63 heartfelt Christmas greetings for your holiday card
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, MBA
You have the perfect picture, but what do you write in your holiday card? Get short and sweet Christmas greetings for family, friends, and loved ones.
Christmas is almost here, and it’s time to put together your family's holiday card. You’ve already done the work of choosing the perfect photo and selecting the design you like best, but now comes the hard part: writing the perfect message.
Even though you know how much a thoughtful greeting can brighten someone’s day, it’s not always easy to find the right words. It can be tough to strike the right balance between meaningful, caring, and sincere — but not too cheesy. (Okay, maybe a little cheesy!) Coming up with the right words to express your feelings can feel a little overwhelming. After all, every person in your life—your family, friends, coworkers, or even that special someone—deserves a message that feels meaningful and personal.
We know what you’re facing, so we’ve gathered together our favorite Christmas greetings to inspire you to write the perfect note for everyone on your list.
Heartfelt Christmas greetings for family
For many people, family is at the heart of the holiday season. It’s a great time to reflect on the love and memories you’ve shared and let your relatives know just how much they mean to you. Here are some ideas to help you express your gratitude as you wish your family members a very merry Christmas.
Messages for parents
Have your parents been there through it all? Take a moment to show your appreciation in a way that feels natural and true to your relationship. Maybe your message will be lighthearted and jokey, or deep and moving — whatever suits the situation best.
“Merry Christmas, Mom and Dad! Thanks for always making the holidays feel magical — and for putting up with my crazy Christmas wish lists over the years. (There’s still time to get me those rollerskates, by the way!) You’re the best, and I hope you know how much I appreciate you.”
“Merry Christmas to the people who taught me how to wrap presents, bake cookies, and hide in the garage to survive family gatherings. Love you both more than words can say!”
“Hope you’re ready for another Christmas where I eat most of the snacks and do none of the cooking. Love you both — thanks for everything you do to make the holidays special.”
Messages for siblings
Whether your relationship with your siblings is built on laughs, bickering, or a little of both, a Christmas message is the perfect way to show your love in a way that’s true to your bond.
“Merry Christmas to my partner-in-crime (and occasional sparring partner). Thanks for keeping life interesting and for always having my back. Love you!”
“Christmas wouldn’t be the same without you. Thanks for being the person who knows all my embarrassing moments and still chooses to hang out with me — although I guess you have to, because I know all your secrets, too! Hope your holidays are as awesome as you are.”
“Wishing you a Merry Christmas full of love, laughter, and minimal family drama. Here’s to another year of surviving the holidays together!”
Messages for extended family
For grandparents, aunts, uncles, or cousins, a thoughtful message can remind them how much you value them.
“Merry Christmas to my wonderful [grandma/grandpa/aunt/uncle/cousins]. You’ve always made the holidays so special, and I’m so lucky to have you in my life. Hope your Christmas is full of everything you love!”
“Wishing you all the joy and laughter the season can bring. You’re the heart of our family, and I’m so grateful for you this Christmas and every day.”
“Merry Christmas to the family who always knows how to keep things fun—and occasionally chaotic. (This year, I'm going to win our Christmas game of Monopoly — so don’t help [another relative] cheat!). Love you all, and I hope your holidays are amazing!”
Messages for far-away family
When you can’t be together in person, a warm and heartfelt greeting can help bridge the distance.
“Even though we’re not together this Christmas, you’re always in my thoughts. Wishing you a holiday full of love, laughter, and all the little things that make the season special. Miss you tons!”
“Merry Christmas from afar! I’ll be thinking of you, and not just because you make the best Christmas cookies ever. I’m sending all my love and a promise to make up for it next year.”
“The holidays don’t feel the same without you, but I’ll be enjoying all our favorite traditions and thinking of you. Sending hugs, love, and wishes for the best Christmas ever!”
Messages for tricky family relationships
If your relationship with certain family members is complicated, you can still send a message that’s warm but keeps things simple. And if you need help for managing the anxiety that comes with the holidays, here are 10 tips to cope.
“Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a New Year full of happiness. Hope the holidays bring plenty of reasons to smile!”
“Merry Christmas! I hope this season brings you joy, peace, and lots of great food.”
“Thinking of you this Christmas and wishing you all the best. I hope your holidays are full of love and laughter.”
💙 Get in the holiday spirit when you sit down to write by listening to the Holiday Family Reunion playlist.
Festive holiday greetings for friends
Whether they’re the ones you’re catching up with over cocoa or the people you’re texting memes to at 2 am, friends add so much to life. Let them know just how much color and joy they bring you, and how much you appreciate them.
Messages for close friends
For the friends who are practically family, a heartfelt but casual message can show how much you value them.
“Merry Christmas! You’ve been the best part of this year. (Well, you and snacks.) Here’s to more laughs, fewer bad decisions (or maybe more!), and plenty of good times ahead.”
“Happy holidays to my ride-or-die. Thanks for always having my back and knowing exactly how to make me laugh. Hope your Christmas is as awesome as you are!”
“Merry Christmas to the friend who makes life way more fun. I couldn’t have survived this year without you — and I wouldn’t have wanted to, either!”
Messages for casual friends and acquaintances
Even if you’re not super close, a thoughtful holiday message can let casual friends know you’re thinking of them.
“Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with great vibes, good people, and good times.”
Happy holidays! Hope your season is filled with just the right amount of chaos, laughs, and corny holiday sweaters.”
“Merry Christmas! Here’s hoping Santa brings you all the good stuff — and maybe a break from the holiday madness.”
Messages for old friends
The holidays are a great time to reach out to friends you don’t see as often but still care about. A message like this can help you reconnect.
“It’s been too long! I miss having your vibes in my life. Merry Christmas, and let’s make this the year we actually get to see each other.”
“Thinking of you this Christmas and all the great times we’ve shared. Hope your holidays are as fun and wonderful as you are. Let’s catch up soon!”
“Merry Christmas! Hope your holiday season is full of laughter and good memories. You’ll always hold a special place in my heart.”
“I always think of the most important people in my life at this time of year, and that includes you. Sending you lots of love and hoping your Christmas is amazing. Let’s talk soon.”
Messages for long-distance friends
When miles separate you, a thoughtful holiday message can remind your faraway friends that you’re still connected.
“Merry Christmas from across the miles! Missing you tons and raising a glass to all the good times we’ve shared. Can’t wait to catch up soon!”
“Happy holidays to the friend who makes the distance feel smaller. Hope your Christmas is as wonderful as you are, and here’s to making new memories in the new year (even if they’re mostly virtual!)”
“Even though we’re far apart, you’re one of the best gifts in my life. Sending you love, laughter, and this cheesy holiday card.”
Fun and festive messages
If humor is your friendship language, keep your message lighthearted and fun.
“Merry Christmas! May your holidays be filled with burnt cookies, questionable gift choices, and a sprinkle of family drama.”
“Happy holidays to the friend who always knows how to make me laugh — even when the eggnog is terrible and your Christmas sweater is even uglier than last year. Let’s make 2024 just as ridiculous!”
“Here’s to a Christmas that’s full of laughs and chaos — just like us! Hope your holidays are as fun as that time we [insert your funniest shared memory].”
Messages for work friends who’ve become real friends
For the coworkers who turned into your go-to people, a little festive cheer can go a long way.
“Merry Christmas to my favorite office buddy-turned-actual-friend. Thanks for making work (and life) way more fun. Hope your holidays are amazing!”
“Happy holidays! You’ve survived the year with me, so I’m pretty sure you can handle anything. Wishing you the best Christmas ever, [desk-buddy/work-spouse]!”
“Merry Christmas! I’m so glad work gave me at least one good thing this year — our friendship. Hope your holidays are full of laughter and relaxation. Here’s to more office antics in the new year!”
💙 This holiday season, learn to nurture happier and healthier relationships with Tamara Levitt’s Relationship with Others series.
Loving greetings for someone special
Love has a way of making the holidays feel even more special. Whether you’re celebrating together, apart, or just starting to connect, the right words in a Christmas message can make your special someone feel important.
For your partner or spouse
Your partner is likely at the center of your holiday celebrations, and Christmas is the perfect time to remind them how much you appreciate their love and support. Here are some ideas to inspire your message.
“Merry Christmas to my partner in life (and binge-watching.) You make the holidays better — even when you eat all the sugar cookies. Here’s to another year of putting up with each other!”
“Christmas wouldn’t be the same without you — and not just because you’re the one who always untangles the lights. Love you lots.”
“You’re still the best gift in my life. Thanks for keeping me sane, laughing at my terrible jokes, and being the amazing person you are. Merry Christmas!”
For a new relationship
If your relationship is still in its early stages, a sweet and thoughtful message can show your excitement for the journey ahead without feeling too overwhelming.
“Merry Christmas! I’m so glad you’re part of my life — even if it means pretending I’m good at wrapping presents. Here’s to many more awkward holiday traditions together!”
“Happy holidays! This Christmas, I’m grateful for lots of things — good food, good times, and most importantly, you. Thanks for being amazing and sharing a little festive fun with me.”
“Dating you has been like finding a Christmas movie that's actually good: unexpected, occasionally ridiculous, but kinda magical. Hope your holidays are just as fun as you are.”
For long-distance love
If you and your special someone are apart for the holidays, a loving Christmas message can help close the distance so you look forward to seeing each other again soon.
“Even though we’re apart, you’re still the person I think of when I hear corny Christmas songs. Missing you tons — but at least I don’t have to share my chocolate this year. Merry Christmas!”
“Wish you were here so we could argue about whether “Die Hard” is a Christmas movie again. I miss you, but I’ll settle for sending all my love and saving the debate for next year! (P.S. “Die Hard” is not a a Christmas movie.)”
“Miles apart but always close in my heart (and on my phone screen). Can’t wait to see you IRL soon. Merry Christmas!”
For a fiancé or newlywed
If you’re engaged or recently married, this Christmas marks the start of a new chapter in your journey together. Celebrate it with a message full of love and excitement for the future.
“Our first [engaged/married] Christmas is here, and honestly, I think the biggest gift is that we survived putting up the tree together! Love you, even when we don’t agree on tinsel. Merry Christmas!”
“Merry Christmas to the person who agreed to marry me — proof that miracles really do happen. Let’s make a lifetime of festive memories together!”
“One tree + two Christmas stockings + three arguments about the best way to roast potatoes = our first married Christmas! Love you anyway. Here’s to forever, babe!”
For someone you admire from afar
If you’re expressing your feelings to someone you care about but aren’t in a relationship with yet, keep it light while showing your affection.
“Merry Christmas! You’re on my mind this season. I hope your holidays are as fun as you are — and maybe just a little less chaotic.”
“Sending you warm holiday wishes to someone who makes life a little brighter (even from a distance)!”
“Wishing you a Christmas full of good vibes and great food. You out-twinkle my tree lights.”
Short and sweet Christmas greetings for coworkers
Coworkers are a big part of our daily lives, so spread a little holiday cheer around the office or your virtual workspace with a card or an email. Christmas greetings are a great way to show appreciation and sprinkle in a little warmth or humor into their day.
Simple and professional messages
When you’re keeping it straightforward and professional, these messages are perfect for any coworker.
“Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a happy new year! Hope you have a relaxing holiday season — you’ve earned it.”
Thank you for all your hard work this year. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season filled with joy.”
“Happy holidays! It’s been great working with you this year. I hope your Christmas is merry and bright. Here's to even more success in the new year.”
Friendly and warm messages
For coworkers you know well and think of as friends, a personal touch can go a long way.
“Merry Christmas! Thanks for making work so much more fun. I’m looking forward to another year of laughs and great teamwork.”
“Happy holidays to my favorite teammate! Hope your Christmas is full of good food, great company, and plenty of well-deserved relaxation.”
“Wishing you a fantastic Christmas! Thanks for making the office a better place.”
Funny and lighthearted messages
If your workmates make you laugh, try a playful holiday message.
“Merry Christmas! May your holiday season be as stress-free as a Friday afternoon meeting cancellation.”
“Happy holidays! I hope Santa brings you everything you want this year — especially a new coffee machine for the break room.”
“Merry Christmas! Thanks for surviving another year of office shenanigans with me. Here’s to ignoring all emails over the holidays!”
For remote coworkers
If your team works across the world and connects virtually, a thoughtful holiday message can remind your coworkers you’re all still a team.
“Wishing you a Merry Christmas from afar! It’s been great working together, and I hope your holidays are full of joy and relaxation. It's time to close the laptop!”
“Happy holidays to one of the best remote teammates out there! Here’s to a new year filled with fewer Zoom glitches and more virtual coffee breaks.”
For your boss or manager
If you’re writing to your boss or manager, keep it warm, but professional.
“Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday season! Thank you for your support and guidance this year — I’m looking forward to another exciting year ahead.”
“Happy holidays! I hope you have a relaxing and joyful Christmas. Here’s to a successful year ahead!
“Merry Christmas! Thank you for being such an inspiring boss. Wishing you and your family a season full of love, laughter, and happiness.”
Christmas greetings FAQs
What are some creative ways to personalize a Christmas greeting?
If you want your Christmas greetings to feel more personal, think about what makes your connection with the person you're writing to feel unique.
Mention a shared memory from the year, like that hilarious inside joke from the office party, the big night out, or the epic road trip you took together.
Add a little humor or mention something that makes you both laugh, like their obsession with peppermint mochas or their questionable taste in holiday movies, to make your message stand out. Whether you’re sending a card or a text, writing something beyond “Merry Christmas!” can make it feel special.
If you’re feeling crafty, include a small photo, a doodle, or a festive sticker. These little touches can make your greeting feel more like you.
How do you write a professional yet warm Christmas card?
Writing a Christmas card for work doesn’t have to be stuffy and boring! Keep it polite and respectful, but friendly and positive too — and let your personality shine through. A safe approach is to express gratitude—like thanking your coworker for their teamwork, or your manager for their leadership—and add a kind wish for the holidays.
You could write: “Thank you for your support this year—it’s been a pleasure working together. Wishing you and your family a joyful and relaxing holiday season!”
If your workplace vibe is more relaxed, throw in a little humor: “Here’s to a holiday filled with good food, great company, and zero emails from me. Happy holidays!”
What are examples of funny Christmas messages for friends?
If your friend group loves a good laugh, let your holiday greetings reflect that. Here are some ideas to get you started. Personalize them by thinking about what always makes your friends laugh, and tie it into the holiday spirit. If you share a favorite show, movie, or meme, reference it — it’ll make your greeting feel uniquely yours.
“Merry Christmas! May your holiday be as magical as finding the last parking spot at the mall on Christmas Eve.”
“Happy holidays! Here’s to a season filled with cookies, stretchy pants, and zero awkward questions from relatives.”
“Wishing you a Christmas that’s as great as your karaoke version of ‘Jingle Bells’ — so, basically unforgettable.”
Are there specific holiday greetings for different faiths or beliefs?
The holidays are a time for inclusivity, so tailoring your message to fit the recipient’s traditions is always a thoughtful move.
If you know they celebrate Hanukkah, say “Wishing you a bright and joyous Hanukkah!”
For friends who observe Kwanzaa, “Hope your Kwanzaa is full of light, love, and celebration!” works beautifully.
And if someone isn’t religious, a kind and simple message like “Wishing you a peaceful and joyful holiday season” hits the right note.
If you’re unsure, go with something neutral like “Happy holidays” or “Season’s greetings.”
How can I write a digital Christmas greeting that feels personal?
Digital greetings don’t have to feel impersonal. Start by using the recipient’s name (no “Dear Team” unless it’s unavoidable!) and add something that’s specific to your relationship. For example, mention a funny meme they sent, a virtual coffee chat you enjoyed, or a shared win from the past year.
If it fits your vibe, add a festive emoji, a fun GIF, or a quick voice message to liven it up. Video greetings are great, too — just record yourself wishing them a happy holiday with a little personalized touch. And if you’ve got a photo of a Christmassy experience you’ve enjoyed — like ice skating, mulled wine at a Christmas market, or volunteering at your local soup kitchen, attach it with a message.
Even if it’s short, a thoughtful line or two can go a long way. After all, the effort you put in makes digital greetings just as meaningful as a handwritten note.
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