A Christmas card is a small thing that carries a lot of warmth. It says "I thought of you this year" in a way a text never quite manages. The hard part is filling that empty space inside, especially when you have a whole stack to get through.

Here are more than 45 Christmas card messages, sorted by who you are writing to and the tone you want. Pick one, add a name, and you are done.

Short Christmas card messages

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Wishing you joy this Christmas and always.
Warmest wishes for a wonderful Christmas.
Season's greetings and lots of love.
Hope your Christmas is merry and bright.
Sending festive hugs your way.
Have yourself a very merry Christmas.
Joy and peace to you this Christmas.

Warm Christmas messages for family

Merry Christmas to the family that means everything to me.
Wishing us a season of togetherness, good food and great memories.
May your stockings be full and your hearts be fuller. Merry Christmas.
Being together is the only gift I really need. Merry Christmas.
Wishing our family a holiday wrapped in love. We adore you.
Merry Christmas. May this season bring us even closer.

Christmas messages for friends

Merry Christmas to a friend who feels like family.
So grateful for your friendship this year. Merry Christmas.
Sending you warm wishes and a big festive hug.
May your holidays be merry, bright and full of laughter.
Wishing my favourite friend a Christmas as wonderful as they are.
Merry Christmas. Thank you for being one of the best parts of my year.

Christmas card messages for kids

Merry Christmas, little one. May your day be full of magic and giggles.
Santa says you have been wonderful this year. Merry Christmas.
Wishing you a Christmas as bright and joyful as you are.
Have the merriest Christmas, little star. We love you.
Hope your Christmas is full of cake, cuddles and Christmas magic.

Funny Christmas card messages

Merry Christmas. May your wifi be strong and your relatives be calm.
Wishing you a Christmas as relaxed as a nap after a roast dinner.
Merry Christmas. May your bank balance recover by spring.
Remember, festive calories do not count. Merry Christmas.
Eat, nap, repeat. You have earned it. Merry Christmas.

Christmas messages for colleagues

Merry Christmas. Thank you for making this a brighter year to work in.
Wishing you a restful break and a wonderful Christmas.
Happy holidays. May the new year bring you good things.
Season's greetings and thanks for all your hard work this year.
Merry Christmas to a brilliant colleague. Enjoy the break.

Religious Christmas card messages

May the peace and hope of Christmas be with you and your family.
Wishing you a blessed Christmas filled with love, faith and joy.
May the light of Christ shine on you this Christmas and always.
Glory to the newborn King. Wishing you a blessed Christmas.
May God's love wrap around you this Christmas like a warm blanket.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year messages

Merry Christmas and a new year full of health and happiness.
Wishing you a joyful Christmas and your best year yet ahead.
Here is to closing this year with gratitude and opening the next with hope.
Season's greetings. May your new year sparkle from day one.
Merry Christmas and a bright, beautiful new year to you and yours.

Christmas card messages for someone far away

Merry Christmas. Wish I could be there, but my heart is with you.
Missing you extra this Christmas. Sending all my love across the miles.
Distance cannot dim how much I love you. Merry Christmas.
Thinking of you and wishing you a warm and wonderful Christmas.

A quick tip for a stack of cards

If you are writing many cards, start each with the person's name and end with one specific detail only they would recognise. That single personal line is what turns a generic card into one they keep on the mantel. A lovely tradition to add is a personalised Christmas book for the children on your list, so the card and the keepsake arrive together. You can browse our story books for ideas.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good short Christmas card message?

"Merry Christmas and a happy New Year, with love." It is warm, classic and fits any card.

What do you write in a Christmas card for someone you do not know well?

Keep it warm and general: "Wishing you a merry Christmas and a happy, healthy new year." Sincere and simple always works.

Looking for a keepsake for the kids on your list? You can create a personalised Christmas book in minutes.