Christmas cards for someone having a difficult Christmas
A hard Christmas might follow a death, an illness, a separation or a year that took more than it gave. The person you are writing to will notice every word, so the safest words are the plainest ones. Say you are thinking of them. Say you are here. Leave out reasons, lessons and anything that asks them to feel better.
A card sent as a link can be opened in private, at their own pace, with no one waiting to see their face. You can schedule it for Christmas morning, or send it a few days ahead. Write a few lines in your own voice and keep them short. A card like this is only a hand on the shoulder.
One Good Step
Pocketful of Stars
The First Morning
The Next Good Thing
The Snow Lantern
The Tiny Victory
A Room Full of Memory
Candle in the Window
One Chair by the Fire
The Empty Road
The Last Candle
When the House Is Still
Moonlit Christmas
Before the Bells
Peace on Christmas Night
The First Light
Winter Morning Tea
10 things to write inside
Swap in their name. Change anything that doesn’t sound like you.
- sweet [first name], I'm thinking of you. I know this is not an easy Christmas. You don't have to do anything or say anything. I'm here.
- sweet I'm holding you in my thoughts today, [first name]. There is nothing to fix and nothing to say. I'll be around whenever you want company.
- sweet [first name], I'm so sorry this year has been so hard. I love you, and I'm not going anywhere. Reach out whenever you like.
- sweet You're in my thoughts, [first name]. However today goes is all right. I'm a message or a call away, and you don't have to reply.
- sweet [first name], I'm sending love today. I won't pretend to know what this is like for you. I'm here, and I'm listening.
- quiet Thinking of you, [first name].
- quiet [first name], I'm here. That's all.
- quiet Sending you love today, [first name]. No reply needed.
- quiet You are not alone, [first name]. I'm with you.
- quiet Today is allowed to be hard, [first name]. I'm thinking of you.
Questions people ask
What do you write in a card for someone having a difficult Christmas?
Say you are thinking of them and that you are there. Keep it short, and don't try to explain or fix anything. Avoid phrases that tell them how to feel, such as 'stay strong' or 'look on the bright side'. Plain, honest words do the most good.
Should I mention the loss or the hard thing in the card?
If it was a death, saying the person's name can be a kindness, because many people are afraid to. If you are unsure, say you know it is a hard time and leave it there. Follow their lead. You can always say more when you talk.
When is the right time to send a card to someone grieving or struggling?
Any time you are thinking of them. A card sent for Christmas morning can be a steady presence on a heavy day, and one sent a few days earlier gives them time to read it alone. Either is fine, and a late card is better than none.