Traditional Christmas cards

There is a reason some Christmas cards never go out of date. Holly, candlelight, a snowy lane, a robin on a gate. A traditional card is for the grandparent who keeps every one on the mantelpiece, the neighbour you have swapped cards with for twenty years, and the relative who would read a rude one aloud at lunch and never forgive you. Pick something classic, write a proper greeting inside, and send it as a link by email or text. Schedule it for Christmas morning and it will be waiting like a card on the doormat. Keep the words simple. Warm wishes, a line about the year, and your name.

5 things to write inside

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

  1. sweet Dear [first name], wishing you a warm and peaceful Christmas, and a happy and healthy year ahead. With love from all of us.
  2. sweet [first name], may your Christmas be full of good food, good company and a little time to put your feet up. Love always.
  3. quiet Merry Christmas, [first name]. Thinking of you and sending every good wish for the season.
  4. sweet To [first name], with warmest wishes for Christmas and the new year. It's always a joy to hear from you.
  5. funny Dear [first name], I hope Santa is generous and the pudding holds together. Merry Christmas, and many happy returns of the sherry.

Questions people ask

What do you write in a traditional Christmas card?

Begin with a greeting, add a wish for the season, and close with your name. 'Wishing you a peaceful Christmas and a happy new year' is the classic. A line about the year just gone or a hope to see them soon makes it personal without losing the traditional tone.

Is it acceptable to send a traditional card by email?

Yes, especially if you schedule it for Christmas morning. It arrives as a link and the recipient opens it like an envelope. For older relatives, a text with the link and a short note saying 'tap to open' makes it easy.

Who should get a traditional Christmas card?

Grandparents, aunts and uncles, old neighbours, former colleagues and anyone who keeps cards on display. It is also the right choice when you are not sure of someone's sense of humour. Classic and warm is rarely a mistake.