Christmas Card Messages that Mean Something

Sometimes knowing the right thing to say in a Christmas or holiday card can be a little daunting. Whether you send traditional paper cards or e-cards, here are five ways to make your holiday greeting special.

Christmas Card Messages that Mean Something: The Christmas Letter

Some people groan at the idea of a Christmas letter, but if it's done right it can mean a lot to the people who receive them. Including a letter in your card is great way to keep in touch with those people you may not see very often. It's a nice way to let them know what the last year has held for you and your family.

The trick is to keep it short and simple - Christmas letters should be no more than two pages, single-sided. Unless your friends are gossip hounds who enjoy reading "War and Peace", you are not going to find that many people who care about every little detail of your life. Limit your news to one paragraph per family member or child. For example, my stepmother includes a Christmas letter in her cards every year. There is one paragraph for each family group: my brother and his family, my sister and her family, myself, and finally my dad and step-mom. Highlights of her letter include major life events such as weddings, graduations, births, deaths, retirements, etc.

Now, let me add a word about sad news such as the death of a family member. Chances are, the people in your life already know about this event. But for those friends who may not have heard the news, keep it brief and more of a celebration of that person's life. When my grandmother passed away in 2004, my stepmother very simply said, "Mamang has gone home to be with our Lord. She was loved and we will miss her dearly."

I probably would have added something like, "We're sure she's entertaining the saints in heaven like the social butterfly she was," but that's my sense of humor talking. Light-hearted humor is a great way to celebrate someone's life and bring up fond memories of who they were. It also detracts from the sadness of the occasion and lets people know you are doing ok.

You can add a festive touch to your Christmas letter by printing it on holiday paper or using colored ink. Always personally sign each copy of the letter you print out.

Lastly, if you are including your letter in a regular Christmas card, be sure to include a personalized message to the recipient in the card. "Hope you're doing well" or "Wishing you and your family a safe and happy holiday season" are two good ways to sign a card. Under no circumstances should you repeat anything that you include in your letter, as this is repetitive and boring.

Christmas Card Messages that Mean Something: Say Thank You

If the recipient of your card helped you in a significant way, use this time to thank them if you haven't already done so. For example, last year I thanked my boyfriends' parents for their hospitality during the Thanksgiving holiday. We had already thanked them verbally, but I wanted to formalize it in the card we sent shortly thereafter. I also added a personal note that I was happy to meet them and what a great time I had while I was there.

Saying Thank You in your Christmas cards also works well for co-workers, business associates, or clients. It's a great way to thank people without sounding like you want something from them. And if you can't afford gifts, sending cards is an excellent alternative and can make a lasting impression if done right.

At my former employer, the leadership team exchanged cards every year. Offices and cubicles were decorated with the various cards we received throughout the month. To save costs, I always purchased several packages of non-denominational holiday themed cards. However, I would personalize it with a thank you of some sort for each co-worker or associate I managed.

I would thank my bosses' for their leadership and guidance, and my associates for their hard work. If I worked on a specific project with a co-worker, I mentioned how invaluable their teamwork was and how much I learned from them. And if they were new to the company, I welcomed them aboard and told them I was looking forward to working with them.

Try this approach if you want your co-workers and associates to feel appreciated and valued in their workplace. If you really can't think of anything to say, but would still like to say thanks in your Christmas Card, you can always say something like "Thank you for all you do to make this place a great place to work."

Christmas Card Messages that Mean Something: What You Mean to Me

One of the best ways to personalize a Christmas card is to tell the recipient what they mean to you and why they are important in your life.

This is especially important and effective for close family members and friends. Sometime the hardest thing to do is tell someone exactly how much you care. But it can leave an indelible mark on that person's heart for years to come.

A good way to tell someone what they mean to you is to mention the personality traits about them that you love so much. Mention their strengths and the things they do that you admire. Talk about a specific event that may have happened this year to make you especially proud of them. Being as specific as possible also helps you to avoid repeating the same message year after year.

If you're just not the creative type but want to convey this message to a loved one, I suggest creating a simple list for them to read. Write something like "What you mean to me" or "Why I love you" at the top. Then list everything that comes to mind. You'll find the ideas will flow more easily than you think.

And if you must rely on Hallmark to convey this message for you, at least personalize it with a simple statement to let the recipient know you searched for the perfect card. For example, "The only thing left to add is that my life is better with you in it" or "This card pretty much says it all." It's Christmas, it's ok to be cheesy.

Christmas Card Messages that Mean Something: Mention a Special Event

Another way to personalize a Christmas card is to mention a special event that may have happened in the recipient's life. Here are some examples:

"I'm so happy to have finally met (Insert significant other's name here) and am looking forward to your wedding next year."

"Your mom tells me you will graduate with honors this spring. Needless to say, she is very proud of you, as are we! Keep up the great work and take a well deserved break this Christmas."

"Wishing you a Happy Birthday and a Merry, Merry Christmas!"

Mentioning a specific event is especially important if a birthday, anniversary, graduation, etc. falls around the same time as the holiday. If someone was lucky to be born on Christmas, make sure to wish him or her a happy birthday as well. Or if their wedding falls during the holiday season, congratulate the newlyweds in their card and wish them many happy Christmases together.

Christmas Card Messages that Mean Something: The Religious Sentiment

Christmas vs. Holiday debate aside, Christmas is still a religious holiday for many people. For people like my grandmother, who goes to mass every single day, it is especially important that the religious aspect of the holiday be observed.

Religious sentiments are easy to convey in Christmas cards. Some examples include:

"May God Bless you and your family this Christmas."

"Keeping you and your family in my prayers this Christmas."

"I thank God every day for the best grandma a girl could ask for. Merry Christmas!"

Christmas Card Messages that Mean Something: Make Sure You Mean It

I hope the above ideas will help you personalize your Christmas greetings this holiday season. One final thought: if you don't mean it, don't say it. Personalizing a Christmas card should come naturally and easily if it comes from the heart. If you absolutely can't think of anything heartfelt to say, write down a simple "Happy Holidays" or "Merry Christmas".

After all, you wouldn't have sent them a card in the first place if you didn't care. Have a safe and happy holiday season, every one!

Sources:

Flavio Takemoto, Xmas Card 1, http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1223524