What to write in a Hanukkah card

Hanukkah runs for eight nights, which is useful: a card that arrives on any of them is on time. Keep it warm and uncomplicated. If it is not your holiday, a short sincere greeting is more welcome than a long one borrowing language you do not use — and “Happy Hanukkah” on its own has never offended anybody.

Warm

Friendly, unfussy, safe with almost anybody.

• Happy Hanukkah! Eight bright nights to you and yours.
• Wishing you a warm and happy Hanukkah.
• Chag Sameach! Hope it’s a lovely eight nights.
• Happy Hanukkah — enjoy the light, the food and the company.
• Thinking of you this Hanukkah. Have a wonderful one.

Funny

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

• Happy Hanukkah! Eight nights of presents is frankly superior planning.
• Wishing you a happy Hanukkah and a dreidel that lands your way.
• Chag Sameach. May your latkes be crisp and plentiful.
• Happy Hanukkah — pace yourself, there are seven more nights.
• Eight nights! Christmas is looking distinctly undercooked.

Heartfelt

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

• Wishing you light, warmth and good company this Hanukkah.
• Happy Hanukkah. May the eight nights be peaceful ones for your family.
• Thinking of you all. Chag Sameach, with love.
• Wishing you a Hanukkah full of the people who matter most.
• Happy Hanukkah — here’s to light where it is needed.

Simple

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

• Happy Hanukkah!
• Chag Sameach.
• Wishing you a happy Hanukkah.
• Happy Hanukkah to you and the family.
• Eight bright nights to you.

What to avoid

• Don’t pair it with “and Merry Christmas” unless you know they mark both.
• Don’t guess at Hebrew. “Happy Hanukkah” is correct and welcome.
• Don’t assume the dates — Hanukkah moves each year with the Hebrew calendar.
• Don’t treat it as a minor Christmas. It is its own holiday and does not need the comparison.