What To Write In A Christmas Card 2021: Crafting Messages That Matter
Christmas card season is upon us, and the pressure is on! Finding the perfect words to convey your holiday cheer, love, and well wishes can feel like a monumental task. This guide will equip you with the inspiration and practical tips you need to write Christmas cards that resonate in 2021 and beyond, moving beyond generic greetings and crafting messages that truly matter.
The Foundation: Understanding Your Audience
Before you even pick up a pen (or open your email), consider your audience. The message you write for your grandmother will likely differ significantly from the one you craft for a colleague. Tailoring your words ensures your message feels genuine and personal.
Categorizing Your Recipients: A Quick Guide
- Family: This category encompasses immediate and extended family. Consider their personalities, your relationship, and any shared memories.
- Friends: This group is broad! Think about shared experiences, inside jokes, and the nature of your friendship.
- Colleagues/Acquaintances: Maintain a professional yet friendly tone. Focus on well wishes and expressing appreciation.
- Neighbors/Service Providers: Simple, heartfelt greetings are often best, showing appreciation for their service or proximity.
Beyond “Happy Holidays”: Elevating Your Greetings
While “Happy Holidays” is perfectly acceptable, aiming for something more personal elevates your card. Consider these alternatives:
- Wishing you a season filled with joy and warmth.
- May the magic of Christmas fill your home with laughter and love.
- Sending you our warmest wishes for a Christmas that sparkles with happiness.
- Thinking of you this Christmas and sending you joy.
Crafting Messages for Different Relationships
Now let’s dive into specific examples, tailoring your message to different relationships.
Family Focused: Sharing Memories and Expressing Love
For family, Christmas cards are an opportunity to strengthen bonds.
- Immediate Family: “To my dearest family, this Christmas, I’m overflowing with gratitude for all the laughter, love, and support you bring. I cherish our time together and look forward to making new memories in the coming year. Merry Christmas!”
- Extended Family (Grandparents, Aunts/Uncles, Cousins): “Wishing our family a Christmas filled with love, joy, and good cheer! We’re so grateful for your presence in our lives and for all the wonderful memories we’ve shared. Sending you all our love and warmest wishes.”
- Adding a Personal Touch: Include a specific memory you cherish or a shared experience. This adds depth and authenticity. “Remember that amazing beach trip we took last summer? Thinking of you all and sending sunshine your way this Christmas!”
Friends & Friendship: Celebrating Connection
Christmas cards for friends are a celebration of your bond.
- Close Friends: “To my amazing friend, this Christmas, I’m sending you all my love and wishing you a holiday filled with everything that makes you happy. I’m so grateful for our friendship and the memories we’ve made. Here’s to many more years of laughter and adventures! Merry Christmas!”
- Casual Friends: “Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year! Hope you have a wonderful holiday season filled with joy and good times. Looking forward to catching up soon!”
- Incorporating Inside Jokes: If appropriate, sprinkle in an inside joke or reference a shared experience. This shows your relationship is unique.
Professional & Friendly: Balancing Warmth and Respect
For colleagues and acquaintances, professionalism is key.
- Colleagues: “Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year! Thank you for your hard work and dedication this past year. I hope you enjoy a relaxing holiday season filled with joy and time with loved ones. Best wishes!”
- Business Acquaintances: “Season’s Greetings! Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Thank you for your continued partnership. We look forward to working with you in the year ahead.”
- Keeping it Concise: Keep the message brief and focused on well wishes.
The Power of Personalization: Adding a Unique Touch
Personalization takes your Christmas card from generic to genuinely appreciated.
Handwritten Notes: The Personal Touch
Handwritten notes are infinitely more personal than typed messages. The time and effort invested demonstrate a genuine care for the recipient. Even a short handwritten note can make a significant impact.
Sharing Your Year: A Brief Summary
Include a brief update on your year. Share a significant accomplishment, a new adventure, or a highlight from the past twelve months. This helps the recipient feel connected to your life. “This year we finally moved into our dream home! We’re loving settling in and making it our own. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas!”
Including a Photo: A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
Photos are a fantastic way to personalize a Christmas card. Choose a recent family photo, a picture of a shared experience, or a festive image. This visual element adds a special touch and is often cherished for years to come.
Addressing the Elephant in the Room: Navigating Difficult Times
2021, like the previous year, has presented its challenges. Acknowledging these realities with sensitivity can strengthen connections.
Acknowledging Loss and Grief
If you know the recipient has experienced a loss, offer sincere condolences. “Thinking of you during this Christmas season and sending you my deepest sympathy. May you find comfort in the memories of your loved one.”
Expressing Hope and Resilience
If you’re aware of personal struggles, offer words of hope and encouragement. “Wishing you strength and resilience during these challenging times. May the new year bring brighter days and renewed hope.”
Focusing on Positivity: Finding the Good
Even amidst difficult circumstances, focus on the positive aspects of the season. “Despite the challenges of this year, we’re grateful for the love and support of our family and friends. Wishing you a Christmas filled with joy and hope for a brighter future.”
Avoiding Common Christmas Card Pitfalls
Certain phrases and approaches can diminish the impact of your card.
Avoiding Generic Statements
Avoid overly generic greetings like “Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!” Instead, strive for personalized messages.
Being Mindful of Religious Sensitivity
Be mindful of the recipient’s religious beliefs. Opt for inclusive greetings like “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings” if you are unsure.
Keeping it Positive: Avoiding Negative News
Refrain from sharing negative news or complaints. Christmas cards are meant to be uplifting.
The Art of the Closing: Ending with Impact
Your closing should be as thoughtful as your opening.
Choosing the Right Closing
Common and effective closings include:
- With love,
- Warmly,
- Wishing you joy,
- Happy Holidays,
- Best wishes,
- Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Adding a Signature: A Personal Touch
Always sign your name and include your family’s names (if applicable). This reinforces the personal connection.
FAQs: Your Christmas Card Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions to further assist you:
What if I’m sending a card to someone I haven’t seen in a while? Reach out and bridge the gap! Acknowledge the time that has passed, express your desire to reconnect, and wish them well. A simple, “It feels like ages since we last spoke! Hope you’re doing well. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!” is a great start.
Is it okay to send a Christmas card to someone who doesn’t celebrate Christmas? Absolutely! Opt for a more inclusive greeting like “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings.” Focus on sending well wishes and expressing your care.
How early is too early to send Christmas cards? Aim to send your cards between the first week of December and mid-December. This gives ample time for delivery and ensures your card arrives before Christmas.
What if I’m running late? Don’t let it stop you! Even a belated card is better than no card. Acknowledge the delay and still send your well wishes.
Can I use store-bought cards and still make them feel personal? Yes! The message inside is what matters most. Even a pre-printed card can feel personal with a handwritten note and a thoughtful closing.
Conclusion: Spreading Cheer, One Card at a Time
Writing a Christmas card shouldn’t be a chore; it should be a joyful expression of your love and appreciation. By understanding your audience, embracing personalization, and focusing on genuine sentiment, you can craft cards that truly resonate. This year, let your Christmas cards be more than just a formality – let them be a heartfelt reflection of your relationships and a source of cheer for those you care about. From family and friends to colleagues and acquaintances, the effort you put into your Christmas cards will undoubtedly be felt and appreciated. So, embrace the season, grab your pen, and spread some holiday magic, one card at a time.