What to Write in a Christmas Card This Year

By Paper Parasol Press | Published: 2026-10-21

Category: How-to Guides

Struggling with holiday card wording? Follow these simple steps to write warm, personal Christmas card messages that feel genuine and avoid common pitfalls.

Quick answer

Start with a warm greeting, share a brief personal update or specific memory, express genuine wishes for the recipient, and close with a simple sign-off. Avoid generic phrases and keep the focus on your connection.

Why personal messages matter more than ever

In a world of quick texts and social media posts, a handwritten card stands out. Taking a few extra minutes to tailor your message shows you truly care. Even a short, specific note can mean more than a long, generic one.

Common holiday card pitfalls to avoid

The biggest mistake is copying a pre-printed sentiment without adding anything of your own. Another is writing only about yourself without acknowledging the recipient. Finally, avoid overly formal or religious language unless you know the recipient shares that tradition.

How to write your Christmas card message in 5 steps

Choose a warm opening: Start with a greeting that fits your relationship. For family or close friends, use 'Dear [Name],' or 'To my dear [Name],'. For colleagues or acquaintances, 'Happy Holidays, [Name]!' works well. Avoid starting with just 'Merry Christmas' alone. A personal greeting sets a friendly tone right away.
Add a personal touch or memory: Mention something specific from the past year—a shared experience, a milestone, or even a funny moment. For example: 'I still smile thinking about our beach trip in July.' This makes the message feel unique and thoughtful. A short, specific memory is more meaningful than a generic 'hope you're well.'
Express genuine wishes: Write a sentence or two about what you hope for the recipient in the coming year. Keep it authentic: 'Wishing you a season filled with laughter and a new year of good health.' Avoid clichés like 'best wishes' without context. Tailor your wish to what you know about their life—don't just copy a standard phrase.
Close with a simple sign-off: End with a closing that matches your relationship. Options include 'With love,' 'Warmly,' 'Yours,' or 'Happy Holidays.' Sign your name clearly. If you're including multiple people, list everyone's names. A clean sign-off avoids confusion and keeps the card looking neat.
Add a postscript if needed: If you forgot something or want to add a quick note, a P.S. is fine. Keep it brief—one line maximum. For example: 'P.S. Looking forward to your holiday party!' Use P.S. sparingly; too many extra notes can feel cluttered.

A card that sets the tone

Merry Everything Christmas Holiday Mini Card: The Merry Everything Christmas Holiday Mini Card is 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches when folded, comes with a kraft envelope, is blank inside, and is offset printed in the USA. Its blank interior gives you full freedom to write your own message, while the compact size makes it perfect for attaching to a gift or tucking into a care package.
Merry Everything Christmas Holiday Mini Card