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Christmas wording

Christmas card messages for Grandma and Grandpa

In a Christmas card to your grandparents, tell them you love them, share a favorite memory or tradition you have with them, and give them a small update on your life. Grandparents treasure details, so a sentence about school, work or the kids means a lot. Close with when you hope to see or call them next.

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

Short and simple

Easy enough for a young grandchild to copy out, with a little help.

“Merry Christmas, Grandma! I love you to the North Pole and back.”
“Grandpa, thank you for always saving me the biggest cookie. Merry Christmas!”
“Merry Christmas, Nana and Pop. Can’t wait to see you!”
“You make Christmas feel like Christmas. Love you both.”
“Merry Christmas from your favorite grandkid (don’t tell the others).”
“Sending hugs all the way to Florida. Merry Christmas, Gram!”
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 grown grandchildren, or grandparents who are far away or getting older.

“Grandma, I made your sugar cookies this week and the whole apartment smelled like your kitchen. I miss you, and I’m so grateful for every Christmas at your house. All my love.”
“Grandpa, you taught me how to string lights without losing my temper. I still lose my temper, but I think of you every time. Merry Christmas.”
“This was my first year hosting Christmas Eve, and I used Nana’s tablecloth and your stuffing recipe. Everyone asked for seconds. Thank you for giving me traditions worth keeping.”
“Oma and Opa, the kids talk about our summer at the lake constantly. Thank you for making them feel so loved. We’ll call on Christmas morning so they can show you their presents.”
“Grandma, I know this Christmas is different without Grandpa. I’m thinking of you every day and I’ll be there on the 23rd. You are so loved.”
“To my great-grandparents: you’ve seen more Christmases than anyone I know, and you still make each one special. Thank you for this big, noisy family. Merry Christmas.”

Funny

Grandparents usually love a little cheek from their grandkids.

“Merry Christmas, Grandpa! I promise to laugh at all your jokes again this year, even the one about the reindeer.”
“Grandma, Santa called. He wants your fudge recipe. I told him to get in line.”
“Merry Christmas! Thanks for spoiling us exactly as much as Mom tells you not to.”
“I’ve finally figured out how to work the TV remote you gave me in 2019. Merry Christmas!”

Formal

Warm but a little more traditional, for grandparents who like things done properly.

“Dear Grandmother, wishing you a peaceful and joyful Christmas. With much love and gratitude for all you do for our family.”
“Dear Grandpa and Grandma, may this Christmas bring you good health, happiness and the company of those you love. With love always.”
“Wishing you both a blessed Christmas and a new year full of good health. We look forward to seeing you in January.”

Do

  • Write clearly and in a larger hand if their eyesight isn’t what it was.
  • Include a small life update: a new job, a school play, a lost tooth.
  • Mention a tradition or recipe that came from them.
  • Tuck in a recent photo or a child’s drawing.
  • Tell them when you’ll call or visit next, and then do it.

Don’t

  • Don’t rely on texts or social posts; many grandparents keep paper cards for years.
  • Don’t use slang or abbreviations they might not recognize.
  • Don’t focus on age or health in a way that sounds worried or final.
  • Don’t let the kids sign only their names; a line from each one goes further.

How to write it

Open with the names they love being called: Grandma, Nana, Pop, Abuela. Then a warm Christmas wish.

Share one memory or tradition that connects you to them, and one small piece of news from your life. Grandparents often read cards several times, so these details are the part they’ll return to.

End with love and a plan: “We’ll call Christmas afternoon” or “See you at Easter.” For little kids, let them add their own sentence or drawing beneath yours.

Questions

One short sentence in their own words is perfect: what they love doing with Grandma, or what they want for Christmas. Add a drawing and help them write their name.

Older grandkids and grown grandchildren usually send their own. For young children, one family card with a line from each child works well.

Keep it cheerful and simple, mention a memory you share, and tell them when you’re visiting. Larger, clear handwriting helps, and staff often read cards aloud if needed.

Acknowledge that this Christmas is different, say you’re thinking of them, and name the person they lost if it feels right. Then offer something concrete, like a visit or a call.

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