These Are the Most Heartwarming Wishes to Write in a Christmas Card (2024)

Writing and sending out Christmas cards is a holiday task that's sometimes overlooked—but certainly important! Initially, it might seem like the kind you put on the bottom of your list of "things to do" during the holidays, but when the time finally comes to start working on them, you may be left with very little time to send them out. There are holiday shipping deadlines, after all! So, we're here to help you out a bit! We created a list of the best messages and wishes to write in a Christmas card, so that you can get your letters in the mailbox quicker than ever.

Ahead, you'll find the right words to write in a Christmas card to friends and family, whether you have just a few or a few dozen to send. Need an idea for a sweet and sentimental message? Look no further. Want to send a card to long-distance loved ones? We've got you covered. Not sure what to say to those who've had a tough year? They need your support more than ever during the holiday season—and so we rounded up some words of love and encouragement. There's even funny Christmas card ideas!

Whether you've got writer's block or just need some fresh ideas, check out this list of sentimental, romantic, punny, and encouraging messages you can use or adapt to your own needs. One thing is certain: You're sure to spread plenty of cheer with these heartfelt messages and Christmas quotes.

Christmas Card Ideas for Family

• "Here's to all our Christmas memories together and many more to come."
• "What do you have in common with Christmas lights? You brighten our lives! We hope you have a wonderful Christmas."
• "Wishing you a holiday filled with all the blessings of the season."
• "I’m so thankful to have such loving people in my life. Here’s to many more Christmas memories and too many cookies."
• "Wishing you a warm and cozy holiday season! Sending so much love to you!"
• "It’s not what’s under the tree that matters most, it’s who’s around it. Every year I’m so grateful to have you there."
• "Hope the magic of Christmas fills your heart and home this season."
• "This Christmas, may our family be functional and all the batteries be included."
• "It's only the most magical time of year when you're around. Happy Holidays."
• "Whoever wrote Silent Night clearly hasn’t been to our home on Christmas. Can't wait to celebrate with you soon!"
• "I hope you have a festive season wrapped in love and topped with joy!"

Christmas Card Ideas for Friends

• "We wish you a merry Christmas, we wish you a merry Christmas! With love from our family to yours."
• "It’s people like you who make Christmas so special and meaningful. Thank you!"
• "Our families are overdue for a visit. Hoping we can see you soon after the holidays."
• "This isn't a Christmas card, but just an annual reminder to make sure your eggnog is refilled."
• "Here's to all the fun, crazy and sweet memories of us growing up together!"
• "You’re a gift in my life. And not the kind I’d return for store credit. Merry Christmas!"
• "Thinking of you this Christmastime. Hope you and yours are well. Cheers."
• "Have a holly jolly holiday!"
• "Here’s to good friends who always bring wine to the Christmas party!"
• "Cheers to eggnog by the fire, warm holiday memories, and you."

Long-Distance Christmas Card Ideas

• "All of these miles between us cannot stop the love I feel for you. Merry Christmas!"
• "I may not be around this holiday, but that doesn't mean it's any less special."
• "Sending the biggest Merry Christmas from afar."
• "I know we're not together right now, but I'm only a phone call away. Merry Christmas!"
• "Writing this card just makes me miss you more this time of year. Sending you Christmas cheer and all my love."
• "Let's raise a toast for the one I miss the most. Merry Christmas."
• "Though we miss you, we understand that your service is important. Thank you for what you do for our country, and Merry Christmas."
• "Decorating the Christmas tree wasn't the same without you! Come home soon."
• "Hoping that your holiday is full of love and laughter as you settle into your new home."
• "Consider this card a Christmas hug from afar. Love you!"
• "As the song says… Please come home for Christmas! I hope to see you soon."

Funny Christmas Card Ideas

• "Snow-body could write a better Christmas card than this! Happy Holidays!"
• "Wishing you a Christmas with tons of cheer and minimal bills."
• "You know what they say about Christmas... It's Claus for some celebration!"
• "Sending this Christmas card just to let you know that I saw your name on the naughty list this year."
• "Wishing you hope, peace, and lots of Christmas cookies this holiday season!"
• "Christmas is the only time of year in which one can sit in front of a dead tree and eat candy out of socks. Enjoy!"
• "Don we now our ugly sweaters… Let's party! Happy Holidays!"
• "Merry Christmas! Here's to remembering what really matters in life: Cookies."
• "All I want for Christmas is you— but a spa day wouldn't hurt."
• "Wishing you peace, joy, and a much-deserved nap. Have a happy holiday!"
• "If you've got any leftover Christmas cookies, you know where to find me."
• "I hope Santa brings you everything you asked for!"
• "Let’s eat, drink and be merry!"
• "I put so much thought into your gift that it's now out of stock everywhere. Merry Christmas anyway!"

Sentimental Christmas Card Ideas

• "You’re the most wonderful part of the most wonderful time of the year."
• "Christmas is full of miracles, and you’re proof of that."
• "You always made Christmas a special time for me. Now, I hope you can feel my love and gratitude. Sending you my warmest wishes and blessings."
• "To a joyful present and a well-remembered past! We raise a glass to you this Christmas and extend best wishes for the season."
• "Sending love from our family to yours! Hope your holiday is merry and bright!"
• "Have a beautiful holiday, and may all your Christmas wishes come true."
• "May God bless you and yours this Christmas and always!"
• "My favorite Christmas memories are all the ones I've spent with you."
• "The greatest gift of all this holiday season is a loving family and close friends."
• "Let's rejoice in the miracle of Christ's birth and the gift of God's love. Merry Christmas."
• "The holidays are a time for family (and great food)! Wishing you all the best of both this season."
• "May the star that shone on that first Christmas night guide your path to peace and happiness this year."
• "From our home to yours, we hope you have a happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year!"

Punny Christmas Card Ideas

• "Feliz navi-dog!"
• "Meowy Christmas!"
• "All I want for Christmas is ewe."
• "Oh, deer! Christmas is here!"
• "Have your elf a merry little Christmas."
• "I'm pine-ing away for you this Christmas."
• "Your presents is requested at our Christmas party this year!"
• "I fa-la-la-la love you!"
• "I heard you won't be at our holiday party this month. Say it isn't snow!"
• "Hope 'yule' have a wonderful holiday season!"
• "Cheers! A mistle-toast to the holiday season."
• "It's the most wine-derful time of the year!"
• "We miss and love you from your head to your mistletoe. Merry Christmas!"

Romantic Christmas Card Ideas

• "This Christmas, I hope everything you wish for comes true. Merry Christmas to my love."
• "Christmas is more magical now that you’re in my life!"
• "This Christmas, I pray that the bond between us grows even stronger. I love you."
• "Holidays like Christmas make me so grateful to experience life with you."
• "The only thing I love more than Christmas is you."
• "You're the partridge to my pear tree."
• "All the sparkly parts of Christmas remind me of you!"
  
• "Let's snuggle in front of the fire and remember why we fell in love."
• "I love you more than hot cocoa with extra marshmallows!"
• "I can't wait to share our first Christmas together!"
• "Thank you for putting the merry in my Christmas."
• "Meet me under the mistletoe? Merry Christmas, my love."
• "If kisses were snowflakes, I’d send you a blizzard!"

Christmas Card Ideas for a Hard Year

• "Merry Christmas to you and yours. I know it's hard, but just know I'm only a phone call away."
• "Sometimes the holidays can just remind us what we've lost. Remember that I'm always there for you."
• "We're always here to support you, if you need a helping hand this holiday. Sending love during this challenging time."
• "I hope the holidays bring a chance to rest and recharge."
• "Our hearts are with you and yours, now and always."
• "Hoping that the new year brings you new possibilities."
• "May the magic of the Christmas season fill your home with joy and peace. Lots of love to your family."
• "With love and prayers for peace for you during this holiday season."
• "You remain in our thoughts and hearts as you heal from this difficult year."
• "I hope the miracle of Christmas brings strength to your heart."
• "May precious memories of your loved one bring you peace now and always."
• "During this cold and sometimes lonely season, may the love of your support system keep your spirits lifted. Merry Christmas."

Quote Christmas Card Ideas

• "I am not 100 percent certain what a sugarplum is, but for a few weeks every year I’ve got visions of them dancing in my head anyway." —Jane Green
• "Peace on earth will come to stay, when we live Christmas every day." —Helen Steiner Rice
• "Christmas isn't a season. It's a feeling." —Edna Ferber
• "One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas Day. Don't clean it up too quickly." —Andy Rooney
• "Christmas is the day that holds all time together." —Alexander Smith
• "I wish we could put some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month." —Harlan Miller
• "May this season find you among those you love, sharing in the twin glories of generosity and gratitude." —Oprah Winfrey
• "Christmas Day will always be just as long as we have we." —Dr. Seuss, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas
• "And an angel said unto them, 'Fear not; for I bring you good tidings of great joy." —Luke 2:10
• "God bless us every one!" —Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
• "Christmas Eve was a night of song that wrapped itself about you like a shawl. But it warmed more than your body. It warmed your heart...filled it, too, with melody that would last forever." —Bess Streeter Aldrich
• "Christmas isn’t just a day. It’s a frame of mind." —Valentine Davies, Miracle on 34th Street
• "Christmas is not an external event at all, but a piece of one’s home that one carries in one’s heart." —Freya Stark