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Christmas wording

Christmas card messages for someone serving away from home

In a Christmas card to a service member, wish them a merry Christmas, share a cheerful detail of how home is celebrating, and tell them plainly that you’re proud of them. Keep the tone steady and leave out worries they can’t fix from far away. For military families, thank them for the holidays they give up too.

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

Want one written for your person? Try the free message writer (set up for “Soldier overseas”).

Short and simple

For care packages, unit card drives or a quick note between calls.

“Merry Christmas, Sergeant. The whole town is proud of you.”
“Your stocking is hung and waiting. Merry Christmas, stay safe.”
“Christmas from home, packed in an envelope. Thinking of you.”
“Grateful for you this Christmas and every day. Thank you for serving.”
“Merry Christmas to the bravest person on my card list.”
“Saving you a plate and a hug for when you’re home. 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 a son, daughter, spouse or friend spending the holiday on duty.

“Nate, the kids hung your Navy ornament right at eye level so they can say goodnight to it. We’ll record Christmas morning for you. Every gift is better because you’re protecting the people who give them.”
“Mom, I know Christmas at the base isn’t the same as Christmas at Grandma’s, but you being out there made me prouder this year than ever. We’ll do our own Christmas the week you’re home, tree and all.”
“Christmas Eve service had a moment of prayer for everyone serving overseas, and I squeezed Dad’s hand the whole time. You’re in every one of our traditions this year, even from far away.”
“To a friend in uniform: I hope your unit finds some cookies, some laughs and a little quiet this Christmas. When you’re back, the first round of pancakes is on me.”
“Thank you for spending another December away so the rest of us can spend ours at home. That isn’t a small thing, and I don’t want it to go unsaid.”

Funny

Light, morale-lifting humor goes a long way.

“Merry Christmas! The dog has been promoted to man of the house in your absence. He’s letting the power go to his head.”
“Rest assured, I am guarding your share of Aunt Linda’s fudge with military precision.”
“We decorated the tree without you and it leans to the left. Report for duty and fix it.”
“Christmas bulletin from home: Grandpa still can’t work the group video call. Over and out.”
“Merry Christmas from your little brother, who has finally learned to fold a fitted sheet. Basic training has nothing on Mom.”

Formal

For card drives, community groups and people you don’t know personally.

“With heartfelt gratitude for your service and best wishes for a safe and peaceful Christmas.”
“To a member of our armed forces: thank you for your sacrifice this holiday season. You are remembered at home.”
“To the families of our service members, with thanks for the holidays you share with the nation. Merry Christmas.”
“To the sailors, soldiers, airmen, Marines and Guardians away from loved ones: your courage and devotion are honored in our community this Christmas.”
“Wishing you and your unit a merry Christmas, a safe new year and a joyful homecoming.”

Do

  • Share upbeat, ordinary news: the school play, the snowfall, the new puppy.
  • Tell them specifically how they’re included in the family’s celebration.
  • Check the USPS military mail dates before mailing to an APO or FPO address.
  • Send something to the spouse or parents at home as well; their holiday is hard too.
  • Number your letters if you write often, so they know if one went missing.

Don’t

  • Don’t mention their location, unit movements or mission details.
  • Don’t fill the card with bad news or problems they can’t help with from there.
  • Don’t make it political; write to the person, not the policy.
  • Don’t promise dates for a homecoming you can’t be sure of.

How to write it

Begin with a plain “Merry Christmas” and their name or nickname. Then bring them home for a minute with a cheerful scene: who came to dinner, what the kids are excited about, what’s on the tree.

Next, say thank you and say you’re proud of them, in your own words. If you don’t know the service member, as in a church or school card drive, keep it brief and warm. A first name and your town give the note a real person behind it.

Close with something to look forward to, such as a meal, a trip or a tradition you’ll save. If you’re writing to a military family at home, offer practical help over the holidays, like shoveling, a ride or a playdate for the kids.

Questions

Military mail can take longer than ordinary mail, so mail early. Check the holiday mailing dates USPS publishes for APO, FPO and DPO addresses each fall, and mail before them.

Leave out anything about their location or operations, sad news that can wait for a call, and arguments about current events. Keep it personal and encouraging.

Introduce yourself in one line, thank them for serving, and wish them a merry Christmas and a safe return. Keep it upbeat and general.

Acknowledge the extra load they carry while their partner is gone, praise their strength without sounding dramatic, and volunteer something tangible: babysitting, errands, wrapping presents or a casserole.

A Christmas card centers on the holiday they’re missing: the tree, dinner, the family traditions. Show them their place in those traditions is held for them.

Be Thoughtful can write the card with a real pen and mail it for you. For an APO, FPO or DPO address, contact us before you order so we can check it, and see the USPS military mail dates.

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