The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and connection with loved ones. As the year comes to a close, many of us look forward to sending and receiving Christmas letters.
What is a Christmas Letter?
A Christmas letter is a heartfelt message sent during the holiday season to update friends and family on what has been happening in one’s life throughout the year. It is a way to share personal news, milestones, and accomplishments with loved ones near and far. Christmas letters are often included in holiday cards or sent as standalone letters, serving as a way to maintain connections and spread holiday cheer.
Writing a Christmas letter allows individuals to reflect on the past year, express gratitude for the people in their lives, and share exciting updates with those they may not see regularly. These letters can range from brief updates to detailed accounts of major life events, providing recipients with a glimpse into the writer’s world and fostering a sense of closeness and connection despite physical distance.
Reasons to Write a Christmas Letter Every Year
- Stay Connected: In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to lose touch with loved ones. Christmas letters provide an opportunity to stay connected and maintain relationships, especially with family members and friends who live far away.
- Share Updates: Christmas letters allow individuals to share important updates and milestones with their loved ones. From new jobs and promotions to births and weddings, these letters provide a platform to celebrate life’s moments together.
- Spread Cheer: The holiday season is a time of joy and giving. Christmas letters spread cheer and goodwill, brightening the recipient’s day and fostering a sense of togetherness and community.
- Express Gratitude: Writing a Christmas letter is an opportunity to express gratitude for the people in one’s life. Whether thanking friends for their support or acknowledging family members for their love, these letters allow individuals to show appreciation for those who matter most.
- Create Memories: Christmas letters serve as a keepsake that can be cherished for years to come. By documenting important events and milestones, these letters create lasting memories that can be revisited and shared with future generations.
- Personal Touch: In a digital age where communication is often quick and impersonal, a handwritten Christmas letter adds a personal touch that is both heartfelt and meaningful. It shows that the sender took the time to craft a thoughtful message, making the recipient feel special and valued.
Who Needs Christmas Letters?
1. Family Members
Family members, especially those who live far away or have limited contact throughout the year, can benefit greatly from receiving Christmas letters. These letters provide an opportunity to stay connected, share updates, and express love and well-wishes during the holiday season. Family members who may not see each other regularly can maintain relationships and strengthen bonds through the tradition of writing and exchanging Christmas letters, creating a sense of closeness and togetherness despite physical distance.
2. Friends
Friends play an important role in our lives, providing support, laughter, and companionship throughout the year. Christmas letters offer a chance to stay connected with friends, share updates, and express gratitude for their friendship. Whether near or far, friends can appreciate the sentiment behind a heartfelt Christmas letter, feeling valued and remembered during the holiday season. By sending a personal message of well-wishes and love, individuals can strengthen their friendships and show appreciation for the important role that friends play in their lives.
3. Colleagues and Acquaintances
While Christmas letters are often associated with family and close friends, they can also be a meaningful way to stay connected with colleagues and acquaintances. Sending a Christmas letter to colleagues or acquaintances allows individuals to express gratitude for their support and collaboration throughout the year. It provides a professional yet personal way to show appreciation and well-wishes during the holiday season, fostering positive relationships and goodwill in the workplace or social circles. By extending the tradition of Christmas letters to colleagues and acquaintances, individuals can strengthen connections and build a sense of camaraderie and appreciation in various aspects of their lives.
4. Distant Relatives
Distant relatives, such as cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents, can greatly benefit from receiving Christmas letters. These letters serve as a way to stay connected and share updates with relatives who may not see each other regularly. By sending a Christmas letter to distant relatives, individuals can bridge the gap of physical distance and maintain relationships with family members who may live in different cities or countries. These letters provide a glimpse into the sender’s life, sharing personal news, milestones, and well-wishes with relatives who may not be part of everyday interactions. By including distant relatives in the tradition of Christmas letters, individuals can show that they value and cherish family connections, no matter the distance.
5. Neighbors and Community Members
In addition to family and friends, neighbors and community members can also benefit from receiving Christmas letters. Sharing a holiday greeting or update with neighbors allows individuals to foster a sense of community and goodwill within their neighborhood. Whether through a simple note of well wishes or a more detailed letter sharing personal news, individuals can strengthen relationships with neighbors and create a sense of togetherness during the festive season. By extending the tradition of Christmas letters to neighbors and community members, individuals can spread joy and cheer beyond their immediate circle of family and friends, building a stronger sense of community and connection in their neighborhood.
6. People Going Through Difficult Times
For individuals who may be going through difficult times, such as illness, loss, or personal challenges, receiving a Christmas letter can provide comfort and support during a challenging period. A heartfelt message of well-wishes, love, and support can uplift the spirits of someone facing adversity, reminding them that they are not alone and that they are cared for during the holiday season. By sending a Christmas letter to someone going through difficult times, individuals can offer a gesture of kindness and compassion, showing that they are thinking of them and sending positive thoughts and wishes for brighter days ahead.
7. Those Who Value Tradition and Connection
For those who value tradition, connection, and meaningful communication, Christmas letters hold a special significance. These individuals appreciate the opportunity to reflect on the past year, share personal updates, and express gratitude for the people in their lives. Christmas letters allow them to uphold a cherished tradition of communication and connection during the holiday season, fostering a sense of closeness and togetherness with loved ones. By writing and exchanging Christmas letters, these individuals can celebrate the spirit of the season, share meaningful moments, and strengthen their relationships with family and friends who also value the tradition of staying connected and spreading holiday cheer.
How to Write a Christmas Letter
Crafting the perfect Christmas letter involves a balance of personal updates, heartfelt sentiments, and holiday cheer. Here are some tips to help you write a memorable and meaningful Christmas letter.
1. Start with a Warm Greeting
Begin your Christmas letter with a warm and festive greeting to set the tone for your message. Consider using holiday-themed stationery or adding a personalized touch to make your letter stand out. A heartfelt greeting can set the stage for a warm and engaging message that resonates with the recipient.
2. Share Personal Updates
Include personal updates about your life in your Christmas letter, such as major events, milestones, and accomplishments from the past year. Share news about new jobs, travels, family updates, or other significant events that you want to highlight for your loved ones. Personal updates give your recipients a glimpse into your world and allow them to celebrate with you from afar.
3. Express Gratitude and Well Wishes
Take the time to express gratitude for the people in your life and send well wishes for the holiday season. Whether you are thanking friends for their support, acknowledging family members for their love, or sending warm wishes for the new year, expressing gratitude and spreading cheer are essential elements of a Christmas letter. Your words of appreciation and well wishes can brighten the recipient’s day and foster a sense of connection and joy.
4. Add Personal Touches
Consider adding personal touches to your Christmas letter to make it feel special and unique. Include handwritten notes, personalized messages, or photos that showcase meaningful moments from the past year. Adding personal touches to your letter can make it more engaging and memorable for the recipient, creating a lasting impression that reflects your thoughtfulness and care.
5. Keep It Positive and Upbeat
While it’s important to be honest and authentic in your Christmas letter, try to keep the tone positive and upbeat. Focus on sharing good news, happy moments, and uplifting messages that bring joy to your recipients. By maintaining a cheerful tone in your letter, you can spread holiday cheer and create a sense of warmth and optimism during the festive season.
6. Share Meaningful Stories or Memories
Consider sharing meaningful stories or memories in your Christmas letter to create a personal and heartfelt connection with the recipient. Whether you recount a special moment shared with your loved ones, reflect on a memorable event from the past year, or share a heartfelt sentiment, sharing meaningful stories or memories can evoke emotions and strengthen the bond with your recipients. By sharing personal stories or memories, you can create a sense of intimacy and connection that resonates with your loved ones.
7. Include Well Wishes for the New Year
In addition to spreading holiday cheer, be sure to include well-wishes for the new year in your Christmas letter. Sending positive thoughts and hopes for the upcoming year can inspire optimism and excitement for the future. Whether you wish your recipients health, happiness, success, or love in the new year, including well wishes for the upcoming year can set a positive tone and leave a lasting impression on your loved ones.
8. End with a Warm Closing
Conclude your Christmas letter with a warm and heartfelt closing that leaves a lasting impression on the recipient. Consider using a thoughtful quote, a personal sentiment, or a warm farewell to wrap up your message. Ending your letter with a warm closing conveys your love and well-wishes, leaving the recipient with a sense of connection and joy as they read your heartfelt message.
Christmas Letter Example
Dear Family and Friends,
Merry Christmas and warmest wishes from our home to yours!
As the year comes to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on all the moments—big and small—that made 2025 special. It’s been a year of change, adventure, and many blessings. We’re so grateful for the memories we’ve made and the lessons we’ve learned.
This year, Sarah started a new job as a marketing coordinator at a local nonprofit and absolutely loves being part of a team that gives back to the community. Ben has been busy renovating our kitchen on the weekends—it’s still a work in progress, but we’re finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel!
Liam just turned 8 and is in third grade. He’s taken a big interest in science and dreams of becoming an astronaut one day. He also joined a local soccer team and scored his first goal last month! Ella, now 5, started kindergarten and is already teaching us new songs and dances she learns in school. Her enthusiasm is truly contagious.
We took a family road trip to Colorado in the summer, where we spent a week hiking, fishing, and making s’mores under the stars. It was a much-needed break from the routine and a reminder of how refreshing nature can be.
This season, we’re especially thankful for the love and support of friends and family like you. Whether we’re near or far, you’re always in our hearts.
May your Christmas be filled with peace, laughter, and beautiful memories. Here’s to a joyful and healthy New Year!
With love,
Sarah, Ben, Liam & Ella Harper
P.S. We’d love to hear from you—send us your updates too!
Christmas Letter Template
A heartfelt Christmas letter is a timeless way to share joy, reflect on the year, and connect with loved ones near and far. Whether you’re writing to family, friends, or colleagues, a thoughtful message adds a personal touch to the holiday season.
Download our free Christmas letter template today to make writing easier and more festive. Fully editable, beautifully designed, and perfect for newsletters, greeting cards, or digital messages.
Christmas Letter Template – Download
