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Christmas wording

What to write in a Christmas card to family

In a Christmas card to family, wish them a merry Christmas, mention one real thing from this year you shared or noticed, and say what you’re looking forward to with them. A line or two that sounds like you beats a long recap. Sign off warmly with “love” and the names of everyone in your household.

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

Short and simple

For a full card list where you still want each one to feel personal.

“Merry Christmas! So glad we get to do this family thing together.”
“Wishing you a cozy Christmas and a slow, lazy Boxing Day.”
“Merry Christmas to my favorite people. Save me a seat by the fire.”
“Love and warm wishes to all of you this Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas! Can’t wait to see everyone on the 26th.”
“Here’s to cookies, carols and too many board games. Merry Christmas!”
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 the relatives who carried you through the year, or the ones you miss.

“Mom and Dad, this year reminded me how lucky I am that home is still you. Thank you for every phone call, every casserole and every “just checking in.” Merry Christmas.”
“To my sister: we’ve lived in three different time zones this year and somehow you still feel like the person next door. Merry Christmas. I miss you more than I say.”
“Aunt Ruth, the stockings you knitted are hanging on our mantel again. Every year they make the house feel like Christmas. Thank you, and much love.”
“It’s been a hard year in places, and I keep thinking about how this family shows up. Wishing you peace, rest and a really good Christmas morning.”
“Every December I think about Grandpa carving the ham and telling the same three jokes. I’m so glad we keep his traditions going together. Merry Christmas, everyone.”
“Welcome to your first Christmas as part of our family, Priya. We’re so happy you’re here, and we hope this is the first of many.”
“Watching the kids with their cousins this summer was the best part of my year. Thank you for making room for all of us. Merry Christmas.”

Funny

Gentle teasing works when it’s affectionate and everyone’s in on it.

“Merry Christmas! I’ve been practicing my Pictionary skills all year. Be afraid.”
“Wishing you a Christmas full of joy, peace and someone else doing the dishes.”
“Merry Christmas to the only people who’ve seen my tree-lighting meltdown and still invited me back.”
“This year’s goal: get through dinner without anyone mentioning the Great Gravy Incident. Merry Christmas!”
“Thanks for being the family I’d choose, even if I didn’t have to. Mostly.”

Formal

For in-laws, extended family or relatives you see once a year.

“Wishing you and your family a joyful Christmas and every blessing in the new year.”
“With warm thoughts of you at Christmas, and hopes that we can visit in the spring.”
“May your home be filled with peace and good company this Christmas. With love from all of us.”
“Thinking of you this holiday season and sending our best wishes for a healthy and happy year ahead.”

Do

  • Mention one specific memory, visit or moment from this year.
  • Name everyone you’re writing to, including partners and kids.
  • Sign with every name in your household so no one feels left out.
  • Add a line about the next time you’ll see them, if there is one.
  • Keep a list of what you wrote so next year’s cards don’t repeat.

Don’t

  • Don’t turn the card into a brag sheet of the year’s achievements.
  • Don’t rehash family tension or old arguments, even jokingly, unless everyone laughs about it already.
  • Don’t forget relatives who just lost someone; a softer note fits better for them.
  • Don’t copy the same message into every card if the recipients compare notes.

How to write it

Start with a greeting that uses their names, then a simple wish: “Merry Christmas, Lena and Marco.” That’s half the card done.

Add one sentence that could only go to them. A trip you took together, a recipe you finally tried, how big the baby got. Specific beats general every time.

Finish with a forward-looking line (“Can’t wait for New Year’s at your place”) and sign off with “love” and your household’s names.

Questions

You don’t have to, but people who live under the same roof or nearby often love getting one anyway. A short handwritten note tucked under the tree can mean more than a gift.

Yes, many families enjoy them. Keep it to a page, balance the good news with some honest moments, and still add a personal line by hand on the card itself.

List the adults first, then the kids, and pets if that’s your style: “Love, Sam, Jo, Ava, Leo and Biscuit.” A family name like “The Garcias” also works for more distant relatives.

Most people aim for the first two weeks of December so the card can sit on the mantel all month. Anything before Christmas Day is fine, and a note for the new year works if you run late.

Yes. Be Thoughtful can draft a personal note for each person on your list and mail every card in real handwriting, so each one still feels written just for them.

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