A guide to writing the perfect Christmas card

Whether you’re a fan of Christmas cards or not you’ll probably be sending one or two to your close family and friends, at least. Because let’s be honest, it would be rude-olf you not to.
Cards are an always thoughtful way to send a message during the festive season. While you can add “Merry Christmas” to your email signature or share a ‘Happy Xmas’ over text, a Christmas card filled with sentimental Christmas wishes is a much better way to say ‘I care’.

From festive quotes to caring words, these messages are perfect for friends or family in the run-up to Christmas. Get your best pen ready.

• It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
• It’s easy to get lost in the flurry of activity during Christmas time. May you get a chance to take in the beauty and true meaning of the season and have a Merry Christmas.
• Tis the season to be jolly.
• Have yourself a Merry little Christmas, let your heart be light.
• May this Christmas season bring you closer to all those that you treasure in your heart. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year.
• I hope Santa is good to you this year because you only deserve the best. Merry Christmas from our family to yours.
• Take nothing for granted and be thankful that you have such great family and friends to spend this joyous season with. Wishing you a delightful Christmas.
• Wishing you and your family health, happiness, peace and prosperity this Christmas and in the coming New Year.

Have a friend who appreciates a cheesy festive joke or two? Then we have some great messages here which are very different from the classic ‘Merry Christmas’ wishes.

• Yule always be my favourite.
• Why did Santa quit smoking? Because it was bad for his elf.
• Christmas is a very spiritual time – In your case vodka, gin and whisky.
• Yay, it’s Christmas. Let’s buy loads of stuff no one needs.
• Whoever said ‘all is calm’ has never been to our house around Christmas. Some might say we’re not very bright, either.
• I only got you a card in case you got me one.
• You can tell a lot about a person by the way they handle three things: a rainy day, lost luggage and tangled Christmas tree lights.
• I hope you like the present you told me to buy for you.

This is your time to throw in a little inside joke between friends – don’t miss the chance. Here are some of our favourite Christmassy messages for inspiration.

• Looking forward to catching up in the New Year – in person.
• I bet yule be drunk this Christmas.
• I’m so grateful for a friend like you, at Christmas and all year.
• I hope your Christmas is as wonderful as you are.
• Your friendship and your love is the best Christmas gift that I’ve ever received.
• This is the message of Christmas: We are never alone.

Family Christmas cards are great for sending to the relatives you won’t get a chance to see during the season – so let’s get the message right and be a little Santa-mental.

• The best present one can hope for this year is to spend time together. I can’t wait to celebrate Christmas with you.
• What can be better than opening presents, eating food and singing Christmas music? Doing all those things with family like you.
• Best wishes to you and your family this Christmas. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
• Another year has passed us by and we hope that you and yours have a wonderful Christmas and get everything you wish for.
• Merry Christmas to you and the children. Hope it’s a fun one with minimal stress – who are we kidding?

For when you just don’t have the words, let others fill the card for you. These are some great verses which are sure to be a hit.

Christmas time is oh so near
Children so excited you can hear them cheer
Enthusiasm and excitement fill the air
And people show love in how they care.
Take the time to enjoy the season
And be thankful for the reason.
Catherine Pulisfer

Christmas is forever,
Not for just one day.
For loving, sharing, giving,
Are not to put away.
Like bells and lights and tinsel,
in some box upon a shelf.
The good you do for others,
Is good you do yourself.
Norman W Brooks

Sending a card to the love of your life or a secret crush? We have the perfect messages to sign seal and deliver this Christmas.

• I think you’re fab-yule-lous.
• Meet me under the mistletoe.
• Your love is the best gift I could have asked for. Merry Christmas sweetheart.
• I wouldn’t want to spend Christmas with anyone else.
• Our life together just keeps getting better. I’m so grateful that I can share my Christmas with you.
• I’d eat brussel sprouts for you.
• There’s only one thing better than Christmas and that’s Christmas with you.
• Let’s be naughty and save Santa the trip.
• You’re the partridge to my pear tree.
• I love you from my head to my mistletoe.
• If I only had one mince pie I’d give it to you.