Homemade Christmas Cards: What to Write Inside Them

So, You've Made the Card – Now What to Write Christmas Card Messages?

Okay, so your handmade Christmas cards are all ready to go. They're beautiful, unique, and you probably have glitter everywhere. High five for that! But then comes the moment of truth: actually writing Christmas card messages inside them. It's funny how easy it is to get stuck on this part, even after all the creative energy you put into making the card itself. You want your words to match the effort, right? You want them to feel personal and warm, not just a quick "Happy Holidays!" and a signature.

Why Bother with More Than Just a Signature, Anyway?

You might be thinking, "It's just a card, does it really matter what I write?" And yeah, for some people, a simple signature is totally fine. But when you've gone to the trouble of making a card from scratch, adding a few thoughtful words really takes it up a notch. It shows you care enough to spend a little extra time, and it makes the card feel even more special. Think about it – don't you love getting a card where someone has actually written something specific to you? It makes you feel seen and appreciated. It’s a small thing, but it can make a big difference in how your card is received.

Getting Started: What to Think About Before You Write Christmas Card Messages

Before you even pick up your pen, take a second to think about who you’re writing to. Is it your grandma? Your best friend? A colleague? The message will probably be pretty different for each person, right?

Who are they to you? This is the biggest factor. Your message to your sister will be different from your message to your neighbor. What kind of year have they had? Did they have a big life event? A new baby, a new job, a tough time? Acknowledging that can be really meaningful. What do you appreciate about them? This is a great starting point for a personal message. Any inside jokes or shared memories? If it’s appropriate, a little nod to something you both share can be lovely.

When you finally sit down to write Christmas card messages, having a vague idea of these things in mind can make the words flow much more easily.

Ideas for What to Write Christmas Card Messages For Different People

For Close Family (Parents, Siblings, Grandparents)

These are the people you can be super warm and a bit more sentimental with.

Focus on gratitude: "So grateful for all your support this year, Mom and Dad. Couldn't do it without you." Mention shared memories: "Thinking back to our summer vacation, can't wait to make more memories next year!" Express love and connection: "Love you all so much, looking forward to celebrating together." Example: "Dearest Grandma, wishing you a Christmas filled with warmth and joy. It was so lovely seeing you at Thanksgiving, and I'm really looking forward to our usual Christmas Eve call! Sending you lots of love."

For Friends (Close Buddies, Acquaintances)

You can be a bit more casual here, depending on how close you are.

Catch up briefly: "Hope you've had a great year! We've been busy with [mention something brief]." Wish them well for the new year: "Wishing you a fantastic Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year!" Reference a recent interaction: "So good catching up with you last month! Hope you have a wonderful holiday season." Example: "Hey Sarah, Merry Christmas! Hope you and Mark have a relaxing break. Let's definitely grab coffee in the new year – it feels like ages! All the best."

For Colleagues or Neighbors

Keep it friendly and generally positive. No need for anything too deep here.

General well wishes: "Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year." Acknowledge their work/presence: "It's been great working with you this year, hope you have a relaxing holiday." or "So glad to have you as a neighbor, wishing you all the best this Christmas." Example: "Hi Tom, Merry Christmas! Hope you get some well-deserved rest over the holidays. Looking forward to seeing you back in the office next year."

Mention something specific: "Loved seeing your travel photos on Facebook – looks like you had an amazing time!" Reference a shared event: "Still laughing about that moment at [party/event]! Hope your holidays are just as fun." A simple "thinking of you": Sometimes, just letting someone know they're in your thoughts is really powerful, especially if they've had a tough year. Hand-drawn element: If you’re already making the card, maybe a tiny doodle related to them inside? A little star for a space enthusiast, or a coffee cup for your coffee-loving friend.

Too much personal drama: Your Christmas card isn't the place for a long update on your recent struggles unless it's a very, very close friend who you know will appreciate it. Anything controversial: Politics, religion (unless you know their views align and it's appropriate), or anything that could cause offense. Keep it light and universally joyful. Demands or requests: "Hope you remember my gift!" – obviously a no-go! Generic photocopied letters: If you've gone to the trouble of making a card, please don't stick a generic family update letter inside without adding a personal note too. It kind of defeats the purpose of the handmade touch.

Warm & personal: "Lots of love," "With all our love," "Warmly," "Fondly," Friendly & casual: "Best," "Cheers," "All the best," "Happy Holidays," More formal: "Sincerely," "Kind regards" (less common for Christmas cards, but sometimes for professional contacts).

Just pick what feels right for each person.

A Little Thought Goes a Long Way

Ultimately, the beauty of making your own Christmas cards is that you're putting a piece of yourself into them. And taking a few extra moments to actually write Christmas card messages that resonate with the recipient just completes that whole lovely package. It doesn't have to be a literary masterpiece; just honest, heartfelt words will do the trick. So, grab your favorite pen, maybe a cup of tea, and enjoy the process of spreading some personalized holiday cheer!

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FAQ: Your Questions About Christmas Card Writing Answered

Q: I'm not much of a writer, how can I still make my messages personal? A: Don't worry about being a poet! Even a single sentence that references something specific to that person – like "Loved seeing your photos from your trip!" or "Hope you're enjoying your new garden" – makes it personal. It’s the thought that counts, not the length or literary flair.

Q: How long should my message be? A: Honestly, there's no set rule. For most people, a sentence or two is perfectly fine. For very close family or friends, you might write a short paragraph. The key is quality over quantity; a short, heartfelt message is always better than a long, generic one.

Q: Is it okay to use a pre-printed sentiment and just sign it in my handmade card? A: You've gone to all the trouble of making a card, so try to add at least a little handwritten note! Even just "Thinking of you, [Name]!" above your signature makes it feel much more personal than just signing your name below a printed verse. It shows you took that extra step.

Q: What if I have to write Christmas card messages for a really large list of people? A: That's totally understandable! For those on your list who you don't know super well (like distant acquaintances or service providers), a general but warm "Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year!" is perfectly acceptable. For closer folks, try to quickly jot down one specific thing you appreciate or remember about them to make it special. Batching them by relationship type can help.