It’s that time of year again! The holidays offer the perfect occasion to send a little seasonal cheer to those around you—and nothing says “I appreciate you” quite like the well-wishes of a thoughtful Christmas card message.
But knowing what to write in a holiday card to convey the right sentiment can be tricky, particularly if you’re writing Christmas greetings for a long list of friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers. So, we’ve compiled a list of happy holiday message ideas to inspire you.
How to Write a Christmas Card
Don’t be too hasty to put pen to paper! Before we brainstorm what to write in a holiday card, let’s look at what makes a Christmas card message truly meaningful.
Pick a Festive Greeting
Sometimes simple is best. Start with classic Christmas card sayings like “Merry Christmas” or “Season’s Greetings” to set a warm and joyful tone.
Make it Personal
The most meaningful Christmas card messages are always personal (who doesn’t love an inside joke or private reminiscence?). So, why not write a few bespoke lines, sharing a favorite memory or a personalized holiday wish for each friend and family member? It will leave them feeling all warm and fuzzy.
Alternatively, add a religious quote for those who cherish the spiritual traditions of the holidays, or share a funny joke or anecdote for those who appreciate a little humor.
Sign Off Warmly
End your happy holiday greetings with a warm and friendly sign off. How about “With heartfelt holiday wishes”, “All our love this Christmas”, or “With warm holiday regards”?
What to Write in a Holiday Card?
Struggling to know what to write in a holiday card? If you can’t find the right words, draw inspiration from the creative Christmas greetings below. We’ve compiled a list for all the special people in your life.
Christmas Messages for Family
For your nearest and dearest, write heartfelt messages that celebrate family togetherness and holiday traditions.
- Keeping you in our hearts this Christmas—and always!
- Wishing you a holiday season filled with love, laughter, and all our favorite Christmas traditions.
- Home is wherever we’re together—Merry Christmas to the best [family member] ever!
- Here’s to another Christmas creating magical memories together.
Christmas Messages for Friends
In your Christmas card greetings for friends, share warm messages that express your gratitude for their friendship and shared holiday memories.
- Grateful for all of the good times we’ve shared this year.
- May your Christmas be as wonderful as your friendship is to me.
- So lucky to count you among my closest friends.
- Here’s to fine food and drink—and even finer friends—this holiday season.
Short & Sweet Christmas Card Messages
Short Christmas card messages are ideal if you have lots of cards to write but still want to send a meaningful note to the ones you love. Take your pick from these short Christmas sayings.
- Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
- Happy holidays from our family to yours.
- May your days be merry and bright this Christmas!
- Warmest Merry Christmas wishes for a magical holiday season.
Religious Christmas Messages
For those who celebrate the spiritual meaning of Christmas, use Christmas card greetings to share your faith and blessings.
- God bless you this Christmas time—and always.
- May His light guide you and bring you peace this Christmas.
- Sending you love and blessings as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.
- Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace and goodwill toward men.
Funny Christmas Greetings
For the person who loves to laugh, include a light-hearted and playful happy holidays message.
- Stretch pants at the ready! Time to eat, drink, and be merry!
- May your gifts be many and your returns be few.
- It’s all fun and games until Santa checks his naughty list!
- Wishing you a white Christmas. (And when you run out of white, just open a bottle of red!)
Christmas Thank You Notes
Whether you want to thank a gracious host for inviting you over or are showing gratitude for a lovely present, show your appreciation this year with one of these Christmas thank you notes.
- Thank you for making this Christmas so special!
- Grateful for your lovely gift and your warm holiday wishes.
- Sending a heartfelt thank you for your love and thoughtfulness this holiday season.
- Your present and your presence made my Christmas even brighter this year.
Meaningful Christmas Wishes
For those you hold dear, send heartfelt wishes that convey warmth, hope, and well-being during the holidays.
- Happy holidays! We’re so lucky to have you in our lives.
- May you be blessed with special moments and happy memories this Christmas.
- Wishing you a Christmas that is as perfect as you are.
- Hope your Christmas is filled with the things that matter most—friends, family, and lots of love.
Inspiring Christmas Messages
The holidays should be a time of good cheer and festivities. If friends or family have had a tough year, why not send them uplifting and motivational messages to spread positivity for the year to come?
- Wishing you love, strength, and light this Christmas.
- Here’s to hope and new beginnings this holiday season.
- It’s not what’s under the Christmas tree that matters—it’s the people gathered around it.
- Wishing you a peaceful Christmas and a New Year full of better days.
Romantic Christmas Messages
Christmas is all about sharing the love—and no one deserves an extra special Christmas card more than your significant other. Here are some sweet, affectionate messages you might like to include.
- All I want for Christmas is you!
- You’re the partridge to my pear tree and the sparkle to my tinsel.
- Merry Christmas to the one who lights up my life all year round
- So excited to spend another magical Christmas together.
Christmas Messages for Boss
Wondering what to write in a Christmas card for your boss? These Christmas greetings are professional yet warm.
- Happy holidays and best wishes for 2025.
- Wishing you a joyful Christmas and a successful New Year.
- Thank you for your support and guidance this year. Here’s to a wonderful Christmas!
- Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Christmas Messages for Coworkers
Celebrate a year of teamwork and share holiday camaraderie with these friendly messages for colleagues.
- Wishing you joy and a well-deserved rest this Christmas!
- Thank you for making work days that bit brighter. Hope you have a wonderful holiday season.
- Grateful to have you as my teammate. Happy holidays!
- Sending you peace, love, and joy this holiday season.
Christmas Messages for Employee
Thank your employees for their dedication and hard work with one of these Christmas greetings.
- Thank you for all you’ve done this year. Wishing you a happy and relaxing holiday season!
- Cheers to you this Christmas—and another incredible year ahead.
- May your days be merry and bright this Christmas!
- Thank you for your hard work and dedication. Merry Christmas!
What to Send with a Christmas Card
We hope that these message ideas have inspired you so you know what to write in a Christmas card this holiday season!
A card and heartfelt Christmas greetings make a wonderful reminder of your love and affection at this special time of year. But why not show just how much you care by sending a thoughtful gift along with your Christmas card?
Here at Lovingly, you can find gift baskets packed with goodies, beautiful flower bouquets, seasonal winter flower arrangements, and spectacular indoor plants—something special for every person in your life.
Checkout our Holiday Gift Guide for more inspo!
Shop Christmas flowers and gifts today to make your loved ones smile this holiday season.
