Christmas Wishes and Messages

A Christmas card is often the only note some people get from you all year, so it's worth saying something real. Here are wishes for everyone on your list: cozy, short, a little funny, and kind.

For family

Merry Christmas. Wherever we are this year, you're in my thoughts around the tree.
Another year of everyone fighting over the good chair. I wouldn't trade it for anything. Merry Christmas.
Thank you for every Christmas you've made feel special. I hope this one is easy and full of good food.
Missing you this season, and hoping we can fix that soon. Merry Christmas, with love.
May your house be loud, your table full, and your mood bright. Merry Christmas to my favorite people.
The best part of Christmas is still the people. Thank you for being mine.
Another year, another set of memories. Merry Christmas, we love you.
Merry Christmas! Save me a cookie and a seat by the fire.

Christmas greetings for a friend

Merry Christmas to a friend who makes the whole year better. Thank you for being around.
This year wouldn't have been the same without you. Merry Christmas, and let's make plans for January.
Wishing you a cozy Christmas, a lot of good food, and at least one proper nap.
It's been a long year, and you've been a bright spot in it. Merry Christmas.
Sending you a Christmas hug by mail. I hope the season is gentle and merry.
Thank you for the laughs, the calls, and the shoulder when I needed one. Merry Christmas, my friend.
Merry Christmas to someone I'd happily spend a snowed-in weekend with.
Distance can't dim a good friendship. Merry Christmas, and let's catch up soon.

Short and festive

Merry Christmas!
Peace, good food, and warm socks to you.
Joy to you and yours this Christmas.
Happy holidays and warm wishes.
Merry and bright to you!
Sending you cozy Christmas wishes.
May your season be merry and calm.
Season's greetings, and many thanks for the year.

For a neighbor, coworker, or boss

Merry Christmas! Thanks for being such a good neighbor this year. We're lucky to have you next door.
Wishing you and your family a peaceful holiday. Thanks for the snow shoveling.
Thank you for a great year working together. Enjoy the break, you've earned it.
Merry Christmas to the best team I've worked with. Rest up for the new year.
Wishing you a relaxing holiday and a calm inbox.
Happy holidays! Thank you for your support and good humor this year.
From our family to yours: Merry Christmas. We're glad you're part of our neighborhood.
Warm wishes for a happy holiday and a bright new year.

Funny Christmas wishes

Merry Christmas! May your gifts be wrapped, your lights untangled, and your relatives well-behaved.
I hope Santa brings you everything on your list, and the energy to assemble it on Christmas Eve.
Merry Christmas! Calories don't count until January.
Roses are red, violets are blue, I'm out of poems, so Merry Christmas to you.
May your Wi-Fi hold, your oven behave, and your in-laws be pleasant.
Peace on earth, goodwill to all, and may nobody receive a fruitcake this year.

Tips for personalizing your message

Mention something from your year ('loved seeing you at the lake in July') before the greeting. It turns a form message into a note.
For a mixed list, 'Happy holidays' or 'Season's greetings' works for everyone. Save 'Merry Christmas' for people you know celebrate it.
For neighbors and coworkers, warm and brief is the right register. Save the long, personal notes for people close to you.
Add a line about next year ('let's finally have dinner in January'). A plan means more than a wish.

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