Every December the same question comes round: you've bought the cards, you've found a pen that works, and now you need to write thirty of them. This guide is all about what to write in a Christmas card — short messages you can copy, ideas for every person on your list and simple tips to make each card feel personal. For longer festive wishes and texts, see our Christmas messages.
The simple formula for any Christmas card
If you're stuck, use this three-part formula:
- Greeting: "Dear Jo and family," or "To Grandma,".
- One personal line: mention something from their year, a shared memory or a plan to meet.
- A warm wish and sign-off: "Wishing you a very merry Christmas. Love from Sam x".
That's it. A Christmas card isn't a letter — two or three lines are perfect.
Christmas card messages for family
Merry Christmas to the best family anyone could ask for. Can't wait to see you all on the 25th!
Wishing you all a cosy, happy Christmas full of good food and even better company. Lots of love.
Thank you for another year of love, laughter and Sunday lunches. Merry Christmas to you all.
Christmas is always more magical with you. Have a wonderful day — save me a seat by the fire.
Sending you all our love this Christmas, and a big hug from all of us.
Christmas card messages for parents
Mum and Dad, thank you for every Christmas you made special. This year, put your feet up and let us do the washing-up. Love you both.
To the best parents in the world — merry Christmas, and thank you for everything this year.
Wishing you a peaceful, happy Christmas, Mum and Dad. We're so lucky to have you.
Christmas card messages for grandparents
Dear Grandma and Grandad, merry Christmas! Thank you for all the stories, the biscuits and the cuddles. We love you lots.
Wishing you a warm and wonderful Christmas, Nan. We can't wait to see you soon.
To the best grandparents ever — have a magical Christmas and a healthy, happy New Year.
Christmas card messages for in-laws
Merry Christmas! Thank you for welcoming me into your family so warmly. Wishing you a lovely festive season.
Wishing you a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. Looking forward to seeing you soon.
With love and best wishes for Christmas and the year ahead.
Christmas card messages for friends
Merry Christmas! Here's to another year of laughs, long chats and far too much prosecco.
Wishing you a Christmas as fabulous as you are. Let's catch up properly in January!
Thank you for being such a brilliant friend this year. Have the merriest Christmas.
Christmas cheer to one of my favourite people. Hope Santa is good to you!
So glad we found each other. Wishing you all the joy of the season.
Christmas card messages for a partner
Merry Christmas to my favourite person. Every day with you feels like a gift.
This is our [first/fifth/tenth] Christmas together and I love you more than ever. Merry Christmas, darling.
You make every Christmas brighter. Thank you for being mine.
Christmas card messages for colleagues
Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Thank you for all your help this year.
Wishing you a restful festive break and a great start to the New Year.
Season's greetings! It's been a pleasure working with you this year.
Have a wonderful Christmas — you've more than earned a few days off.
Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year from all of us in the team.
Christmas card messages for your boss or clients
Wishing you a very merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Thank you for your support this year.
Season's greetings and best wishes for a successful 2027.
Thank you for your business this year. We look forward to working with you in the New Year. Merry Christmas.
With warm wishes for a peaceful festive season and a happy New Year.
Christmas card messages for neighbours
Merry Christmas from number 12! Thank you for being such lovely neighbours.
Wishing you a happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. Thanks for taking in all those parcels!
Season's greetings to our wonderful neighbours. We're lucky to live next door to you.
Merry Christmas! Pop round for a mince pie over the holidays.
Christmas card messages for teachers and nursery staff
Thank you for everything you've done for [child's name] this term. Wishing you a restful Christmas and a happy New Year.
Merry Christmas! Thank you for your patience, kindness and all the glitter. Enjoy your well-earned break.
Wishing you a magical Christmas. [Child's name] loves being in your class — thank you.
Christmas card messages for someone who is grieving
Christmas can be especially hard after a loss. A gentle, honest message is better than a cheerful one.
Thinking of you this Christmas and sending you love. I know this year is especially hard.
Wishing you peace and comfort this Christmas. [Name] will be in our thoughts too.
I hope the season brings you some quiet moments of comfort. We're here whenever you need us.
With love and warm thoughts at Christmas and always.
For more help finding the right words, see our sympathy card messages.
Christmas card messages for someone far away
Merry Christmas from across the miles. We miss you and can't wait to celebrate together again.
Even though we're apart this year, you're in our hearts. Have a wonderful Christmas.
Sending you a big festive hug by post! Merry Christmas and happy New Year.
Funny Christmas card messages
Merry Christmas! May your turkey be moist and your relatives be quiet.
All I want for Christmas is a nap. Have a great one!
Have you seen the price of stamps? That's how much you mean to me. Merry Christmas!
Wishing you a Christmas with fewer sprouts and more chocolate.
Happy Christmas! Remember: calories eaten on 25 December don't count.
Religious Christmas card messages
May the peace and joy of Christ's birth be with you this Christmas and always.
Wishing you a blessed Christmas and the hope of the New Year.
Rejoicing with you in the birth of our Saviour. Merry Christmas.
Short messages for Christmas gift tags
Merry Christmas! x
Happy Christmas, with love.
To you, from Santa.
Season's greetings!
Something small to say thank you. Merry Christmas.
How to sign a Christmas card
- Close family and friends: "Love from", "Lots of love", "All our love", "Love you lots".
- Friends and neighbours: "Best wishes", "Warm wishes", "With love".
- Colleagues and clients: "Kind regards", "Best wishes", "Warmest wishes for the season".
- Families and couples: list names in a friendly order — "Love from Sam, Alex, Mia and Rufus the dog". The writer usually signs their own name first or last; there's no strict rule.
Adding kisses (x) is common for family and close friends in the UK, but leave them off for work cards.
When to post Christmas cards in the UK
- International cards: post in late November or early December — the further away, the earlier.
- UK cards by second class: Royal Mail's last recommended posting date is usually in the third week of December.
- UK cards by first class: usually a couple of days later than second class.
Royal Mail publishes the exact last posting dates each autumn, so check before you write the last batch. Many people also send e-cards or donate the money they'd have spent on cards to charity — a message saying so in your social posts is a nice touch.
Christmas card etiquette tips
- Write the envelope neatly with the full postcode — it really does speed things up.
- Use first names on cards to close friends and family, and full names on formal cards.
- Add one personal detail to each card, even in a big batch.
- Remember newer people — new neighbours, new colleagues or a friend who has had a tough year.
- Don't panic if you miss someone. A New Year card is perfectly acceptable — see our New Year wishes.
Looking for more? Browse our full Christmas messages, all holiday messages and our guide on what to write in a card.
