Sweet Christmas cards for your dad

Dads rarely get a heartfelt card, which is why a sweet one lands so hard. Keep it plain. Say what he did, say you're glad of it, and sign off. He won't say much back, but he'll keep it somewhere you won't find it for years.

6 things to write inside

Swap in their name. Change anything that doesn’t sound like you.

  1. sweet [first name], you taught me how to do most things, and how to pretend I knew the rest. Thank you. Merry Christmas.
  2. sweet Merry Christmas, [first name]. You do a lot without announcing it. I just wanted you to know someone notices.
  3. sweet [first name], wherever we are on the day, you're the person I want at the table. Love you.
  4. sweet I still hear your voice when I check the oil, or park badly. Thank you for all of it, [first name]. Merry Christmas.
  5. quiet Merry Christmas, [first name]. Proud to be yours.
  6. quiet [first name], thanks for always turning up. It meant more than I let on.

Questions people ask

What do you write in a Christmas card for a dad who doesn't say much?

Match him. Two or three lines is plenty. Pick one thing he taught you or did for you, say thanks, and stop before it gets awkward. A dad who doesn't say much usually reads the card more than once, so make the one line count.

Can I send my dad a funny Christmas card instead of a sentimental one?

Yes. For a lot of dads, a joke is how the sentiment gets in. A dry line about his driving or his barbecue says you know him. If you want it to land softly, add a sincere sentence at the end, short enough that he can ignore it.

How do I send a Christmas card to my dad if we live in different countries?

The card goes as a link by email or text, so distance doesn't matter. Choose the date you want it to arrive, and think about what time of day it will be where he is. Add a message that mentions something from home he'll miss.