Every December the same thing happens: you buy a box of cards, sit down with a pen and a mince pie, and write “Merry Christmas, love from us” thirty-seven times. This year, let’s do a little better – without it taking all evening. Here are Christmas card messages for everyone on your list, sorted by who they’re for.
Christmas messages for family
- “Wishing you all a Christmas full of laughter, second helpings and the good kind of chaos.”
- “Merry Christmas, Mum and Dad. Thank you for every Christmas you’ve made magic – this one’s our turn.”
- “To the best (and loudest) family anyone could ask for. Can’t wait to see you all.”
- “Missing you this Christmas. Raising a glass to you from afar – see you in the new year.”
Christmas messages for friends
- “Merry Christmas to my favourite partner in crime. Here’s to more adventures in 2027.”
- “Thank you for a year of voice notes, long lunches and excellent gossip. Merry Christmas!”
- “Hope Santa brings you everything on your list, and a lie-in.”
Christmas messages for teachers
A card from a child (with a line from a grown-up) is one of the nicest things a teacher receives all term.
- “Thank you for making school a place [name] loves going. Have a restful Christmas!”
- “Merry Christmas, Miss Patel! Thank you for all your patience, kindness and gold stars.”
- “Wishing you a very merry Christmas and a well-earned break. You’ve been brilliant this term.”
Tip: ask your child to add a drawing or write one thing they’ve loved this year. Teachers keep those.
Christmas messages for colleagues
Keep it friendly, inclusive and short – especially for a team card.
- “Merry Christmas and happy new year! Thanks for making Mondays bearable.”
- “Wishing you a lovely break – and absolutely no out-of-office replies.”
- “Season’s greetings, and thank you for all your help this year.”
“Season’s greetings” or “Happy holidays” are thoughtful choices if you’re not sure whether someone celebrates Christmas.
Funny Christmas card messages
- “May your turkey be moist, your sprouts be optional and your relatives be on their best behaviour.”
- “Merry Christmas! Remember: calories consumed in December don’t count. That’s science.”
How to write a whole batch without losing the will
- Make a list first, grouped by type: family, friends, school, work, neighbours.
- Pick one base message per group from the lists above.
- Add one personal line to the cards that matter most. Everyone else gets the base message – and that’s perfectly lovely.
- Post early. Royal Mail’s last recommended second class date is usually in the week before Christmas; check their site for 2026 dates.
Cards that do half the writing for you
Our printable Christmas cards come with a warm message already written inside, so you only need to add names and a line of your own. There are designs for specific people too: the gold star teacher card, the bold type colleague card and the holly wreath family card. Any three cards are £7.50, and you can print as many copies as you need for personal use.
Hosting this year? Our Christmas printables include party invitations, countdown cards and a festive planner.
And for the friends overseas, or the ones you forgot until 23 December, send a free animated Christmas e-card in seconds.
Merry Christmas from all of us at Say It Today. Now go and say it.