Sending Your Very Best During the Holiday Season
The sky has turned a cool shade of blue-grey, the sun has fallen behind a knotted evergreen, and the ground has been blanketed with a shimmering shade of white. Everywhere you look, shoppers hurry and rush to pick out the perfect gift for loved ones on their nice list. It is a time when everyone, everywhere, discovers the true meaning of humanity—and cheer.
This is the season when we often stop to reflect on all that we are grateful for. We turn away from the glow of the television and focus more on the warmth of the fireplace. We take note of how the flames dance in the eyes of our little ones as they anxiously await the arrival of Santa and his merry elves. We long to be better people, opening our hearts to tell those in our lives just how much we truly appreciate them.
Because of the emotion and sentiment that fills this special time of year, many people sit at their kitchen tables, pen in hand, wondering what to write in a Christmas card. Are you saying too much? Not enough? Does it matter if you say the same thing to your female co-workers as you do to their male counterparts? If you’re stuck on what to write or if you’ve simply procrastinated this year, read on for some expert advice from our team of greeting card writers to help you start the season off with a memorable message.
Consider Your Recipient
When writing a Christmas card, the first thing to consider is who will be receiving it. While this may seem obvious, many people use a generic “verse” for everyone on their list. It’s important that if you’re using a generic message, it be appropriate for all recipients. For instance, what might sound cute and friendly to female co-workers could come across as flirty and inappropriate to a male co-worker—especially if he’s married or committed. In such cases, consider revising your one-size-fits-all line. When addressing the opposite sex, always include the names of their wives and children to avoid making the recipient feel uncomfortable.
Go Sentimental
Now is the time to show your true gratitude and humility for all the blessings you’ve been given. If you’re not normally sentimental, don’t worry—doing so now will not come off as hokey but instead be a pleasant surprise to those closest to you. The key is coming from the heart.
Add Religious Verse
If you’re Christian or your recipient is, consider adding a Christmas verse from the Bible. Some of our staff’s favorite verses include:
“Every good and perfect gift is from above.”
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Have Fun
When figuring out what to write in a Christmas card, you can have a little extra fun with the kids in your life. Letters from Santa are always a hit. Decorate them with North Pole glitter, include a ribbon from Rudolph’s reins, and help the reindeer create hoof print signatures. You can even ask your local post office about sending the letter to be postmarked in Christmas, a city in the U.S.
Final Thoughts
What to write in a Christmas card boils down to this: whatever is in your heart. There is no right or wrong verse or line. You simply need to look within yourself and discover the true meaning of Christmas—the simple yet spectacular feeling of knowing that all these wonderful people in your life were sent to you with purpose: to bless you, to love you, and to gift you every day with the present of their presence.
