Christmas cards for your mother-in-law

A card to your partner's mother is read more closely than most. She will notice the wording, the handwriting if there is any, and whether you remembered the thing she mentioned in March. That is not a reason to panic. It is a reason to write two real sentences instead of signing your name under a printed verse.

The warmest cards to a mother-in-law tend to be specific. Thank her for something she did, a dinner, a lift to the airport, the way she looks after your partner's favourite recipes. Add a little nerve if you have it. She will like knowing you care what she thinks. Pick a card, write inside, and send it by email or text, or schedule it to arrive on Christmas morning.

See all funny cards (12)See all sweet cards (103)

10 things to write inside

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

  1. sweet Thank you for always making room at your table for me, [first name]. Christmas feels more like Christmas with your family in it, and I am glad to be part of it.
  2. funny [first name], I have been practising being the good one all year. I have already ironed something. Please tell me it is showing.
  3. quiet Thinking of you this Christmas, [first name]. Thank you for everything you do for us.
  4. sweet I know I came with a lot of opinions and a questionable sense of direction, [first name]. Thank you for being kind about both. Merry Christmas.
  5. funny Dear [first name], I will bring a dish and offer to wash up. I will not offer opinions on the gravy. Growth, I think you will agree.
  6. quiet Merry Christmas, [first name]. I am grateful for you, and I do not say it enough.
  7. sweet You raised someone who makes my life better every day, [first name]. That is the nicest thing I could say about anyone. Happy Christmas.
  8. funny [first name], I am sending this early so it counts as organised. Also so you can see the effort before the pavlova arrives.
  9. quiet Wishing you a calm, easy Christmas, [first name]. You deserve to be looked after for once.
  10. sweet Whenever I walk into your house, [first name], I feel welcome before I have taken my shoes off. Thank you. Merry Christmas.

Questions people ask

What do you write in a Christmas card for a mother-in-law?

Keep it short, warm and specific. Thank her for something real, a meal, her help with the kids, how she welcomed you. Add one line about looking forward to seeing her. If you are still finding your footing with her, a little self-aware humour about trying hard usually lands well.

Should I sign a mother-in-law's card from both of us or just me?

If your partner is happy to be named, sign from both. A card with your own words inside, though, is a nice thing to send from you alone, because it shows you made the effort yourself. Many people send one together and a second from themselves.

Is it okay to send an e-card to my mother-in-law?

Yes, if she is comfortable with email or texts. A link she opens like an envelope feels more like a card than a plain message does. If she prefers paper, send the e-card as well. It can arrive on Christmas morning while the posted one is still on its way.

Cards for other people