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Holiday Card Messages & Season's Greetings

Find the right words for your holiday cards, whether you want warm, professional, or inclusive seasonal greetings.

What to know about holiday card messages & season's greetings

The holidays bring an avalanche of cards to write, and 'Happy Holidays!' on its own can feel thin after the fifth one. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or simply love the spirit of the season, these holiday card messages help you say something meaningful without spending 20 minutes staring at a blank card. From personal and heartfelt to professional and inclusive, there is a message here for everyone on your list.

Warm & Inclusive

"Wishing you a holiday season filled with warmth, joy, and the company of people you love. However you celebrate, may this time of year bring you peace and happiness."

For Close Friends

"This time of year is so much better because of friends like you. Wishing you a holiday season as wonderful as the friendship we share. Here is to an amazing new year together!"

For Family

"The best gift of the holiday season is having family like you. Wishing you all the love, laughter, and togetherness that makes this time of year so special."

Professional

"Wishing you and your family a joyful holiday season and a prosperous new year. It has been a pleasure working with you, and I look forward to another great year ahead."

Funny

"Happy Holidays! May your gifts be thoughtful, your food be plentiful, and your relatives' questions about your personal life be minimal. Enjoy the season!"

Grateful

"The holiday season is a reminder of how much I have to be grateful for -- and you are at the top of that list. Wishing you a beautiful, peaceful holiday season."

New Year Focus

"As one year ends and another begins, I am grateful for the memories we have made and excited for the ones ahead. Wishing you a holiday season full of joy and a new year full of possibility."

Short & Sweet

"Happy Holidays! Sending you warmth, love, and all the best wishes for the season. Cheers to a wonderful new year!"

Holiday Card Etiquette Tips

Be inclusive

If your list includes people of different faiths or backgrounds, 'Happy Holidays' or 'Season's Greetings' ensures everyone feels included. When you know someone's tradition, matching your greeting to it is a lovely personal touch.

Add a personal line

Even a pre-printed card benefits from a handwritten line or two. A quick personal note transforms a mass-produced card into something meaningful.

Send them on time

Early December is ideal for holiday cards. If you miss the window, consider sending New Year's cards instead -- they carry the same warmth without the time pressure.

Proofread names

Nothing undercuts a thoughtful message like misspelling someone's name. Double-check every card, especially for colleagues and acquaintances whose names you write less often.

Ready-Made Templates

Holiday Season Art Nouveau preview

Holiday Season Art Nouveau

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Holiday Cocktail Gathering preview

Holiday Cocktail Gathering

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Vintage Happy Holidays preview

Vintage Happy Holidays

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Holiday Season Sepia Nostalgia preview

Holiday Season Sepia Nostalgia

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Winter Wonderland preview

Winter Wonderland

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Winter Wonderland Cabin preview

Winter Wonderland Cabin

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Aurora Winter Night preview

Aurora Winter Night

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Holiday Season Watercolor Garden preview

Holiday Season Watercolor Garden

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I say 'Merry Christmas' or 'Happy Holidays'?
If you know the recipient celebrates Christmas, 'Merry Christmas' is perfect. For mixed audiences, colleagues, or when you are unsure, 'Happy Holidays' or 'Season's Greetings' are inclusive and warm.
When should I send holiday cards?
Aim to send holiday cards in the first two weeks of December so they arrive before the holidays. For New Year's cards, sending by December 26th ensures they arrive on time.
How personal should a holiday card be?
For close friends and family, personal messages with specific references are best. For colleagues and acquaintances, warm but general wishes work well.
Is it okay to include a family update letter?
Yes, if kept brief and positive. A short paragraph about your year is fine -- a three-page newsletter can be overwhelming. Focus on highlights, not a chronological recap.

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