What To Write On Your Christmas Card: Crafting the Perfect Holiday Message
Christmas card season is upon us! Sending and receiving holiday cards is a cherished tradition, but staring at a blank card can be daunting. What sentiment do you want to convey? How do you strike the right tone? This guide will help you navigate the art of Christmas card writing, ensuring your message is heartfelt, memorable, and perfectly suited to your recipients.
The Foundation: Understanding Your Audience
Before putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), consider your audience. The message you write for your best friend will differ significantly from the one you send to your boss. Tailoring your message demonstrates thoughtfulness and strengthens your connection with each recipient.
Family & Close Friends: Sharing Love and Memories
For those closest to you, Christmas cards provide a wonderful opportunity to express your deepest affections. Share specific memories, inside jokes, and heartfelt wishes.
Professional Contacts: Balancing Warmth and Professionalism
When writing to colleagues, clients, or superiors, maintain a professional tone while incorporating warmth. Acknowledge their contributions and express your best wishes for the holiday season. Focus on shared accomplishments and a positive outlook for the coming year.
Acquaintances & Distant Relatives: Keeping in Touch
For acquaintances and distant relatives, keep the tone friendly and general. Acknowledge the season, express your best wishes, and perhaps briefly mention something positive you’ve been up to.
Choosing Your Words: Crafting the Perfect Message
The content of your card is paramount. Let’s explore different approaches to ensure your message resonates with its intended recipient.
Expressing Warm Wishes: The Core of Christmas
At the very least, your card should convey your best wishes for the holiday season. Phrases like “Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,” or “Happy Holidays from our family to yours” are classic and always appropriate.
Adding a Personal Touch: Going Beyond the Generic
To make your card truly special, personalize it. Mention a specific memory, a shared experience, or a quality you admire in the recipient. This demonstrates that you’ve taken the time to think about them.
Sharing Updates: The Year in Review (Briefly!)
If appropriate, include a brief update on your life. Keep it concise, focusing on positive developments such as a new job, a recent move, or a significant accomplishment. Avoid dwelling on negative experiences.
Incorporating a Religious Message: Acknowledging Faith
For those who celebrate the religious significance of Christmas, you may choose to include a message reflecting your faith. This could involve mentioning the birth of Jesus or expressing gratitude for blessings received.
Mastering the Tone: Finding the Right Voice
The tone of your card should align with your relationship with the recipient. Consider these points:
Formal vs. Informal: Adapting to the Relationship
A formal tone is suitable for professional contacts or individuals you don’t know well. An informal tone is appropriate for family and close friends.
Sincerity and Authenticity: The Key to Connection
Above all, be sincere and authentic. Your message should reflect your true feelings and intentions. Avoid generic phrases that lack genuine emotion.
Humour (Use with Caution!): Adding a Touch of Lightheartedness
Humor can be a great way to connect with others, but use it judiciously. Make sure your jokes are appropriate for the recipient and avoid anything potentially offensive.
Formatting and Presentation: Making Your Card Stand Out
The appearance of your card is just as important as the message itself.
Handwriting vs. Printing: The Personal Touch
Handwritten cards often feel more personal, demonstrating that you’ve taken the time to write them. However, if you have a large number of cards to send, or your handwriting isn’t the best, printing is perfectly acceptable.
Choosing the Right Card: Reflecting Your Style
Select a card that reflects your personal style and the recipient’s preferences. Consider the design, colors, and overall aesthetic.
Proofreading: Ensuring Accuracy
Always proofread your card before sending it. Check for spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, and any awkward phrasing. A polished card reflects positively on you.
Examples to Inspire: Getting Your Creative Juices Flowing
Need a starting point? Here are some sample messages for various recipients:
For Family:
“Merry Christmas, Mom and Dad! We’re so grateful for all you do. Wishing you a holiday filled with joy and laughter. Love, [Your Name(s)].”
For Friends:
“Happy Holidays, [Friend’s Name]! Remembering all the fun times we’ve shared this year. Looking forward to making more memories in the coming year. Cheers to you!”
For Colleagues:
“Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, [Colleague’s Name]. Thank you for your hard work and dedication this past year. I look forward to continuing our collaboration in the new year.”
For Acquaintances:
“Happy Holidays! Wishing you and your family a season filled with happiness and warmth. Best wishes for a wonderful New Year.”
Beyond the Message: The Little Extras That Matter
While the message is central, consider these extras:
Including a Photo: Sharing Memories
Adding a photo of yourself, your family, or a recent event can make your card even more personal.
Adding a Gift Card: Showing Appreciation
A small gift card to a coffee shop or bookstore can be a thoughtful gesture for friends, family, or colleagues.
Sending Early: Timing is Key
Send your Christmas cards early to ensure they arrive before the holiday rush. Aim to mail them by mid-December.
Troubleshooting Common Christmas Card Dilemmas
Let’s address some common challenges:
Writer’s Block: Overcoming the Blank Page
If you’re struggling to write, start with the basics: “Merry Christmas!” Then, add a personal touch. Don’t overthink it!
Addressing a Large List: Simplifying the Process
If you have a large list, consider using a template or pre-printed cards to save time.
Dealing with Difficult Relationships: Maintaining a Positive Tone
Even if you have a strained relationship with someone, keep your message polite and positive. Focus on general well wishes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are a few common questions answered to help you create the perfect Christmas card.
Is it okay to send a Christmas card to someone who doesn’t celebrate Christmas?
Absolutely! A simple “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings” is perfectly appropriate and inclusive. It acknowledges the time of year without being specific to any particular holiday.
How long should my Christmas card message be?
There is no set length! A few sentences are often sufficient, especially for a busy recipient. The most important thing is to convey your genuine sentiments.
Should I include a return address on my Christmas card?
Yes, including your return address is a good practice. It allows recipients to easily send you a card in return and ensures that your card can be returned to you if undeliverable.
What if I missed sending a Christmas card?
It’s not too late! Send a belated card, perhaps a “Happy New Year” card, and apologize for the delay. Your thoughtfulness will still be appreciated.
Can I reuse Christmas cards?
While it’s generally considered acceptable to reuse Christmas cards that you’ve received (perhaps as gift tags), it’s not recommended to reuse cards you’ve already sent. This might make the recipient feel that you did not take the time to create a card for them.
Conclusion: Spreading Holiday Cheer
Writing a Christmas card is a wonderful way to connect with loved ones, colleagues, and acquaintances during the holiday season. By considering your audience, choosing your words carefully, and paying attention to the presentation, you can create a message that is both heartfelt and memorable. Remember to be authentic, sincere, and to tailor your message to each recipient. Embrace the spirit of the season, and spread a little extra cheer with your Christmas cards this year!