Let’s face it: December often blurs into a rush of deadlines and must-do’s before the new year hits. In the whirlwind, it’s easy to overlook the opportunity to let people know they’re on your mind. As a growing business, you’ve particularly relied on building & strengthening relationships with clients and vendors. Sending a thoughtful Christmas card isn’t just a formality; it’s a personal way to say, “We see you, and we appreciate you.” So let’s explore a few guidelines, look at 25 example messages, and then talk about what makes a personal holiday touch stand out.
Why send Christmas cards to clients
We spend so much time juggling responsibilities, keeping customers happy, and balancing budgets that it’s easy to forget the human element. A Christmas card—especially one that doesn’t sound copy pasted across thousands of others—reminds clients that their support isn’t taken for granted. It can say, “Thanks for being part of our story,” in a voice that feels real. In a world of auto-generated emails and generic corporate greetings, a sincere holiday message is a small but powerful gesture that shows your business has a real heartbeat behind it.
What to keep in mind when writing holiday cards to clients
1. Express gratitude
We might be suckers, but we think year end messages are a moment to truly appreciate your relationships. It’s okay to do so in the context of your business relationship, but make sure your cards are not all about the numbers. Perhaps thank your clients for supporting you through heavy growth or helped spread the word about your services. Showing genuine gratitude makes your message resonate.
2. Make it personal
Recall a shared moment or refer to something that made your relationship special this year. Or, reference something specific about your client themselves - perhaps well wishes to their spouse (by name!) or children, safe travels for an upcoming vacation, or similar. Small details or anecdotes can make your card feel honest and more than just another holiday greeting.
3. Keep it real
We don't mean to belabor the point but be honest - how often have you held onto a generic holiday card? In line with above, consider how you can go the extra mile to ensuring your card doesn't end up in that 'trashed' pile. Small touches like handwriting your Christmas card messages or even just signing your name go a long way to making your recipient understand you've gone through real effort to your end of year mailing.
4. Reflect on the Year and Look Ahead
Acknowledge the progress made over the past twelve months and offer positive wishes for the future. Looking forward gives your card relevance and shows you’re invested in the client’s journey as well as your own.
How to address Christmas cards to clients
Consider your relationship and your brand. A quick look at your email outbox often reveals all you need: do you often email with a “Hi ____”? In that case, it’s fine to keep your Christmas greeting similarly casual. It’s okay to introduce a bit a formality to your end of year cards, but no need to become too stilted!
And whichever greeting you choose, stay away from the generic “Dear Customer”!
Sample holiday messages to clients
Sample holiday messages to clients
- “As we come up on the end of the year, I’m reminded of your steady support through what felt like constant (but exciting!) change. Wishing you and your family a warm, bright holiday season and a new year full of opportunity.”
- “It’s been a year of growth and learning, and I’m grateful you chose to be part of it. Hoping that your holidays bring plenty of laughter, good food, and restful moments, and sending our best wishes for the year ahead.”
- “May your holidays bring comfort and cheer. Here’s hoping we have the opportunity to continue building in the new year.”
- “Dropping a note to let you know how much I’ve appreciated not just your business partnership, but also your support for my growth. Wishing you a Christmas filled with simple joys and a brilliant start to the new year.”
- “Here’s hoping your holiday includes time with loved ones and a bit of well-earned relaxation before we dive into what’s next.”
- “Enjoy a warm and peaceful Christmas, and let’s keep the momentum going in January.”
- “Thank you for believing in our partnership. May this holiday season give you space to recharge and return to the new year feeling inspired and ready for whatever comes your way.”
- “We wouldn’t be where we are today without your support. I hope this season brings you memorable moments with friends and family, and that we can create even more value together next year.”
- “It’s the personal connections I’ve made—like ours—that make this work truly rewarding. Enjoy a Christmas filled with those who bring you joy, and here’s to new stories we’ll write together soon.”
Sample holiday messages to a long term client
- “As another year comes to a close, I can’t help but appreciate how long we’ve worked together. Your loyalty and steady confidence have been a real anchor for us. May your holidays bring you well-deserved rest, and I’m excited to see where we’ll go next.”
- “After so many seasons of collaborating, I’ve come to value your unique perspective & energy. Thank you for the trust you’ve placed in us year after year. Wishing you a warm and peaceful holiday and looking forward to our ongoing journey.”
- “We’ve tackled plenty of challenges side by side, and it’s that dependable partnership I appreciate the most. Your ongoing support has helped shape who we are. Here’s hoping your holidays are filled with comfort, laughter, and moments to savor.”
- “Working together for as long as we have means I don’t just think of you as a client—I think of you as part of our story. Your continued belief in us keeps pushing us forward. Enjoy a calm and joyful holiday, and let’s see what we can achieve next year.”
- “Seeing how our relationship has grown over time is one of the most rewarding parts of my work. Thank you for staying with us through all the twists and turns. May this holiday season bring you the kind of peace and happiness that remind us why we do what we do.”
Sample holiday messages to a new client
- “As this year winds down, I wanted to let you know how much I’ve appreciated the trust you placed in us when you came on board. Thank you for taking that first step with us. Wishing you a restful holiday season and looking forward to what we can achieve together next year.”
- “It’s been a pleasure getting to know you and your business over these past few months. Your enthusiasm and openness have made this partnership feel like a perfect fit. Warm wishes for a relaxing holiday and a new year filled with fresh possibilities.”
- “Joining forces with your company this year has been a bright spot for us. We’ve only just begun, but I’m excited about the ground we’ll cover together. Here’s to a peaceful holiday break and great momentum as we head into the next chapter.”
- “Stepping into a new working relationship can be both exciting and uncertain, but you’ve made it feel natural from day one. Thank you for that. May your holidays bring much-needed downtime, and may our shared projects in the new year exceed every expectation.”
- “I’m grateful you chose to partner with us during such a busy time. Your confidence in our capabilities means more than you know. Wishing you a holiday filled with good company, a bit of calm, and the promise of great things ahead.”
Sample holiday messages to a close business partner
- “Working side by side this year wasn’t just about hitting goals—it felt more like building something truly meaningful together. Thanks for having my back, and here’s to a holiday season that gives you time to catch your breath and enjoy what matters most.”
- “I’ll admit it: one of my favorite parts of the job is knowing I’ve got you as a partner I can trust. Let’s savor these holiday weeks, recharge, and head into the new year ready to tackle whatever comes our way.”
- “Looking back on the year, I’m grateful not just for what we accomplished, but for the way we did it—always honest, always real. May your holidays be full of the same warmth and authenticity you bring to our work.”
- “It’s been a wild ride, but having you in the seat next to mine made every twist feel manageable. Wishing you a Christmas that balances cozy nights in, good company, and dreams that keep us both moving forward.”
- “We’ve cheered each other on through big & small, and that’s something I don’t take for granted. Here’s hoping your holiday break is filled with laughter, rest, and the quiet confidence that the new year will bring even better days.”
Sample holiday messages to rekindle a business relationship or win back a churned client
- “It’s been a while since we last worked together, and as the year winds down, I’ve been thinking about the partnerships I’ve valued most. I hope this holiday season brings you a little extra brightness, and I’d welcome the chance to connect again in the new year.”
- “The holidays have a way of making me take stock, and our past work together came to mind. I’m genuinely grateful for what we accomplished together. Here’s wishing you a restful break.”
- “As the festive season arrives, I’ve found myself remembering old allies and clients who helped shape our journey. Your name came up in my thoughts. Wishing you a peaceful, joyful holiday, and hoping we might find a fresh way to work together in the coming months.”
- “The end of the year always has me reflecting on meaningful connections. I remember the good work we did together, and I’m still thankful for it. Warm holiday wishes to you and yours, and here’s hoping the new year gives us a chance to collaborate again.”
- “It’s funny how the holidays remind us of people and projects that really mattered. Though we haven’t caught up recently, I’m grateful for the time we spent working together. Enjoy a well-earned holiday break, and if you’re open to it, let’s see what a renewed partnership might bring next year.”
- “The holiday season often brings to mind the relationships that shaped our business journey. I’ve always valued the insights you contributed and would love to find time to reconnect in the New Year. In the meantime, may your holidays be warm and fulfilling.”
- “At this time of year, I can’t help but think about the connections that helped us grow. Your input and approach were always valuable. Here’s hoping your holiday break is peaceful.”
Elevating your holiday messages
Once you’ve found the right words, PenPals can ease the logistics of sending a handwritten card. We make it effortless to pick out & send a handwritten card right from your screen.
Pick out a card and write your message, and we'll take it from there - we put pen to paper in writing your message, address your envelopes, and mail them out to your recipients for you. Browse our cards below or click Start Writing above to get started.
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