Christmas messages & wishes

The bells are jingling, the house is covered in glitter and The Pogues are on every radio station. It must be Christmas. And, just to top things off, cards are flooding in. 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 (sorry) you not to.

The questions is…what to the put in them? A classic ‘merry Christmas’? Some sort of Christmas rhyme? How do you make sure your message makes them feel merry? Well, we’re here to help with our bumper guide that features everything from funny Christmas quips to short Christmas messages to Christmas wishes for teachers.

Tips on writing a Christmas card

Before we plunge into the festive fun, let’s have a quick look at some top tips for writing a great Christmas message.

• Write from the heart. Don’t worry about being Shakespeare, just say what you feel in the simplest way.

• It’s the time of year for fun and puns. With all the glitter and tinsel about we think tolerance for a bit of cheesy humour increases, so don’t be afraid of a bit of wordplay (there’s lot below for inspiration).

• The same goes for sentimentality. Christmas is a time to pull your loved ones close, so it’s okay to be a little mushy in your message.

• Don’t write 100 Christmas cards in one go! You’ll be exhausted from all the merriment and your messages might start to sound a little repetitive!

Classic & traditional Christmas messages

Sometimes you can’t beat familiar phrases, we love including the best lines from classic carols in cards.

• It's the most wonderful time of the year!

• ‘Tis the season to be jolly!

• Have yourself a Merry little Christmas, let your heart be light.

• Hope the festivities are filled with fun, food and rest.

• Sharing glad tidings with you and yours.

• Tidings of comfort and joy to everyone.

• Sending love and merriment to your lovely clan. Happy Christmas!

• Wishing you and your family health, happiness, peace and prosperity this Christmas and in the coming New Year.

Short Christmas wishes

If there to do list is likely half a mile long, then they might appreciate a short message!

• Let’s get very merry!

• Have the best Christmas ever.

• Let’s rock around the Christmas tree!

• Can’t wait to deck the halls with you.

• Merry Christmas and a happy new year.

• Let’s drink and be merry.

• Time for presents!

• Santa’s nearly here, hooray!

Funny Christmas messages

Is it even Christmas without cheesy jokes? These aren’t quite cracker level, but they should still make them smile (or groan!)

• Yule always be my favourite.

• 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...

• I hope you like the present you told me to buy for you.

• Time for daily chocolate, it really is the most wonderful time of the year!

• Help, I’m scared of elf on the shelf.

• May you always find the end of the tape first time.

Cute Christmas messages

You can get away with being extra cute at Christmas, everything is so twinkly after all.

• You’re my Christmas angel!

• You’re always on my nice list you wonderful human.

• Who needs presents when I’ve got you!?

• You bring me so many tidings of comfort and joy, merry Christmas, I love you!

• You make me feel merrier than any mulled wine, can’t wait to have some festive fun with you!

• Cosy Christmas with you is my absolute favourite.

• I’ll even let you warm your feet on me this winter. Love you.

Christmas messages for friends

Now’s your chance to check on your pals, remind them you love them, and maybe share an in-joke or two.

• Merry Crimbo. Looking forward to catching up in the New Year, once the chaos is over!

• I'm so grateful for a friend like you, and not just because of the amazing Christmas prezzies.

• 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.

• You’re the family I choose. Merry Christmas to my best one.

Christmas messages for family

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 (sorry again).

• Merry Christmas to the best family, hope it’s merry and bright. See you soon.

• Can’t wait to visit Boxing Day, save us some turkey! Lots of love.

• What can be better than opening presents, eating food and singing Christmas music? Doing all those things with the best family.

• Sorry we can’t be there, but we’ll be there loaded with presents soon! Merry Christmas.

• Sorry in advance for getting too invested in charades. Happy holidays and see you very soon.

Christmas messages for a colleague

Maybe work is winding down for the holiday, or maybe it’s full blown chaos. Either way it’s a good excuse to celebrate the work crew that get you through.

• Can’t wait to annoy you with Christmas songs in the office all day long! Don’t you love the festive season?

• Happy Christmas to the best work buddy going

• Time to embarrass ourselves at the Christmas party!

• Thanks for all your hard work this year, have a brilliant and relaxing festive season, my love to your family

• Tidings of comfort and joy to my favourite teammate, have a great one.

Christmas messages for a teacher

They’ve shepherded you or your kids through the chilly months, now they’re having a well-earned rest. Now’s the time to say thanks and wish them well.

• To the best teacher ever, hope the break is extra relaxing.

• Hope Santa brings you lots of wine and chocolate, have a relaxing festive season.

• Thanks for keeping an eye on my little elf, have a very merry Christmas.

• Forget Santa, you’re the one who brings all the Christmas joy to the little ones! Thanks so much for all you do.

Christmas messages for your partner

Whether they’re the Christmas chief, or your cheerleader keeping you going through the festive season, show them you love them (and appreciate their polite nods at family gatherings).

• 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!

• 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.

• You're the partridge to my pear tree.

• I love you from my head to my mistletoes.

• If I only had one mince pie I'd give it to you.