70 Christmas Card Messages for Everyone on Your 'Nice' List
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below."
For many who celebrate the holiday, sending your annual cards to friends and family is a time-honored Christmas tradition. “There’s nothing more heartwarming than going to your mailbox and opening something other than bills,” says etiquette expert Jacqueline Whitmore. “Christmas cards can also bring forth a bit of nostalgia, and I think people are craving that kind of holiday connection after an isolating couple of years.”
As for when to send Christmas cards, Whitmore suggests taking an earlier-the-better approach, particularly given USPS slowdowns in mail delivery that took effect in October. “I’d suggest getting them out even a day or two before Thanksgiving,” she says. “No later than the first week in December.” She adds that if you get custom cards printed from a site like Shutterfly or Etsy, there’s no time like the present to order them.
Feeling a tad uninspired when it comes to the inscription? No need to worry: We’ve got festive ideas to spare. Slip on a pair of your coziest Christmas socks, bust out your best stationery—or get crafty and make your own!—and start a-scribbling those messages. Below, 70 ideas for what to write in a Christmas card for family, friends, or anyone on your “nice” list.
Christmas Card Greetings for Family and Friends
May your snowy days be filled with love and joy.
I hope this Christmas season brings you zero stress and plenty of spirit.
Merry Christmas! May your hearts, stockings, and nog cups stay full.
Noel! Hope that the Christmas spirit fills every corner of your home—the chimney included.
May your Christmas be packed with treats, hugs, and laughter.
Hope your Christmas feels cozier than eating warm cookies in a fresh set of pajamas.
Merry Christmas to someone who’s always on my “nice” list!
Wishing you a festive Christmas season and a peaceful New Year!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Sending you lots of Christmas cheer.
A most jolly holiday to you and yours!
Romantic Christmas Card Sayings
Our love is kinda like Santa Claus: There’s nothing else like it on earth.
Merry Christmas to the very best present I could ask for.
You can kiss me under the mistletoe, beneath the moon, and everywhere else.
Mariah put it best: All I want for Christmas is you!
You’re sweeter than a candy cane and cuter than an Elf on a Shelf.
I want to thank you for a very happy year—can’t wait to make more memories with you.
I’m so lucky to have you in my life. Here’s to 50 more Christmases together.
Your love lights me up like a Christmas tree.
I’m dreaming of the perfect Christmas with you, the love of my life.
You give me that “waking up on Christmas morning” feeling every single day.
Religious Christmas Card Messages
Glory to the newborn king! May you feel His spirit this Christmas, and every day.
Sending love, peace, and prayers, from our family to yours.
May you have the gift of faith, the blessing of hope, and the warmth of His love this Christmas.
Count your blessings one by one, and you’ll see the good that God has done. Merry Christmas!
Sharing the hope, love, and light He shines on all of us. Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!
May His love shine brightly on you and your loved ones this holiday season.
The true spirit of Christmas shines in your heart and lights your path.
Make a joyful noise! Christ was born, let us rejoice in his glory.
He's our everlasting reason for celebration. May your Christmas be filled with the joy that He offers.
May your heart be lifted in praise this Christmas for the wonderful gift of Jesus, and the joy He brings to our lives.
For Those Who Have Had a Difficult Year
Keeping you and your family in our thoughts as we look toward the promise of a fresh start!
I’m so grateful to have you in my life this Christmas, and every day.
You deserve everything you want from Santa this year, and more.
Wishing you a peaceful Christmas and a lighter, brighter new year.
Sending you love and light in this challenging time.
I hope the holidays give you a chance to rest, recharge, and heal.
You did it! Congratulations on making it through, and know that good things await.
It’s been such a difficult time for your family. Know that we’re always here cheering for you!
It's okay if you don’t feel so merry this Christmas. Give yourself the gifts of rest and self-care, and know we’re always here for you.
I know the holidays can bring up hard memories, too. Hope you’re taking time to care for yourself this season.
Funny Christmas Card Sayings
Have a cool Yule. 😎
Santa saw your Instagram pictures. He said you’re getting a Bible and clothes for Christmas.
I’m dreaming of a white Christmas...but if the white’s out, I’ll drink the red.
Smile, it’s Christmas! Now laugh—this card is your present.
All I want for Christmas is peace, love, and happiness. Also, chocolate. Some jewelry might be nice, too.
You know those commercials where the present is a brand-new car with a big red bow? It’s cool if I just give you the bow, right?
May your heart be full of cheer, and may all your kids’ toys come pre-assembled.
Merry Christmas! I wanted to get you the perfect gift, but they don’t sell day-long naps at the store.
Christmas is full of magical mysteries: Is Santa real? Have you ever seen a sugarplum in real life? And what are reindeer games, exactly?
Don’t look now, but I think I just saw that elf in the pointy red hat move behind you.
Messages for Faraway Loved Ones
Can’t wait until we get to snap an “elfie” together in person!
Missing you this Christmas season, and hope that you’re having a great one.
Up for a video chat hot cocoa party? BYOM (bring your own marshmallows!)
Merry Christmas! Can’t wait to catch up on hugs when we see each other next.
Hope we get to deck the halls together next year. Miss you so much!
We may be celebrating Christmas apart, but on Christmas Eve we’ll be looking up at the same starry sky.
You’ve been a part of my holiday memories for so long, I can’t think of Christmas without thinking of you.
Santa’s sleigh must be pretty fast. Maybe he can give me a lift to your place on Christmas Eve?
Even though we won’t be spending Christmas morning together, I’ll still think of you.
Or share a simple memory from a past Christmas you’ve spent together.
Inspiring Christmas Quotes
May you all have a beautiful holiday—wherever you are, whoever you are, however you spend it, and whatever emotions arise within you on this day. Blessings to the beasts and children within us all. —Elizabeth Gilbert
Christmas works like glue, it keeps us all sticking together. —Rosie Thomas
The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. —Buddy the Elf, ELF
Christmas isn’t just a day. It’s a frame of mind. —Miracle on 34th Street
Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love! —Hamilton Wright Mabie
Christmas isn’t a parade or concert but a piece of home you keep in your heart wherever you go. —Donna VanLiere
The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. —Burton Hills
Christmas is not an external event at all, but a piece of one’s home that one carries in one’s heart. —Freya Stark
Whenever there is lasting love, there is family. —Shere Hite
Christmas Eve was a night of song that wrapped itself about you like a shawl. But it warmed more than your body. It warmed your heart…filled it, too, with melody that would last forever. —Bess Streeter Aldrich
Want more stories to inspire you to live your best life? Sign up to become an Oprah Insider!
You Might Also Like
