You have chosen your Christmas gifts, but when it comes to writing the cards, you are not sure where to begin. Simply writing “Merry Christmas” feels a little too brief, yet adding more might sound overly formal or sentimental.

The good news is that a Christmas card does not have to be long or filled with beautifully crafted phrases. Mentioning a shared experience, expressing thanks you have not had the chance to say, and adding a wish that feels right for the recipient can make the card more personal. From the opening greeting to your signature, here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

Basic Christmas Card Format: A Few Lines Can Be Enough

Not sure what to write? Start with this simple order:

• Greeting: The recipient’s name or the name you usually call them.

• Opening: A simple Christmas greeting.

• Main message: The thanks, care or sentiment you want to express.

• Closing: Your wishes for the holidays or the year ahead.

• Signature: Your name, with the date if you wish.

How Should You Address and Sign a Christmas Card?

Chinese Greetings: Use the Names and Titles You Normally Use

For family and friends, you can use their name, nickname or a familiar form of address. If you do not normally use Dear, there is no need to add it just because you are writing a card.

For colleagues or clients, use the name or title you normally use when communicating with them, such as their English name or Sir/Madam. There is no need to switch to something much more formal. Keeping your usual tone is perfectly fine.

Signing the card can be just as straightforward. If it is from you, sign your name. If it is from your family or a group of friends, you can all sign together. If you are sending it on behalf of a company, include the company or team name so the recipient knows who it is from.

English Greetings and Sign-offs: Choose According to Your Relationship

You can begin an English card with “Dear [Name]”, then choose a suitable sign-off:

• With love: For family, a partner or close friends.

• Best wishes: Warm without being too formal, making it suitable for general festive greetings.

• Best regards: A more formal option for professional relationships.

Simply write your name on the next line. Writing in English does not mean the card has to sound more formal, and there is no need to choose unfamiliar words.

How Can You Make the Message Sound Natural Rather Than Formal?

First, Decide What You Most Want to Say

One card does not have to capture everything you feel. If you want to thank someone, focus on that. If you want to show you care, a thoughtful greeting and a few good wishes can be enough.

Choosing one main point makes your message clearer and saves you from repeatedly wondering what else to add.

Keep the Wording Simple

“Thank you for being there” already expresses gratitude. You do not have to turn it into “Thank you for your continued care and support”. Likewise, “Wishing you all the best for the year ahead” is a complete thought without a long list of additional wishes.

Written language does not have to sound grand. Clear wording and a natural tone often feel warmer. If you already have the format in mind and simply want more options, take a look at our “Christmas Wishes” article and choose a few lines to include in your card.

There Is No Need to Add a Story or Memory

If there is a shared experience you would like to mention, feel free to include it. If nothing particular comes to mind, there is no need to search for a memory just to fill the space.

A simple thank-you followed by a thoughtful wish can be just as meaningful. Read your message once you have finished, and shorten any sentences that do not sound like you. It will usually flow more naturally.

How Can a Christmas Card Pair with a Gift?

There is no need to repeat the gift’s brand, price or contents in the card. A few words about the thought behind it will do.

If the gift is for a family, you can include the family in your greeting and wishes. If it is from a company or a group of friends, make that clear when signing the card.

When sending a THE GIFT Christmas hamper, you can also build your message around gratitude, sharing or spending time together. The wording does not have to be elaborate—simply let the recipient know you are thinking of them.

FAQ

What Should I Write to Someone I Do Not Know Very Well?

A simple seasonal greeting and a short wish are enough. If you have a professional relationship, you can also add a brief thank-you. There is no need to sound closer than you are or include anything too personal.

What Should I Write on the Envelope?

For a card given in person or included with a gift, you can write the recipient’s name on the envelope. If it is being delivered to an office, add the company or department name where helpful so it is easy to identify the recipient. If you are posting it, include the full delivery address and any other necessary postal details.

How Should a Card from a Company Be Signed?

You can sign with the company or team name. If you would also like the recipient to know who sent it personally, add your own name. The aim is to make the sender clear—there is no need for a long list of titles or an overly formal sign-off.