Christmas cards for your grandma

A grandma card tends to get kept. It goes on the mantelpiece, or into the drawer with the others, and it is still there in March. That is worth knowing when you sit down to write one.

You do not need a speech. Grandma will be glad you thought of her, and she will read every word twice. Mention the thing only she does: the shortbread, the knitting, the way she asks about your work and remembers the answer. If she is not close by, a link she can open on her phone or her tablet, with your own words waiting inside, is the next best thing to being at her table. Schedule it for Christmas morning and it arrives before the day gets loud.

See all funny cards (25)See all sweet cards (165)

10 things to write inside

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

  1. sweet Dear Grandma [first name], Christmas is never quite right until I have spoken to you. I hope this reaches you with a cup of tea nearby. With all my love, always.
  2. sweet Grandma [first name], thank you for every Christmas you made feel special without making a fuss about it. I still think of your kitchen when I think of the holidays. I love you very much.
  3. sweet Grandma [first name], I have been going through old photos and you are in all the good ones. Happy Christmas. I am coming to see you soon, and I mean it.
  4. sweet Happy Christmas, Grandma. You taught me manners, patience and how to make gravy with no lumps. Two out of three is not bad. Thank you, [first name], for all of it.
  5. funny Grandma [first name], I have decided you are the family's most reliable source of biscuits and opinions. Please keep both coming. Love always.
  6. funny Dear Grandma [first name], I am sending this by computer because I know you will phone me within the hour to say it arrived. I will pick up. Happy Christmas.
  7. funny Grandma [first name], I promise to eat whatever you put in front of me on Christmas Day. I cannot promise to enjoy the cranberry thing. Love you.
  8. quiet Grandma [first name], thank you for always being there. Happy Christmas.
  9. quiet Thinking of you this Christmas, Grandma [first name]. Your chair is still the comfiest one in the house.
  10. rude Grandma [first name], you are ninety-ish and still the sharpest person in the room. It is annoying. Happy Christmas, you wonderful old bat.

Questions people ask

What do you write in a Christmas card for a grandmother?

Keep it personal and short. Name one thing she does that you love, say thank you for something specific, and sign off warmly. Grandmothers keep these cards, so a real detail like her scones or her telephone calls means more than a polished line.

Should a card to my grandma be formal or casual?

Write it the way you talk to her. If you call her Grandma and she calls you by your full name, a slightly more careful tone suits. If you tease each other, tease. She will notice if the card does not sound like you.

Can I send a Christmas card to a grandma who is not on email?

Yes, as long as someone can open a text. You send the card as a link, so a parent, aunt or carer can open it on her phone or tablet and read it with her. You can schedule it for Christmas morning so they are together when it arrives.

Cards for other people