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Business holiday wording

What to write in a holiday card to clients

In a holiday card to a client, thank them for their business, mention something specific you worked on together this year, and wish them a happy holiday season and a good new year. Use inclusive wording like “happy holidays” or “season’s greetings” unless you know they celebrate Christmas. Sign it personally, not just with the company name.

20 examples below: Short and simple · Heartfelt · Funny · Formal

Short and simple

Works for a long client list, with room to add a personal line.

“Happy holidays, and thank you for a wonderful year working together.”
“Season’s greetings from all of us. We’re grateful for your trust.”
“Wishing you a peaceful holiday season and a bright new year.”
“Thank you for being part of our year. Happy holidays!”
“Warmest wishes for the season, from our team to yours.”
“Merry Christmas and thank you for your continued business.”
A sample Christmas card front: a hand-drawn sprig of holly on cream paper
A sample card front in our hand-drawn style. The message is written inside with a real pen.

Heartfelt

For long-standing clients and the customers who kept your doors open.

“Ellen, you were our very first client six years ago, and we still talk about that kitchen remodel. Thank you for every referral since. Happy holidays to you and Tom.”
“Opening the second location was the biggest thing we’ve ever done, and it happened because customers like you kept coming back. Thank you, truly. Wishing you a joyful season.”
“Working with your team on the rebrand was a highlight of our year. Thank you for the trust, the honest feedback and the good humor. Happy holidays.”
“As a small business, every order matters, and yours have mattered more than you know. Thank you for supporting us. Warm wishes for the season.”
“It was a pleasure helping your family find the new house this spring. I hope your first holidays there are full of good food and good company.”

Funny

Only for clients you know well and who share your sense of humor.

“Happy holidays! Thanks for answering our emails faster than most of our own team does.”
“Wishing you a holiday season with fewer deadlines than we gave you this year.”
“Thank you for a great year. We promise next year’s invoices will be just as festive.”
“Season’s greetings! May your holidays be as smooth as our last product launch. Well, smoother.”

Formal

Polished wording for corporate clients, firms and new relationships.

“With sincere appreciation for your partnership this year, we wish you a happy holiday season and continued success in the new year.”
“On behalf of everyone at Linden & Park, thank you for the confidence you have placed in us. Warm wishes for the holidays.”
“Wishing you and your colleagues a joyful holiday season. We look forward to working together in the year ahead.”
“Thank you for your business and your trust. Best wishes for a peaceful season and a prosperous new year.”
“Season’s greetings and our warmest thanks for a productive year of working together.”

Do

  • Use inclusive wording such as “happy holidays” or “season’s greetings” by default.
  • Mention a project, milestone or moment you shared with that client.
  • Have the person who works with them sign it by hand.
  • Send early enough to arrive before offices close for the holidays.
  • Address it to the individual, not just the company.

Don’t

  • Don’t include a sales pitch, discount code or promotion.
  • Don’t use religious wording unless you know it suits the client.
  • Don’t send a card with only a printed signature and no personal line.
  • Don’t make jokes about money, invoices or late payments with clients you don’t know well.

How to write it

Start with an inclusive greeting and their name: “Happy holidays, Dr. Patel.” A business card is a thank-you first and a seasonal greeting second.

Write one specific sentence about your work together this year, then a plain thank-you for their business or trust.

Close with a wish for the new year and a real signature from the person they know, plus the company name underneath if you like.

Questions

For most client lists, inclusive wording like “happy holidays” or “season’s greetings” is the better choice. If you know a client celebrates Christmas, “Merry Christmas” is fine for that card.

Aim for the first half of December so cards arrive before offices close for the holidays. A new year card in early January is a good alternative if you miss the window.

Skip marketing material. The card works because it’s a thank-you with nothing asked in return. A business card tucked in is acceptable for newer clients.

Ideally the person the client works with most, by hand, with a short personal line. Several team members can sign for important clients.

Yes. Be Thoughtful can draft a personal note for each client from your list, and you approve every word before each card is written in real handwriting and mailed.

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