200 Christmas Wishes: What to Write in a Christmas Card

Here is what to write in a Christmas card, with more than 200 merry Christmas wishes, holiday card messages and sayings you can copy. Most Christmas cards only need two or three sentences. The hard part is knowing how to start, so this guide gives you a simple way to write the card, how to sign it, and messages for family, friends, your partner, coworkers, clients and anyone who is grieving this year.

You can copy these messages as they are or change a few words so they sound like you. Christmas 2026 is Friday, December 25.

Article contents

• What to Write in a Christmas Card
• How to Sign a Christmas Card
• Short Merry Christmas Wishes
• Funny Christmas Wishes
• Religious Christmas Wishes
• Romantic Christmas Wishes
• Christmas Wishes for Family
• Christmas Wishes for Friends
• Christmas Wishes for Coworkers and Your Boss
• Christmas Wishes for Someone Grieving
• Non-Religious Holiday Card Messages
• Bible Verses for Christmas
• Christmas Card Sayings
• Short Christmas Quotes
• Christmas Messages for Clients and Customers
• Christmas Messages for Teachers, Neighbors and Service Workers
• Christmas Thank You Notes for Gifts
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Cards for Your Christmas Messages

What to Write in a Christmas Card

A good Christmas card has four parts.

1. Greet them by name. "Dear Aunt Carol," or "Hi Mike and Jen," is enough.
2. Wish them a Merry Christmas. Use one of the wishes below or write your own.
3. Add one personal line. Mention something from this year, a shared memory or a plan to see them.
4. Close and sign. Pick a sign-off that fits the relationship and add your name.

Example: "Dear Aunt Carol, Merry Christmas! We loved seeing you at the lake this summer and hope we can do it again next year. Wishing you a peaceful Christmas and a happy New Year. Love, Dan, Amy and the kids"

How to Sign a Christmas Card

The sign-off is the last thing people read. Here are common Christmas closings, from most formal to most personal.

• Season's greetings,
• Warm wishes,
• Best wishes for the holidays,
• With gratitude,
• Merry Christmas,
• Blessings,
• Merry Christmas and love,
• With love,
• Love always,

For a family card, list the adults first and then the children, oldest to youngest: "Love, Dan, Amy, Ella and Max." You can also write "The Parker Family." If you have pets, it is fine to add them at the end.

Short Merry Christmas Wishes

Short is fine, especially on a card with a busy design. Add your names and you are done.

• Merry Christmas! Thinking of you this season.
• Wishing you a calm and happy Christmas.
• Merry Christmas from our house to yours.
• Hope your Christmas is full of good food and good company.
• Sending you love and a warm hug this Christmas.
• Merry Christmas. We miss you and hope to see you soon.
• Wishing you rest, laughter and time with the people you love.
• Merry Christmas! Thank you for being part of our year.
• Hope Santa is good to you this year.
• Wishing you a cozy Christmas and a bright New Year.
• Enjoy every minute of the holidays.
• Merry Christmas and all the best in 2027.
• So glad to know you. Merry Christmas.
• Wishing you peace this Christmas and all year long.
• Happy Christmas to you and yours.
• Merry Christmas to you and your whole family.
• Wishing you a merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year.
• Thinking of you with love this Christmas.
• Merry Christmas. You make this time of year better.
• Have a wonderful Christmas, and save me a cookie.

Funny Christmas Wishes

A little humor works well for friends, siblings and anyone who likes a laugh. Pair a joke with a warm line so the card still feels personal.

• Yule always be my favorite!
• That warm feeling isn’t the Christmas spirit. I think you left the oven on.
• Christmas is a Claus for celebration!
• Adults can enjoy Christmas too. Until the credit card bills arrive.
• I hope your smiles will be as big as your credit card bill this Christmas!
• Merry Christmas! I hope you love the present you told me to buy for you.
• Wishing you sanity and a strong drink this holiday season!
• ‘Tis the season for leftovers and stretchy pants. Happy Holidays!
• Fill your cup of cheer with whatever you want! Merry Christmas!
• You’re a gift in my life. And not the kind I’d return for store credit. Merry Christmas!
• Happy slow down and cozy up season!
• Remember, Santa is watching everything. Yes. Even that. Merry Christmas!

Religious Christmas Wishes

These messages celebrate the birth of Jesus. They are a good fit for family, church friends and anyone who shares your faith.

• May God bless your Christmas season with joy and love.
• May the miracle of Christ’s birth bless your life with special joy this season.
• Wishing you a very Merry Christmas on this holy day. I am so thankful for you.
• Merry Christmas to my loved ones. May God give you peace in every part of your life.
• This Christmas, I pray that God blesses our family with an abundance of happiness. Happy holidays!
• May Christ bless us with love, grace, and joy! Merry Christmas! I hope you have a great holiday.
• Today, we celebrate the birth of our Lord and cherish all that he has done for us. Merry Christmas!
• May the Christmas season fill your home with joy, love, and laughter. May God bless you today and every day.
• I hope you get endless reasons to smile and rejoice in the upcoming year! Have a blessed Christmas.
• The magic of Christmas is not in the presents but in His presence. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
• Part of Christmas is giving thanks for the people who bless our lives, and you are one of them.
• May the divine presence of Jesus Christ be with you throughout this holy season and bless all your days!

Romantic Christmas Wishes

Use these for a husband, wife or partner. Add a memory from this year to make it your own.

• You are my favorite part of Christmas. I love you.
• Having you in my life makes Christmas even more magical. Happy Holidays, my love!
• Every Christmas with you is my new favorite one.
• The only thing I love more than Christmas is you.
• Your love is the best Christmas gift I could ever receive. Merry Christmas, sweetheart!
• This time of year makes me realize how lucky I am to share my life with you. Merry Christmas!
• Merry Christmas to the person who makes every day feel like a holiday. I love you.
• Spending Christmas with you reminds me how lucky I am to be with you.
• Our love burns brighter than the star on top of the Christmas tree. May this Christmas and New Year be the best we’ve ever had!
• There is no one I’d rather make memories with this holiday season than you. Merry Christmas, my love.
• You know where to find me this Christmas Eve. Under the mistletoe, eager to share our holiday kiss!
• Christmas is more magical with you in my life. I’m looking forward to all the memories and romantic moments the holiday season has in store for us!

Christmas Wishes for Family

Family cards can be short. Mention a tradition you share or say you look forward to seeing them.

• Merry Christmas, Mom and Dad. Thank you for every Christmas you made special for us.
• Merry Christmas, Grandma and Grandpa. Our favorite memories of this season all have you in them.
• To our grandkids: we love you more than all the cookies on Santa's plate. Merry Christmas.
• Merry Christmas to our son. We are so proud of the man you are becoming.
• Merry Christmas to our daughter. You bring so much joy to our family, at Christmas and all year.
• Merry Christmas to my sister. Nobody else knows our family traditions the way you do.
• Merry Christmas to my brother. Here is to another year of arguing over the last piece of pie.
• Merry Christmas to my in-laws. Thank you for welcoming me into your family and your traditions.
• Merry Christmas to my aunt and uncle. Your house will always be where Christmas started for me.
• Merry Christmas to my cousins. I hope we can all get together again soon.
• Wishing a merry Christmas to our whole family, near and far. We love you all.
• From our home to yours, merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
• We are counting down the days until we are all around the same table again. Merry Christmas.
• We miss you this Christmas and cannot wait to see you in the new year. Sending all our love.
• Merry Christmas to the best family anyone could ask for.
• May your Christmas be full of good food, old stories and plenty of laughter.

Christmas Wishes for Friends

A Christmas card is an easy way to stay in touch with friends you do not see often. One line about the past year makes it more personal.

• Merry Christmas to a friend who feels like family.
• Thank you for another year of friendship. Merry Christmas.
• Merry Christmas! I am so glad we got to spend so much time together this year.
• Wishing you a Christmas full of rest, good food and the people you love.
• Merry Christmas from our house to yours. Let us get together soon in the new year.
• Even from far away, you are on my mind this Christmas. Sending you a big hug.
• We may not be together on Christmas morning, but you are always in my heart.
• Merry Christmas to my long-distance friend. Distance has never changed a thing between us.
• Merry Christmas! Here is to more coffee dates and long talks next year.
• You made this year better just by being in it. Merry Christmas, my friend.
• Merry Christmas to you and your family. I hope this season brings you everything you need.
• Thinking of you this Christmas and hoping the new year is a great one for you.
• Merry Christmas to my oldest friend. I would not trade our years of memories for anything.
• Thank you for always showing up for me this year. Merry Christmas.
• Wishing you a calm, cozy Christmas and a happy New Year.
• Merry Christmas! I am so lucky to call you my friend.

Christmas Wishes for Coworkers and Your Boss

Keep work cards friendly and simple. These messages suit coworkers, managers and team members. If you own a business or manage a team, see our business Christmas card messages for notes to employees and clients.

• Merry Christmas to you and a wonderful new year too!
• Wishing you and your loved ones a magical holiday season!
• Thank you for all the great times during the craziest workloads. Happy Holidays!
• Wishing all my coworkers a safe and happy holiday season!
• I am so happy to have a coworker like you. I wish you the Merriest Christmas!
• I’m lucky to have a coworker like you. Thank you for making work a happy place to be. Merry Christmas!
• Thank you for always being willing to help. Merry Christmas and enjoy the time off.
• May this Christmas give you a real break from the inbox. You earned it!
• We are truly a family here, and I am so grateful for each of you. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
• The energy you bring to the office is a blessing for all of us. I hope you have a beautiful Christmas season!
• I consider you to be a blessing and hope you have a wonderful holiday season with your family.
• Happy holidays dear colleague! May your Christmas celebration be filled with joy, happiness, and love.

Christmas Card Messages for Your Boss

For a boss or manager, keep the message warm and a little more formal. A word of thanks for the year is always welcome.

• Merry Christmas. Thank you for your support and leadership this year.
• Wishing you and your family a restful holiday season. Thank you for a great year.
• Thank you for being a manager who truly cares about the team. Merry Christmas.
• Happy holidays. I have learned so much from you this year, and I am grateful.
• Merry Christmas and best wishes for the new year. It is a pleasure to work for you.
• Wishing you a peaceful Christmas and a well-earned break.
• Thank you for your patience, your guidance and your sense of humor this year. Happy holidays.
• Merry Christmas from all of us on the team. We appreciate everything you do.

Christmas Wishes for Someone Grieving

The holidays can be hard after a loss. A gentle card that names the person they miss can mean a great deal.

• May God bless you and your family during this Christmas season.
• May the promise of Christmas fill your hearts with comfort and peace.
• Thinking of you during this Christmas season and sending you lots of love.
• Our love and thoughts are with you during the Christmas season and the promise of hope it brings.
• You will be in my prayers over Christmas and the New Year. May God bless you with peace throughout.
• It’s hard when Christmas comes during a difficult time. Just want you to know I’m thinking of you.
• Sometimes the holidays only seem to remind us of what we have lost. But you will never lose the love and caring of those who know you and want the best for you.
• My deepest love to you and your family this Christmas. I wish you all the blessings of the holiday season.
• I’m thinking of you this Christmas and sending lots of love.
• Wishing you and your whole family as much peace and happiness as you can find during this difficult time.
• I pray God grants you and your family peace and that your Christmas brings you cherished memories.
• I can’t begin to understand what Christmas must be like this year, but I hope the holiday season brings you peace and strength.

For more gentle messages, including a first Christmas without Mom, Dad or a spouse, see what to write for a first Christmas without a loved one.

Non-Religious Holiday Card Messages

Use these when you are not sure how someone celebrates, or when you are sending one card to a mixed group.

• Happy holidays! Wishing you a peaceful season and a happy New Year.
• Season's greetings and best wishes for the year ahead.
• Warm wishes to you and your family this holiday season.
• Happy holidays from our home to yours.
• Wishing you rest, good food and time with the people you love.
• May the new year bring you good health and many happy days.
• Thinking of you this holiday season and sending warm wishes.
• Happy holidays and a happy New Year to you and yours.
• Wishing you a cozy winter and a bright start to the new year.
• Peace, joy and good health to you this holiday season.
• Hope your holidays are full of warmth and laughter.
• Season's greetings! Thank you for being part of our year.
• Safe travels and warm wishes for a wonderful holiday season.
• Wishing you a relaxing holiday break and a great year ahead.
• Happy holidays! May the coming year be kind to you.
• Sending warm thoughts your way this holiday season and all through the new year.

Bible Verses for Christmas

Add one of these verses under your message in a Christian Christmas card.

• “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)
• “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15)
• “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.” (Matthew 2:10)
• “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14)
• “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.” (Titus 2:11)
• “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)
• “He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth.” (Luke 1:14)
• “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
• “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). (Matthew 1:23)
• “So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.” (Luke 2:16)
• “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
• “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

Christmas Card Sayings

These short sayings work on the front of a handmade card, at the top of your note or on a gift tag.

• Merry Christmas and happy New Year.
• Peace, love and joy.
• Season's greetings from our home to yours.
• Wishing you a season of peace.
• Warmest wishes for a merry Christmas.
• Wishing you a bright and happy Christmas.
• Merry everything and happy always.
• Comfort and joy to you and yours.
• Glad tidings and good cheer.
• Sending love across the miles.
• Cheers to the season.
• From our family to yours, merry Christmas.
• Warm wishes and cozy nights.
• Peace on earth and goodwill to all.
• Nothing beats Christmas at home.
• Believe in the magic of Christmas.

For a religious card, a short line of faith works well:

• Emmanuel, God with us.
• Rejoice, a Savior is born.
• Christ is born. Merry Christmas.
• Peace on earth through Christ our Lord.

Short Christmas Quotes

A short quote can open or close your message. Write the name of the person who said it under the quote.

• “I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” (Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol)
• “A merry Christmas to everybody! A happy New Year to all the world!” (Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol)
• “At Christmas play and make good cheer, for Christmas comes but once a year.” (Thomas Tusser)
• “Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind.” (Calvin Coolidge)
• “It is not even the beginning of Christmas unless it is Christmas in the heart.” (Richard Roberts)
• “The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.” (Burton Hillis)
• “I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month.” (Harlan Miller)
• “Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall.” (Larry Wilde)
• “Christmas is not just a day, an event to be observed and speedily forgotten. It is a spirit which should permeate every part of our lives.” (William Parks)
• “Were it not for the shepherds, there would have been no reception. And were it not for a group of stargazers, there would have been no gifts.” (Max Lucado)

Christmas Messages for Clients and Customers

A holiday card is one of the simplest ways to thank customers. Keep it short, sign it by hand, and use a non-religious wish if you are not sure how the person celebrates. For more wording for clients, customers and employees, see our business Christmas card messages.

• Thank you for your business this year. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
• We are grateful for customers like you. Happy holidays from all of us.
• Thank you for trusting us this year. We wish you and your family a joyful holiday season.
• It has been a pleasure working with you. Merry Christmas and best wishes for the new year.
• Warm wishes for the holidays and a healthy, happy new year. Thank you for your support.
• Thank you for a great year of working together. We look forward to more in the new year.
• Season's greetings and many thanks for your loyalty this year.
• Wishing you peace and joy this holiday season. Thank you for choosing us.
• From our team to yours, happy holidays and thank you for a wonderful year.
• Thank you for being part of our year. Enjoy the holidays with the people you love.

Christmas Messages for Teachers, Neighbors and Service Workers

A card for a teacher, neighbor, mail carrier or babysitter is a small thank you that people remember. For more ideas from parents and students, see our Christmas messages for teachers.

• Thank you for everything you do for our kids. Merry Christmas!
• Thank you for making this year such a good one for Emma. Wishing you a restful holiday break.
• Merry Christmas to the best neighbors on the street. Thank you for always looking out for us.
• Thank you for bringing our mail through rain, heat and snow. Happy holidays!
• We are so lucky to have you in our lives. Merry Christmas and thank you for all you do.
• Thank you for taking such good care of our family this year. Happy holidays.
• Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a relaxing break. Thank you for being a wonderful teacher.
• Thank you for your hard work all year long. We hope your holidays are restful and happy.
• Merry Christmas to our babysitter. The kids adore you, and so do we.
• Thank you for keeping our street clear all winter. Happy holidays to you and your family.

Christmas Thank You Notes for Gifts

After the holidays, a short thank you note for each gift is a kind habit, and it is a good one to teach children. Name the gift and say how you will use it. For more ideas, see our thank you card messages our full guide to Christmas thank you notes and our thank you for the gift messages.

• Thank you for the cozy sweater. I have worn it three times since Christmas.
• Thank you for the book. It was the first gift I opened and the first one I used.
• Thank you for thinking of us at Christmas. The kids have not stopped playing with the game.
• Thank you for the generous gift card. I am putting it toward a new pair of hiking boots.
• Thank you for hosting Christmas dinner. It was a wonderful day with the whole family.
• Thank you for the beautiful ornament. It has a special place on our tree.
• Thank you for the Christmas cookies. They did not last the afternoon.
• Thank you for the beautiful scarf. It is already my favorite.
• Thank you for the thoughtful gift. It was so kind of you to think of me at Christmas.
• Thank you for the money. I am saving it for something special and will tell you what I pick.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Christmas 2026?

Christmas Day 2026 is Friday, December 25. Christmas Eve is Thursday, December 24.

When should I mail Christmas cards in 2026?

The U.S. Postal Service recommends mailing First-Class Mail by Thursday, December 17, 2026 for delivery by December 25 within the contiguous United States. Mail earlier for Alaska, Hawaii and military addresses. Many people mail cards in the first two weeks of December.

What is a good message to write in a Christmas card?

A good Christmas card message greets the person by name, wishes them a merry Christmas, adds one personal line and closes with your name. "Merry Christmas, Sam. We loved having you over in July. Wishing you a happy New Year. Love, the Ortiz family" is a full message.

What can I write in a holiday card instead of Merry Christmas?

"Happy holidays," "Season's greetings," "Warm wishes for the holidays" and "Wishing you a peaceful season and a happy New Year" all work for anyone. The section on non-religious holiday card messages has more.

Should I write "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays"?

Use "Merry Christmas" for people you know celebrate Christmas. "Happy Holidays" or "Season's Greetings" works well for clients, coworkers and anyone whose traditions you are not sure of.

What do you write in a Christmas card for someone who lost a loved one?

Keep it gentle and short. Say you are thinking of them, name the person they lost if you knew them, and skip the word "merry." The section above on Christmas wishes for someone grieving has more ideas.

How long should a Christmas card message be?

Two to four sentences is enough for most cards. A longer note is welcome for close family or friends you have not seen in a while.

Cards for Your Christmas Messages

Every Twigs Paper set is printed on 100% recycled paper and is blank inside, so you can write any of the messages above.

• Christian Cross Greeting Cards: a cross filled with small blue flowers, a good fit for a faith-filled Christmas message.
• Birds of America Thank You Cards: six backyard birds, including a cardinal and a blue jay, for thank you notes after the holidays.
• Vintage National Park Cards: twelve park scenes in soft vintage tones, blank inside, for holiday notes to family who love the outdoors.
• Christian Cross Thank You Cards: for thanking your pastor, choir or church volunteers at Christmas.

See more on our Christmas cards page. For cards sent after Christmas, see our New Year wishes.