The first ever commercially printed Christmas card, commissioned by Sir Henry Cole in 1843, read “A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to You.” Each card featured “TO:___” at the top for hand-writing the recipient’s name. This straightforward holiday card wording set a standard that’s hard to beat—it’s concise, festive, and personalized.
Holiday cards have evolved somewhat since then, with custom photo cards among the most popular options. Your annual ritual might start with taking a fun family holiday photo, wondering if you still have an address book somewhere, and sitting down to craft some heartfelt holiday greetings and personal messages for friends and family. That last step, though, is easier said than done!
You can’t go wrong with using the same kind of holiday card message as Sir Henry. At the very least, aim to be brief but joyful, with a personal touch that shows your friends and family that you care.
Crafting the perfect holiday card message
The typical formula for a greeting card message goes like this:
- A cheerful holiday greeting
- A brief personalized message
- A closing or sign-off and your name
You can include all three of those elements in holiday greetings that will please all recipients, no matter their religious affiliation or relationship with you. Your churchgoing great aunt, your college roommate, a colleague, and your childhood penpal will all appreciate a holiday card message that matches this formula. You might discover one single masterful greeting that works for all, or tailor the message to each recipient.
Choose or design your card with a printed greeting that suits all your recipients, whether that’s “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Holidays,” “Season’s Greetings,” or “Happy New Year.” Then, personalize the card with a short, simple message, and sign your name.
Tip: If you’re sending printed cards, it’s totally OK not to add any hand-written elements, according to the Emily Post Institute.
Versatile holiday card greeting ideas
The most versatile holiday card greetings work equally well for family, friends, neighbors, or even your boss. You can customize these with a specific holiday or keep the message general to cover all festive occasions around the end of the calendar year.
Customize these greetings to fit a specific holiday if you know what your recipient celebrates:
- “Sending a smile across the miles for a wonderful holiday!”
- “Merry everything & happy always.”
- “Wishing you and your family a merry and bright holiday season.”
- “May your holidays be filled with love and laughter!”
- “May you spend your holiday surrounded by loved ones.”
- “Ho Ho Ho! Let it snow!”
- “May this season be full of light and laughter.”
- “A little more sparkle, a little less stress. This holiday season, I wish you the very best.”
- “This holiday season and always, we wish you love, health, and joy!”
- “The best part of this time of year is the memories we make. Happy holidays!”
Heartfelt holiday card messages for family and friends
When you’re sending a personalized holiday card to close family and friends, you may decide to include a more heartfelt message. Holiday card messages for family and friends should be sentimental and warm, personalizing them with inside jokes, affectionate nicknames, or shared memories. Here are some suggestions:
Tip: Show your closest loved ones that you care by adding a DIY touch to your holiday cards.
- “Happy holidays! We’re so lucky to have friends/family like you in our lives.”
- “Thinking of you this holiday season and wishing you were here! Those holidays we spend together as kids are some of my favorite memories.”
- “Family is the heart of Christmas. May our hearts be full of love and gratitude this holiday season.”
- “Every holiday season is merrier because you're a part of it, my forever friend.”
- “Warmest wishes for a wonderful holiday—we can't wait to spend time together as a family!”
- “May your beautiful home be filled with warmth and joy this season.”
- “This holiday season, I'm grateful for the gift of family. You all are the greatest presents under the tree.”
- “Feeling so grateful this holiday for having such an amazing [relationship].”
- “Grateful for another year of love and friendship with you. Wishing you a magical holiday season!”
- “May the holiday season bring our family together and fill our hearts with love.”
Professional holiday card messages
Professional holiday cards should feature messages suitable for business contacts, clients, and colleagues. Writing holiday cards to coworkers calls for a bit more formality than writing cards to family and friends, but it should still convey the warm fuzzy feelings of the holidays.
Beyond crafting messages for your boss or coworkers, consider thanking clients for their business or recognizing whole-team efforts.
- “Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a prosperous New Year!”
- “Season’s greetings from all of us at [Company Name]. We wish you success and joy in the coming year.”
- “During this time of year, we reflect on the wonderful moments we have experienced, which include our client relationship with you. Have a joyous holiday season!”
- “You are one of the brightest lights in this office! Thanks for being a wonderful person, and have a Merry Christmas!”
- “We hope yule have a very Merry Christmas! From my home family to my work family!”
- “Wishing the members of [company name] family a wonderful holiday season. See you in the new year!”
- “Happy holidays! We couldn’t do what we do without you.”
- “Season’s greetings from our family to yours.”
- “Thanks for being an outstanding leader, and have a wonderful holiday season!”
- “Season’s greetings from the team at [company name].”
Religious holiday card messages
Religious holiday card messages reflect faith-based sentiments to family, friends, and neighbors. These messages can reference traditional holiday greetings and can show respect for different religious traditions.
Whether you celebrate Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, or something else, religious holiday cards are sure to bring the true spirit of your holiday.
- “May the true meaning of Christmas fill your heart with peace and joy.”
- “Wishing you blessings and peace as we celebrate the birth of our Savior.”
- “A merry heart does good like medicine.” - Proverbs 17:22
- “Rejoice in the miracle of Christ's birth and the gift of God's love.”
- “May your family be bathed in love and light this Hanukkah.”
- “Let us remember the true reason for the season and rejoice in His love.”
- “May the seven days of Kwanzaa bring many blessings to your family.”
- “From Umoja (unity) to Imani (faith), may all your wishes be answered.”
- “Wishing you warmth, brightness, and love this Winter Solstice.”
- “Blessed Yule, y’all!”
Romantic holiday card messages
Nothing brings out the feeling of holiday romance more than a roaring fire, freshly fallen snow, and a heartfelt holiday greeting from your significant other. Your holiday card should be customized to your special someone and have personal touches that make the card feel intimate and unique.
When thinking about a personalized gift for your partner, don’t forget to include a heartfelt holiday card as well.
- “Wishing the love of my life a magical holiday season. Can’t wait to celebrate many more together.”
- “You’re the best gift I could ever ask for. Happy Holidays, my love.”
- “Merry Christmas, my (pet name). Nothing brings me more joy than spending the holiday season by your side. Meet me under the mistletoe?”
- “This time of year makes me realize how lucky I am to share my life with you.”
- “I love this time of year so much. And I love you even more.”
- “I loved you yesterday. I love you today. I’ll love you forever.”
- “[Holiday] with you is my favorite thing to do.”
- “A [relationship] like you is a holiday wish come true!”
- “Your love is the sweetest gift ever.”
- “Your love keeps me warm on cold winter nights.”
Fun wording ideas for kids’ holiday cards
Holiday cards aren’t only for adults. In fact, kids are often thrilled to check the mailbox and open envelopes—and they’re even more excited to be included in holiday card messages.
Greeting card messages for kids should be light, cheerful, and easy to understand—not to mention abundant with holiday cheer.
- “Santa’s on his way, and I hope you’ve been extra good this year!”
- “Wishing you lots of fun, presents, and hot cocoa this holiday season!”
- “Wishing you a season filled with candy canes, gingerbread men, and lots of holiday cheer.”
- “May your holiday season be filled with rainbows, unicorns, and lots of magic.”
- “Let’s build a snowman and give him a carrot nose! Happy holidays!”
- “You’re definitely Nice List material.”
- "May this Christmas be as special as the person reading this card. You're amazing!"
- “Let’s make some snow angels and have a snowball fight! Happy holidays!”
- “This holiday, I hope you get everything on your wish list and more!”
- “What do Santa's elves learn in school? The elf-abet.”
Joyful holiday card messages for pet lovers
If you have a pet lover in your life, personalize your holiday card wording to include their four-legged friend. The holidays are the perfect time to send warm wishes to everyone—furry friends included.
- “I hope Santa brings treats, extra-long walks, and belly rubs to (dog’s name). And to you, (human’s name) as well! ”
- “Feliz Naughty Dog!”
- “Have a Meowy Christmas and a Happy Meow Year!”
- “Wishing you peace, love, and licks!”
- “Happy paw-lidays from the [last name] family.”
- “We hope you have a PAWsitively wonderful holiday season."
- “Merry Christmas from our reindog to all of you."
- “Wishing you and your furry companion a season filled with love, laughter, and lots of cuddles.”
- “The best gifts are the ones that don't come under the tree. Happy holidays to you and your beloved pet."
- “May Santa Claus and Santa Paws bring you and (dog’s name) everything you could dream of!”
Personalize your holiday cards with Mixbook
Mixbook makes sending holiday cards a little less stressful. Create custom cards with personalized holiday card wording, with a choice of hundreds of holiday card themes in every style you can imagine.
Got too many festive photos for just one holiday card design? Create a custom photo book to celebrate the season and capture all your favorite holiday memories.
