Making Christmas Cards: What to Write On a Christmas Card Inside

Why Bother Making Your Own Cards Anyway?

Before we even get to the words, let's just quickly appreciate the effort. When you make a Christmas card, you're not just sending a piece of paper; you're sending a little piece of your time and creativity. In a world full of digital messages, a physical, handmade card really stands out. It's a tangible reminder that you're thinking of someone, and that's a pretty powerful thing during the holidays.

Getting Started: Thinking About Your Recipient

The biggest secret to knowing what to write on a Christmas card is to think about who you're writing to. It sounds simple, but it makes all the difference. You wouldn't write the same thing to your boss as you would to your best friend, right? Before you even pick up your pen, take a moment to picture the person. What's your relationship like? What do you appreciate about them? What kind of message would make them smile?

For Family and Really Close Friends

These are the people you can be most open and personal with. You can mention inside jokes, shared memories, or specific things you're looking forward to doing with them in the new year. This is where you can really let your personality shine through.

Example 1: "Merry Christmas, Mom and Dad! So looking forward to spending Christmas Eve with you. Thanks for everything you do – love you loads!" Example 2: "Happy Christmas, Sarah! Can't believe it's been a whole year already. Remember that time we [insert funny memory]? Hope you have a brilliant day, let's catch up properly in Jan!"

For Friends You Don't See Every Day, or Colleagues

For these folks, you want to be warm and friendly, but maybe a little less intimate. You can still make it personal by referencing something current or a general shared experience, but keep it a bit more general.

Example 1: "Wishing you a wonderful Christmas, Mark! Hope you get some well-deserved rest and enjoy the holidays with your family. See you in the New Year!" Example 2: "Happy Holidays, Emily! Hope you have a fantastic break and get to relax. Looking forward to catching up soon!"

For Distant Relatives or Acquaintances

Sometimes you send cards to people you don't know super well, or haven't seen in ages. In these cases, it's totally fine to keep it warm but concise. The card itself is often the main message here, showing you're thinking of them.

Example 1: "Merry Christmas, Aunt Carol and Uncle John! Thinking of you and hope you have a lovely, peaceful holiday season. Best wishes for the New Year!" Example 2: "Wishing you a very Happy Christmas, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson! Hope you have a wonderful time and a great start to 2024."

So, What Exactly Should You Write On a Christmas Card?

Okay, so you've thought about the person. Now, let's get down to the actual words. The key is sincerity. You don't need to write a novel; a few heartfelt lines are often much more impactful than a long, rambling message. When you're wondering what to write on a Christmas card, try to hit a few key notes:

1. A warm greeting: "Merry Christmas," "Happy Holidays," "Season's Greetings." 2. A wish for their well-being: "Hope you have a wonderful time," "Wishing you peace and joy," "Enjoy the festive season." 3. A small personal touch (if appropriate): "Thinking of you," "So glad we got to [do something specific] this year," "Hope [their specific plans] go well." 4. A wish for the new year: "All the best for 2024," "Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year."

For instance, for a neighbour, you might write: "Merry Christmas, Susan and David! Hope you have a lovely holiday season and a fantastic New Year. So glad to have you as neighbours!"

A Few Little Tips for What to Write On a Christmas Card

Keep it brief: Unless it's your absolute best friend or a parent, you don't need to write pages. A few sentences are perfect. Handwritten is best: Since you're making the card, definitely handwrite the message. It adds so much to the personal touch. Proofread quickly: Just a quick glance to catch any embarrassing typos. Nothing kills the festive mood like a misspelled "Merry Christmas"! Don't overthink it: Seriously, sometimes the pressure to write something profound stops us from writing anything at all. Your thought and the handmade card are already doing most of the work. It's okay to have a general template: You can have a basic structure for what to write on a Christmas card for different groups of people, and then just tweak the personal bits. This saves a lot of time and brainpower!

Close family/friends: "Lots of love," "Love always," "Warmly," Friends/colleagues: "Best wishes," "Warm regards," "Cheers," Formal/Acquaintances: "Sincerely," "Kind regards," "Happy Holidays,"

And then, of course, your name! If it's from a couple or family, include everyone's names. It's a small detail, but it ties everything together nicely.

So, there you have it. Making your own Christmas cards is a lovely gesture, and figuring out what to write on a Christmas card doesn't have to be a headache. Just speak from the heart, keep the recipient in mind, and remember that your effort is what truly makes the card special. Happy card-making and happy writing!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need to write something different on every single card?

Not necessarily! While personal touches are great, it's totally fine to have a general message for certain groups (like colleagues or distant relatives) and then add a unique sentence or two. The most important thing is that the message feels genuine.

Is it okay to just write 'Merry Christmas' and my name?

For some people, especially those you don't know well, a simple "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!" is perfectly acceptable, especially if the card design itself is very thoughtful. For closer friends and family, try to add a little more if you can.

What if I'm stuck on what to write on a Christmas card for someone I haven't seen in ages?

Just acknowledge that it's been a while! Something like, "Merry Christmas! Thinking of you and hope you have a wonderful holiday season. It's been a while, but you're always in our thoughts." is lovely and sincere.

Should I include a personal update about my life?

For close family and friends, a brief update about big life events (new job, moving, etc.) can be a nice touch. For others, it's probably best to keep the focus on them and their holiday wishes.