Christmas cards for your employee

Thanking someone who works for you is different from the all-staff email. People notice when the card has been written for them. A line about the project they carried, the Saturday they gave up or the new person they trained says more than any seasonal greeting.

Keep it warm and specific, and do not use it to hint at pay, promotions or next year's targets. A good card to an employee is a simple acknowledgement that you saw the work. Pick a card, write a few sentences in your own words, and send it as a link by email or text. Schedule it for Christmas morning if you would rather it arrive without any office around it.

See all sweet cards (87)

10 things to write inside

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

  1. sweet Thank you for this year, [first name]. You took on more than you should have and did it with good grace. I notice, and I'm grateful. Have a proper rest.
  2. sweet [first name], the team is better with you in it. Thank you for the work, the patience and the way you look out for the others. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
  3. sweet Merry Christmas, [first name]. Thank you for being someone I never have to chase. I hope the break gives you everything the year did not.
  4. sweet I'm proud of what you did this year, [first name]. Thank you. Enjoy the time off, and please do not check your email.
  5. funny [first name], thank you for the year, and for never once saying 'as per my last email' to me out loud. Enjoy the break. The laptop can wait.
  6. funny Merry Christmas, [first name]. I'm officially off the clock, which means so are you. That is an order, and probably the one you will enjoy.
  7. funny Thank you for another year of making me look organised, [first name]. I will try to return the favour by leaving you alone until the new year.
  8. quiet Thank you, [first name]. For all of it. Merry Christmas.
  9. quiet [first name], I appreciate what you did this year. Rest well over the break.
  10. quiet It has been good to work with you this year, [first name]. Happy Christmas.

Questions people ask

What do you write in a Christmas card to an employee?

Name one thing they did and say thank you. Then wish them a proper break and tell them you do not expect to hear from them. Avoid anything that sounds like feedback, a target or a promise about pay. The card is only gratitude.

Should I send a personal card to each employee?

A personal card means more than a generic one signed by management. If you have a big team, send each person a different card with one line about their year. A scheduled link takes less time than writing out cards by hand, and it still reads as personal.

Is it appropriate to send an employee a funny card?

Yes, if you already joke with them. Keep the humour about the work, the inbox or the end-of-year rush, and not about them. Finish with a sincere line so the thanks lands properly. A funny card with a real thank you is better than a stiff formal one.

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