Christmas card greetings are the written messages you include in a holiday card. They can be simple wishes for a merry Christmas, a heartfelt note, or a short verse. The best greeting matches your relationship with the recipient and the tone you want to set.
What to Include in a Christmas Card Greeting
A good Christmas card greeting has a few key parts. You can keep it short or write a longer message.
- A warm opening, such as "Dear [Name]," or "Merry Christmas, [Name]!"
- A wish for the season, like "Wishing you joy and peace."
- A personal note that mentions a shared memory or a specific reason you are thinking of them.
- Your signature and, if you like, a short postscript.
Popular Christmas Card Greetings for Different Relationships
Your choice of words should fit the person. Here are examples for common situations.
For Family
- "Wishing you a Christmas filled with love, laughter, and all your favorite traditions."
- "So grateful to have you in my life. Merry Christmas and a happy New Year."
- "May your holiday be as wonderful as you are. Love you."
For Friends
- "Hope your Christmas is merry and bright, and that we can celebrate together soon."
- "Cheers to another year of friendship. Have a fantastic holiday."
- "Sending you warm wishes and a lot of joy this Christmas."
For Colleagues and Acquaintances
- "Wishing you a peaceful holiday season and a prosperous New Year."
- "Best wishes for a merry Christmas and a happy holiday."
- "Hope you enjoy time with family and friends. Happy holidays."
Religious vs. Secular Christmas Card Greetings
Some cards focus on the religious meaning of Christmas. Others are secular and focus on the season. Choose the type that matches the recipient's beliefs and your relationship.
- Religious greetings: "May the blessing of Christmas be with you and your family." "Rejoice, for unto us a child is born." "Wishing you a holy and merry Christmas."
- Secular greetings: "Happy holidays!" "Season's greetings!" "Wishing you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year."
How to Personalize a Store-Bought Card
Even a printed card can feel personal. Add a handwritten line or two below the printed message.
- Mention a recent event: "I loved hearing about your trip to the mountains."
- Reference an inside joke or shared memory.
- Ask a question: "How is your new puppy doing?"
- Sign your name and, for close contacts, add a short note like "Love" or "Warmly."
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Misspelling the recipient's name. Double-check it.
- Forgetting to sign the card. An unsigned card can feel impersonal.
- Using a generic message for someone you know well. Add a personal touch.
- Sending a religious card to someone who is not religious. When in doubt, choose a secular greeting.
- Writing too much. A few sentences are enough for most cards.
When to Send Christmas Cards
The best time to send Christmas cards is early to mid-December. That way they arrive before Christmas. If you send them after December 25, you can call them New Year's cards instead.