The holidays can be a lonely time for some veterans, especially those in hospitals, care homes or living far from family. A handwritten holiday card is a simple way to say thank you and let them know they are remembered.
Below is where to send holiday cards for veterans, how to write them, holiday messages for veterans, messages for veterans in a hospital or care home, messages from kids, and tips for running a card drive.
Article contents
- Why Holiday Cards Matter
- Where to Send Holiday Cards for Veterans
- How to Write a Holiday Card for a Veteran
- Holiday Messages for Veterans
- Messages for Veterans in a Hospital or Care Home
- Messages From Kids
- Tips for Card Drives
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Holiday Cards Matter
For a veteran spending the holidays in a VA hospital or a veterans home, a stack of cards from strangers can be a real bright spot. Staff at many facilities hand them out or display them during December.
Where to Send Holiday Cards for Veterans
- Your local VA medical center. Many VA hospitals collect cards for patients around the holidays and around Valentine's Day. Call the Voluntary Service office to ask how and when to send them.
- State veterans homes. Call ahead and ask if they accept cards and how many residents live there.
- Local veterans groups. VFW and American Legion posts often know which local veterans would welcome a card.
- National letter-writing groups. Organizations such as Operation Gratitude collect letters for veterans, service members and first responders. Check their website for current guidelines and addresses before you mail anything.
Rules and addresses change from year to year, so always confirm with the group before you mail a stack of cards.
How to Write a Holiday Card for a Veteran
- Start with a general greeting. "Dear Veteran" works if you don't know the person.
- Say thank you.
- Add a little about yourself. Your first name, your town, your class or your family.
- Wish them a happy holiday.
Example: "Dear Veteran, thank you for your service to our country. My family and I live in Springfield, and we are thinking of you this Christmas. Wishing you a peaceful holiday and a happy New Year. Sincerely, Sarah and family"
Holiday Messages for Veterans
- Merry Christmas to a veteran who deserves every good thing this season.
- Happy holidays to a veteran who gave so much for our country. Thank you.
- Thinking of you this holiday season and grateful for your service.
- Wishing you a peaceful Christmas and a happy New Year. Thank you for serving.
- Your service is not forgotten, at the holidays or any day. Merry Christmas.
- Happy holidays from a grateful family in Ohio.
- We hope your holiday is warm and full of good company. Thank you for all you did.
- Merry Christmas! Our class wanted you to know we are thankful for you.
Messages for Veterans in a Hospital or Care Home
- Sending you holiday cheer and warm wishes. Thank you for your service.
- We hope this card brightens your day. Merry Christmas and thank you.
- Thinking of you this season and wishing you comfort and good health.
- Happy holidays! You are remembered and appreciated.
Messages From Kids
- Merry Christmas! Thank you for keeping us safe.
- Happy holidays! I drew you a tree. Thank you for your service.
- Thank you for being brave. I hope Santa brings you something good.
- Happy holidays from the second grade class at Lincoln School!
Tips for Card Drives
- Leave cards unsealed if the group asks, so staff can check them.
- Skip glitter, confetti and loose items.
- Use first names only, and don't include your home address unless the group says it is OK.
- Use "Happy holidays" if you don't know the recipient's faith.
- Mail early. Many groups set a deadline in early December.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you write in a holiday card for a veteran?
Thank them for their service, share your first name and town, and wish them a happy holiday. "Merry Christmas and thank you for your service" is a good start.
Where can I send Christmas cards to veterans?
Your local VA medical center, a state veterans home, or a local VFW or American Legion post. Call first to ask how they collect cards.
Can kids write holiday cards for veterans?
Yes. Cards from kids are often a favorite. A drawing and a short thank you are perfect.
For more, see our thank you for your service messages, Veterans Day wishes and quotes and patriotic greeting cards. Our American Flag Thank You and Old Glory sets come in boxes of 12 with envelopes, which makes them easy to use for a card drive.
