A stack of Christmas cards can take all evening, especially when you want each one to feel personal. Short messages make it easier: one warm line, a signature and a little holiday cheer.
These short Christmas card messages were written by our editors for family, friends, coworkers and clients, with religious and funny options too.
Our editor’s top picks
- Merry Christmas! Wishing you peace, joy and a cozy holiday season.
- May your home be filled with love and laughter this Christmas.
- Warmest wishes for a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
- Sending love and holiday cheer your way.
- May the magic of Christmas stay with you all year.
Short Christmas messages for family
For parents, siblings and relatives.
- Merry Christmas to the best family anyone could ask for.
- Home is where the Christmas cookies are. Love you all!
- Thankful for every Christmas memory we’ve made together.
- Merry Christmas, Mom and Dad. You make the season magical.
- Can’t wait to celebrate together. Merry Christmas!
- Missing you this Christmas and sending all my love.
- Merry Christmas to our favorite people.
- May our family’s love shine brighter than the tree.

Short Christmas messages for friends
For the friends who feel like family.
- Merry Christmas, friend! Thanks for another great year.
- Wishing you cocoa, cookies and cozy nights.
- Merry Christmas to my favorite partner in holiday chaos.
- Hope Santa brings you everything on your list.
- Cheers to friendship and festive fun!
- May your Christmas sparkle as much as you do.
- Merry Christmas! Let’s catch up in the new year.
- Grateful for friends like you this Christmas.
Religious Christmas card messages
Faith-filled wishes and KJV verses.
- May the love of Christ fill your heart this Christmas.
- Celebrating the birth of our Savior with joy.
- Wishing you a blessed and holy Christmas.
- May the peace of the Prince of Peace be with you.
- Rejoice! Christ is born.
- “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” — Luke 2:11 (KJV)
- “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” — Luke 2:14 (KJV)
- “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.” — Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)

Christmas card messages for coworkers and clients
Professional and warm.
- Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a successful new year.
- Thank you for a wonderful year of working together. Happy holidays!
- Season’s greetings and best wishes for the new year.
- We’re grateful for your business. Merry Christmas!
- Happy holidays from all of us at [company].
- Wishing you rest, joy and time with loved ones.
- Merry Christmas to a fantastic teammate.
- Warm wishes for a peaceful holiday season.
Funny Christmas card messages
For people who love a laugh.
- Merry Christmas! I put you on the nice list. You’re welcome.
- May your cookies be many and your calories be few.
- Wishing you a Christmas with more presents than wrapping mishaps.
- Hope your holiday is as bright as the neighbor’s lights.
- Merry Christmas! Let’s eat cookies before Santa does.
- Ho ho hope you have a great Christmas!
- Sleigh the holidays!
- Merry Christmas from the family that still hasn’t untangled the lights.

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How we put this list together: Messages are original lines by our editors. Bible verses use exact King James Version wording. Written and reviewed by John Moler, editor at Graceful Names. See our editorial policy.
