Family & Parenting

How to Write Holiday Cards (With Message Ideas)

What to write for family, friends, colleagues and neighbours — plus tips to make card-writing quick.

Editorial TeamNovember 6, 20261 min read

Holiday cards are a lovely way to stay in touch. A short, personal message means more than a long one.

A simple structure

  1. Greeting: "Dear Sam,"
  2. A warm wish for the season
  3. One personal line
  4. Sign-off

Message ideas

  • Family: "Wishing you a cosy Christmas full of love and laughter. Can't wait to see you soon!"
  • Friends: "Thank you for all the fun this year. Here's to more adventures in the new one!"
  • Colleagues: "Wishing you a restful holiday and a happy New Year. It's been great working with you."
  • Neighbours: "Season's greetings from number 12! Wishing you a happy and peaceful holiday."
  • Inclusive: "Warm wishes for a happy holiday season and a bright New Year."
Make it personalMention a shared memory or something you're looking forward to doing together.

Save time

  • Keep an address list in a spreadsheet you update each year.
  • Write a few cards each evening instead of all at once.
  • Check postage deadlines, especially for international cards.

Family newsletter?

If you include a family update, keep it short and positive, and add a photo.

#Christmas#Family & Parenting
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Written by Editorial Team

Our editors research, test and simplify everyday tasks so you can get them right the first time. Spotted something we should update? Let us know on our contact page.

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