, barely. Merry Christmas! Copy
• Here is to stretchy pants, leftover pie and the annual fight over the board game. Merry Christmas! Copy

Faith

• May the peace of Christ fill your home this Christmas and all through the new year. Copy
• Celebrating the birth of Jesus and thanking God for friends like you. Merry Christmas. Copy
• Wishing you the hope, joy and love of the first Christmas. Copy

Formal

• Merry Christmas and best wishes for a happy and healthy new year. Copy
• Wishing you and your family a joyful Christmas season. Copy
• Thank you for a wonderful year. Merry Christmas and all the best for the year ahead. Copy
• With warm wishes for a merry Christmas and a prosperous new year. Copy

How to write it

• Add one line that only fits them: a memory from this year, an inside joke, or a plan for next year.
• Sign every card by hand, even if the rest is printed.
• For mixed or unknown faiths, "Happy holidays" or "Season’s greetings" is always safe.
• Mail cards early in December so they arrive before the holidays.

What to avoid

• A long family update in every card; save it for a one-page letter if you write one.
• Religious wording for people whose faith you do not know.

About these messages

Every message here was written for Thoughtful Spot. Use them as they are, or as a starting point: one line that sounds like you is better than three that do not. Updated 1 November 2026.