The holiday season is here... time to deck the halls, sip the cocoa, and send out those festive cards! But if you’re scratching your head wondering what to write inside a Christmas card, you’re not alone. Whether you’re penning a note to your best friend, your boss, or your far-away cousin, crafting a greeting that feels genuine (and a little fun) can be tricky.
That’s why We’ve pulled together this quick helpful guide, peppered with tips and suggestions, to make your holiday card writing smooth sailing. And of course, I’ve sprinkled in plenty of ideas, so you’ll never be stuck staring at a blank card again.
1. Start With the Right Greeting
First things first: open with a festive hello. A greeting sets the tone and helps your message feel warm and inclusive. Some go-tos:
- “Merry Christmas!”
- “Happy Holidays!”
- “Wishing you peace, love and joy this season.”
Starting with a cheerful opener is a strong foundation for any holiday card.
2. Add a Personal Touch
After your greeting, a short personal line makes all the difference. It can be:
- A memory from the year.
- A quick update (“so great to have met for coffee in June”).
- A nod to their role in your life (“you always bring laughter to my holidays”).
Personalization transforms a generic card into something meaningful.
3. Share Warm Wishes
Now you’re ready to deliver the heart of your message: send them cheer for the season ahead. Classic messages might include:
- “May your holidays be wrapped in warmth and joy.”
- “Here’s to a season of laughter, love and sunshine (even if there’s snow outside!).”
- “Wishing you moments of peace, good company and festive magic.”
These kinds of lines reflect universal holiday wishes while remaining sincere.
4. A Fun or Heartfelt Finish
The best Christmas cards end with a little warmth (or a wink). This is your moment to let your personality shine through. You don’t need to be a poet; you just need to sound like you. Here are a few ways to wrap it up naturally:
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Keep it cozy:
“Wishing you snuggly blankets, warm drinks, and zero stress this holiday season.”
“Hope your Christmas is as bright as your tree (and twice as sparkly)!” -
Add a playful twist:
“Eat the cookies. Stay up late. Be merry. You’ve earned it.”
“Wishing you a Christmas that’s merry, messy, and full of love.”
“May your wrapping paper survive the pets this year.” -
From your heart:
“So grateful for your friendship... here’s to another year of laughter and memories.”
“You make the season brighter just by being you. Merry Christmas!”
“Sending hugs, cocoa, and good vibes from my corner of the world to yours.”
You can even close with a simple, personal touch that reflects your relationship, something like:
“Love you bunches,”
“With love and laughter,”
“See you under the mistletoe,”
“Your forever salty friend, Janet.” (Hold on that's my sign-off. haha)
A good rule of thumb: if it makes them smile, it’s perfect.
5. Sample Message Structures
Here are templates for different audiences, which you can adapt to your style:
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For close friends/family:
“Merry Christmas, [Name]! Thanks for another year of wonderful memories together. Wishing you a cozy holiday season filled with laughter, warmth and all your favorite treats. With love, [Your Name]” -
For clients or customers:
“Happy Holidays! We’re so grateful to have had you with us this year. Here’s to a festive season full of joy and a bright New Year ahead. Best wishes, [Your Name]” -
For a casual friend or acquaintance:
“Merry Christmas! Hope your days are merry and bright and your cocoa cup stays full. Catch you in the New Year! Cheers, [Your Name]”
6. Tips to Make It Even Better
- Write early: Avoid the rush and ensure your card arrives before Christmas.
- Use good stationery or card stock: Makes the note feel special. Here's a great Print At Home shop you can try (btw it's on Etsy).
- Keep the penmanship legible: A fine-tip pen in holiday ink (red/green) can add flair.
- Don’t over-think it: A heartfelt short message beats a long but forced one.
- Match the card to the recipient: A cheeky card for a friend, a more classic one for business contacts.
7. Why It Still Matters
In our digital age, receiving a hand-written card stands out. It says: I thought of you. The tradition is alive and appreciated. Sending a physical card shows someone you care enough to take the time.
8. Wrap-Up
So there you have it, your holiday card writing guide, Salty style. Whether you’re sending 5 cards or 50, whether your tone is playful or professional, you’ve got the blueprint to make your message shine.
And remember, when you’re signing off: Stay Salty. Say Merry Christmas "SaltyMoonDog" style.🎄
9. 30 Christmas Card Message Ideas
If you’ve made it this far and you’re still staring at a blank card, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Whether you’re writing to your best friend, your next-door neighbor, or that cousin you only see once a year, here are some Christmas card message ideas to help you spread a little extra cheer.
These are easy to personalize and pair beautifully with a handwritten signature or a cozy photo card.
🎄 Heartfelt & Sincere Messages
- Wishing you a Christmas filled with warmth, laughter, and moments that make your heart glow.
- May your holiday season be wrapped in love and sprinkled with joy.
- Thinking of you this Christmas and sending all my love and light.
- Here’s to family, friendship, and all the simple joys that make Christmas magical.
- You’ve made this year brighter — wishing you all the happiness you’ve given to others.
- May peace and love fill your heart today and always.
- So grateful for your friendship and wishing you a holiday as wonderful as you are.
- Wishing you a cozy Christmas surrounded by all the people (and pets!) you love.
🎅 Funny & Playful Messages
- Hope your Christmas is as bright as your neighbor’s over-the-top light display!
- Merry Christmas! May your wrapping paper survive the cat’s “help.”
- Eat, drink, and nap — it’s the Christmas spirit in action!
- May your holidays be full of cheer and free of tangled lights.
- Wishing you a Christmas so merry, even your in-laws can’t ruin it.
- Santa called — he said you’ve been mostly good this year.
- Don’t worry if you overeat — stretchy pants were invented for this season.
- Merry Christmas! May your cookies be soft, your cocoa hot, and your Wi-Fi strong.
🕯️ Warm & Cozy Messages
- May your home be filled with laughter, your heart with love, and your cup with cocoa.
- Sending warm hugs and twinkling lights from my home to yours.
- Here’s to crackling fires, soft blankets, and making new memories with the ones who matter most.
- Hope your Christmas is as magical as the first snowfall.
- Cozy nights, bright lights, and all the sweet moments you can hold — Merry Christmas!
- May your Christmas be filled with comfort, joy, and a whole lot of cookies.
✨ Short & Sweet Messages
- Merry Christmas and happy everything!
- Sending you peace, love, and peppermint lattes.
- Hope your holidays sparkle and shine.
- Wishing you the best gift of all — time with people you love.
- Merry everything and happy always.
- May your heart be light and your tree bright.
- Cheers to love, laughter, and cozy pajamas.
- Have yourself a merry little Christmas (and maybe a nap, too!).
Bonus tip: If you’ve already written your card but want an extra finishing touch, consider adding a quick PS: “Can’t wait to catch up over cocoa in 2026!”
💌 Wrap It Up with Love
At the end of the day, what matters most isn’t perfect wording — it’s the heart behind it. Even a short, sweet line can mean the world when it comes from you.
So, grab your favorite pen (& mug filled with cocoa), cue up your Christmas playlist, and start writing those cards. You’ll feel the holiday magic with every word you send.
