A simple formula

1. Greet the person by name. "Dear Anna," feels warmer than "Hi all."
2. Wish them well. Merry Christmas, happy holidays, a good new year.
3. Add one personal line. A memory, a thank-you, or a hope for next year.
4. Sign off, with your name on its own line.

For family

• "Merry Christmas! We miss you and can't wait to see you in the spring. Thank you for all the calls this year. They meant more than you know."
• "Wishing you a Christmas full of good food, loud laughter and long naps. We're so lucky to have you."
• "To the best grandparents anyone could ask for: Merry Christmas! The kids still talk about the summer at the lake."

For friends

• "Merry Christmas! This year had a lot going on, and you were there for all of it. Here's to more dinners together in the new year."
• "Happy holidays! I hope your December is cozy and your new year is full of good news."
• "Christmas isn't the same without our yearly cookie swap. Thank you for another year of friendship."

For colleagues and clients

Keep it warm but professional. Leave out personal news unless you know the person well.

• "Season's greetings! Thank you for a great year of working together. I wish you and your family a restful holiday and a successful new year."
• "Happy holidays from all of us. We truly value your trust and look forward to working with you in the new year."
• "Thank you for your help and good humor this year. Enjoy the holidays!"

For neighbors

• "Merry Christmas from next door! Thank you for watering our plants in July. We're glad you're our neighbors."
• "Happy holidays! Wishing you a peaceful season and a happy new year on our street."

For someone who had a hard year

After a loss, an illness or a difficult change, a cheerful "Merry Christmas!" can feel wrong. Gentle words that admit the hard part are often kinder.

• "Thinking of you this Christmas. I know this year has been hard. I'm here, and I'd love to see you in January."
• "Sending you love and warm thoughts this season. No need to write back. Just know that we're thinking of you."
• "This will be a different Christmas for you. We remember David with you, and we hope the new year brings you some peace."

Religious wishes

• "Wishing you the joy and peace of Christmas. May the light of the season fill your home."
• "Merry Christmas! May God bless you and your family this Christmas and in the year ahead."
• "Celebrating the birth of Christ with you in our hearts. Have a blessed Christmas."

Non-religious wishes ("Happy holidays")

If you don't know how someone celebrates, "happy holidays" and "season's greetings" are safe and warm.

• "Happy holidays! Wishing you rest, good company and a bright new year."
• "Season's greetings! I hope the holidays bring you a slower pace and a few good surprises."
• "Warm wishes for the holidays and a happy, healthy new year."

Short sign-offs

Put the closing on one line and your name on the next, as you would sign by hand:

• "Love," / "Warmly," / "With love," for family and close friends
• "All the best," / "Cheers," for friends
• "Best wishes," / "Kind regards," for colleagues and clients
• "Merry Christmas from all of us," for a family card

On a family card, list everyone: "Mike, Lisa, Jordan and Ava" (and the dog, if you like).

One card for many people

Most people send the same Christmas card to everyone on their list. With Agent Letter Desk, one approval sends the same card to up to 100 people, and each card can start with the person's first name: "Dear Anna," on one card, "Dear Uncle Joe," on the next. The message stays the same, so write it so that it fits everyone who gets it:

• Keep personal news general enough for the whole list ("We had a busy and happy year").
• If you want a very personal note for one or two people, send them a separate card.
• Give each person the name you would use when you talk to them: "Grandma", "Garcia family" or "Anna".

The inside message has room for about 550 characters, a few short paragraphs. That is room for two or three of the examples above, plus the greeting and a sign-off.

We don't write your card

These are ideas, not a template. You or your AI app write the message. Before you approve, you see the preview of the exact card that we print, inside and out.

Related

• When to mail Christmas cards in 2026