What to write in a Christmas card

Most Christmas cards go to people you have not spoken to since the last one. That is not a failure of the friendship — it is what Christmas cards are for. One line about the year, one about wanting to see them, and the greeting. Resist the round-robin instinct; a short card that sounds like you beats a long one that sounds like a newsletter.

Warm

Friendly, unfussy, safe with almost anybody.

• Merry Christmas! Hope it’s a warm and lazy one.
• Wishing you a lovely Christmas and a kinder new year.
• Merry Christmas from all of us. Thinking of you.
• Happy Christmas — here’s to seeing more of you next year.
• Wishing you good food, good company and a long sleep after.

Funny

A joke with affection behind it. Read the room first.

• Merry Christmas. May your sprouts be optional.
• Happy Christmas! Remember: the batteries are never included.
• Merry Christmas. This card is proof I own a pen.
• Wishing you a Christmas with minimal assembly required.
• Merry Christmas. Try to make it to Boxing Day without an argument.

Heartfelt

For the people you would actually say this to out loud.

• Merry Christmas. It’s been a year, and I’m glad to have had you in it.
• Thinking of you at Christmas and most of the rest of the time too.
• Wishing you peace and good company. Merry Christmas.
• Happy Christmas — I hope the year ahead is gentle with you.
• Merry Christmas, with love from all of us.

Simple

When short is the right answer, and it often is.

• Merry Christmas!
• Happy Christmas and a good new year.
• Season’s greetings.
• Merry Christmas, with love.
• Wishing you a very happy Christmas.

What to avoid

• Don’t write a round-robin summary of your year. Nobody finishes them.
• Don’t say “sorry we haven’t been in touch”. A Christmas card is the being in touch.
• Don’t assume everyone celebrates. “Season’s greetings” exists for a reason.
• Don’t mention who is missing from the table unless you know they want it mentioned.