What to Write in a Christmas Card for Family and Friends

Whether you’re writing to your closest friend or that cousin you only see at messy Christmas lunches, your message can make all the difference. And with GroupTogether’s beautiful greeting cards, it’s easier than ever to send something thoughtful – complete with photos, GIFs and quotes. So, let’s find out what to write on all your end-of-year greeting cards.  

Writing Christmas cards is one of those traditions that manages to toe the line between nostalgic and wildly stressful. You want to sound warm but not cloying and thoughtful but not like you spent hours refining every word.

The good news? You don’t need to work yourself into a panic. All you need to do is nail your tone and structure, and you’re already halfway there – and for the other half? Well, if you want a card that’s both beautiful and easy to send, GroupTogether’s digital greeting cards ensure you’ve got the perfect package for your message with our massive range of fun, original designs to choose from and complete automation of the gifting process. Plus, you can attach an eGift Card so they get exactly what they want and you get the rep for best gift giver.

Let’s break it down.

Tone: Finding Your Voice

The tone you choose shapes the whole message – think of it as the voice your friend or family member hears in their head when they read your card. So, you might want to switch things up depending on whether you’re writing to the in-laws or your unhinged best friend. 

Tones to Consider

• Warm: A friendly and warm tone is ideal for people in your inner circle – we’re talking close friends, cousins, immediate family or anyone you see (and actually want to see!) on the regular. Think heartfelt and personal.
• Humorous: A funny tone is perfect for writing messages for friends who appreciate inside jokes, banter or a good laugh. This is a good way to stay at the forefront of your mate's mind – but choose your victims wisely!
• Formal: Ideal for distant relatives, older family members, in-laws or anyone you respect but don't see outside major gatherings.
• A Mix: Because, yes, you can absolutely keep things above board while throwing in a joke about the family WhatsApp group.

Tip for nailing tone: Imagine you’re speaking to them directly – yep, it’s okay to talk out loud here, we’re not judging. (Just don’t answer yourself!) You’ll also want to be sure to match the tone to your actual relationship, not what you wish it was.   

Purpose: What Are You Trying to Say?

Before writing, decide why you’re writing an end-of-year message for your family or friends – the purpose guides the tone.  

Common Purposes:

• Conveying warmth and appreciation
• Strengthening the bond with people you love
• Recognizing what they brought to your year
• Letting distant relatives know you still think of them
• Thanking friends for being in your corner

Structure: How to Lay Out Your Message

Christmas cards don’t need to be a literary masterpiece – we promise Shakespeare isn’t judging you from beyond the grave. A simple, clean structure works for any personality or relationship. With GroupTogether greeting cards, you can customize this structure easily, whether you roll your sleeves up and get writing or enlist the support of our AI Magic Message Writer. Let’s take a look at some of the classic structures you’ll see in a Christmas message for friends and family. 

Common Formats

Formal Structure:

Typically start with a formal greeting like Dear or To, and end with a professional sign-off like Warm Regards, Kind Regards or Sincerely. 

Dear [Name],

Message body

Warm regards,

Your name

Casual Structure:

Your opening greeting can be more casual – think Hi, Hey, or any colloquial terms you share with the recipient. You’ll want to sign off with a warm but casual greeting like Love, Kisses or Hugs – you can’t go wrong here for close friends and family! 

Hi [Name]! / Hey [Name]!

Message body

Love,

Your name

How to Write Christmas Messages for Different Relationships

Pinpointing your reason for writing an end-of-year or Christmas message to your friends and family all hinges on the individual relationships:

Close friend: more personal, shared memories, jokes – there’s a lot of freedom here to play around with tone and fun add ons like GIFs, photos and memes (yep, you can do that on a GroupTogether greeting card!).

Try these lines: 

• Thanks for being the kind of friend who knows too much about me but loves me anyway.
• We’ve shared a lot of fun adventures and perhaps some questionable decisions, but every day I am thankful that you always have my back.
• You’re my favorite partner in crime and I don’t know what I’d do without you.
• Life would be torture without you – thanks for making the journey worth it.
• Here’s hoping your mom’s chocolate liqueurs will be as strong as your obsession with Smallville. 

Example message:

“Dear Anna,

Happy Holidays! I can’t believe this year has gone by faster than The Flash – as always, you’ve made me laugh, smile and cry (happy tears, I swear!). Thank you for making this journey through life that little bit easier.

Here’s hoping the year ahead won’t have quite as many electrical blackouts (I’ll never forget you digging out the old family candelabra – Michael Douglas would be proud!) and let’s pray that cockroach colony has vacated your bathroom once and for all.   

But most of all, I hope next year involves you, me and the Kombi van rolling down the south coast. 

Love you always, 

Sam”

Distant relative: warm, respectful, simple – there’s no need to go overboard here, just keep it light and respectful. 

Try these lines: 

• Wishing you a restful holiday season – you deserve it.
• Thank you for being a constant in my life – even when I haven’t seen you in a while, we always pick right back up where we left off.
• The warmth and cosiness of the festive season always makes me think of you – know that I keep you in my thoughts even when I can’t see you.
• Sending all my best and hoping the year ahead brings you happiness and joy.
• Wishing you a merry Christmas filled with rest, loved ones and, of course, cake. 

Example message:

“Dear Alicia, 

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas! I hope you’ll have a restful break and enjoy some family time. I know you’ve been working hard this year.

I look forward to toasting the season with you – here’s hoping Aunt Marie brings her classic Christmas cake to the end-of-year party. Though we may only meet a couple times a year, I love picking up where we left off – with good conversation, good food and good memories to be made. 

Warmest Regards,

Nick”

Grandparent: appreciative, tender, warm.

Try these lines:

• Thank you for being one of the softest, safest places in my world.
• Your love has shaped my life in quiet, steady ways I’m so grateful for.
• I’m lucky to have a grandparent whose presence feels like comfort and home.

Example message:

“Dear Grandpa Joe,

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Thank you for making every weekend fun and full of adventures – I can never thank you enough for the wonderful memories you’ve given me. I am so grateful for your amazing jokes and inspiring stories. I wouldn’t be who I am today without you. 

Cheers to another year of joy, beach trips and grandma’s classic cheesecake!

Sending lots of love, 

From Annie”

Sibling: humor is encouraged and teasing is absolutely allowed.

Try these lines: 

• Congrats on another year of being the slightly less talented sibling.
• If you ever need proof miracles exist, you survived growing up with me.
• Love you even though you stole my stuff and my sanity.
• Thanks for always giving me something to laugh about!
• Every day I’m thankful to share the journey of life with you.

Example message:

“Hey Jen, 

It’s been a crazy year – mostly because of you – but I’ll admit we’ve had fun. Thanks for always making me laugh, even when I want to cry. And I’m sorry for making you cry when you laugh at me! 

I can’t wait to ring in the New Year with you, set out resolutions and proceed to break every one of them. It’s tradition. 

Love,
Phoebe”

Parent: heartfelt, grateful, personal.

Try these lines: 

• Thank you for always supporting me and believing in me, even when my back’s against the wall.
• Your love and support have shaped who I am and who I want to become.
• I don’t say it enough, but I appreciate everything you do for me, always.
• Thank you for your patience, even when I’ve lost the plot.
• I’m so lucky to have a parent like you who is so constant in my life – I don’t know where I’d be without your guidance and support. 

Example message:

“Dear Mom,

Thank you for helping me get through every day and pushing me to keep going when I feel like giving up. Your unique sense of humor and creative approach to life never fails to inspire me. 
I hope you’ll take a well-rested break and let me look after you this Christmas! You deserve to sit back and relax – and maybe raid the chocolate stash too. 

My resolution for next year is to even be half the person you are – that would already be more than anyone could imagine. 

Lots of love, 

Jack”

Take a look at how easy it is to write a message on our beautiful greeting cards.

Add-Ons: The Fun Extras That Make Your Card Shine

This is where you can elevate a simple message into something memorable, and GroupTogether makes adding these effortless.

Photos

• A favorite memory from the year
• A baby or pet photo
• A holiday moment
• A silly throwback
• Perfect for: close friends, parents and grandparents.

GIFs

Digital greeting cards are the best way to give your message a bit of pizazz – that’s why we have a range of fun GIFs on GroupTogether so you can give your family and friends a laugh and a smile. When it comes to writing Christmas cards for family and friends, you’ll want:

• Something festive (sparkles, reindeer, dancing Santa)
• Something funny (try inside-jokes sitcoms and movies)
• Something cute (think cats and cartoons)

GIFs are perfect for younger relatives, friends and meme lovers.

Christmas Quotes

These are a great way to set the mood when you’re writing your Christmas cards – whether you go thoughtful, inspiring or funny, who doesn’t love a good quote? Sometimes when you’re all out of words, it helps to let someone else drive the message home.

Examples:

Heartfelt Quotes

“At Christmas, all roads lead home.” – Marjorie Holmes

“To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.”

“It’s not what’s under the tree that matters, it’s who’s gathered around it.”

Classic Quotes

“Christmas waves a magic wand over the world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.” – Norman Vincent Peale

“I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” – Charles Dickens

“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” – Elf (Yes, Elf is a classic, and we’ll die on that hill!)

Funny Quotes

“Dear Santa, define ‘good.’”

“Christmas: the only time of year you can sit in front of a dead tree eating candy out of socks.”

“This Christmas, may your family be functional and your drinks be strong.”

Note: Choose your audience wisely here, we can’t be held responsible if your “funny” Christmas card ends in your exile from the family group chat. 

Examples: Message Templates for Your Loved Ones

Below are ready-to-use messages – feel free to tweak names or tone to suit your style. These can easily be altered to drop into your GroupTogether greeting card and paired with an eGift Card for the perfect gift.

Example one: A Message to a Friend (warm and funny)

Dear Mia,

Here’s to another year of laughter, questionable decisions and you always knowing exactly when to send me a meme I didn’t know I needed. Thank you for cheering me up – you always know when I’m down. Wishing you a Christmas full of brownies and all the afternoon naps you desire! 

Love, [Your Name]

Example two: Yoda-Style Message for a Friend

Dear Jamie,

Merry Christmas, my friend.

Grateful for you this year, I am.

Laugh we did, survive we did, snack we did – essential, that was.

Relax you must now, for holidays it is.

Peace, joy, and Christmas leftovers the season bring you.

With love, [Your Name]

Example three: Message to a Parent (warm and appreciative)

Dear Mom,

Merry Christmas and thank you for everything you do that I so often forget to say thank you for. I’m so grateful for you and all the lessons you’ve taught me. Wishing you a lovely break – really, you deserve it.

Love you, [Name]

Example four: General “Anyone” Message (warm and completely inoffensive!)

Dear [Name],

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a wonderful year ahead. Thank you for being part of my life and helping me enjoy the little moments. I hope the holidays bring you much-deserved rest and a lot of celebrating too! 

Warm wishes, [Your Name]

Why eGift Cards Are the Perfect End-of-Year Gift for Friends and Family

With GroupTogether, you can easily send a greeting card and an eGift Card together as a package – because when it comes to end-of-year gifting, nothing beats the flexibility of an eGift Card, especially when you can’t remember which cousin was obsessed with The Office. With GroupTogether’s AnyCard, you give the gift of choice: one gift card that lets your friends and family pick from hundreds of top retailers. 

FAQ: You Ask, We Answer

Q: What is the best online greeting card site?

A: The best group eCard site is the one that makes it easiest to collect messages without losing sleep or sanity. GroupTogether is a popular choice because everyone can sign online, the designs look professional and you can add an eGift Card or send the card on its own. It’s simple, quick and perfect for occasions like birthdays, farewells or team celebrations when you need an online group card that actually feels personal.

Q: What is the best group eCard site?

A: If you’re looking for the best group eCard site, GroupTogether is your go-to. You can invite people to sign in seconds, track who’s added their message and choose from a wide range of modern designs. It’s ideal for workplaces or families who want a group eCard that looks polished and arrives on time.

Q: Can I include an eGift Card with my GroupTogether greeting card?

A: Yes! GroupTogether makes it super easy to add an eGift Card straight into your greeting card. Your friend or family member will receive the AnyCard, which lets them choose exactly what they want from hundreds of great brands.

Q: What messages can I write in a thank you teacher card? 

A: Yep, we’ve covered what to write for teachers too. Take a look at our Great Messages to Write in a Thank You Teacher Card blog for the easiest tips and tricks. 

Q: Do you offer eGift Cards for friends and family for Christmas?

A: 100%. GroupTogether specializes in gift cards for Christmas, whether you’re thanking one person or the whole family. You can send individual cards or create a beautiful shared card signed by everyone.

Q: Do GroupTogether eGift Cards have big brand retailers? 

A: Yes, we’ve got all your faves. If you’re wondering where to buy Apple gift cards, where to buy Amazon gift cards or where to buy, well, any of the major retailers, look no further! 

We’ve got the lot, from Aussie classics to international giants: 

• Amazon
• Target
• Grubhub
• Walmart
• Airbnb
• Lowe's
• Delta Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• Instacart
• T.J.Maxx
• Apple
• Sephora
• Uber
• Ulta Beauty

Q: Does GroupTogether offer bulk eGift Cards?

A: We do. Our platform is designed to make it easy for people needing to send out a LOT of online gift cards, with options to schedule deliveries, personalize cards and simplify bulk gift card orders.

Q: Can I still order bulk eGift Cards at Christmas?

A: Yes, we provide bulk eGift Cards at Christmas, perfect for those of you looking to streamline end-of-year gifting. Simply upload your list, choose your amounts and we’ll take care of the rest.

Q: What types of gift cards do you offer?

A: We offer multiple gift cards across a huge range of retailers, including our classic AnyCard. This is essentially the ultimate gift card, allowing your friends and family to pick their own retailers, experiences, dining, entertainment and more – no more disappointed faces. 

Meet the experts

Melissa Evans

Content Writer

Ali + Julie

Co-Founders, GroupTogether.

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