Christmas cards for your wife

Your wife probably runs more of Christmas than anyone has formally acknowledged. The list lives in her head, the wrapping paper appears from somewhere, and the card to the neighbour with the dog has already gone out. A card from you that says so plainly counts for a lot.

Tell her the real thing, even if it's only one line. Add your words, send it as a link by email or text, and schedule it for Christmas morning, so it's there when she picks up her phone before the day takes over.

See all funny cards (19)See all sweet cards (32)

10 things to write inside

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

  1. sweet [first name], you hold this whole family together and make it look like nothing. It isn't nothing. Thank you. Merry Christmas.
  2. sweet Merry Christmas, [first name]. I'd choose the same chaos again, as long as it's with you.
  3. sweet [first name], I know how much you carry at this time of year. This year I'd like to carry some of it, and tell you I see it.
  4. sweet [first name], you're still my favourite part of Christmas. The lights, the food and the carols are all just background.
  5. funny [first name], I've read the list on the fridge and I'll take the sprouts. I can't promise I'll do them correctly. Merry Christmas, love.
  6. funny Dear [first name], I wrapped your present myself. Please admire the sticky tape and the effort. Love you.
  7. funny [first name], you were right about the turkey size, the parking and most other things. I'm putting it in writing. Merry Christmas.
  8. quiet Merry Christmas, [first name]. Thank you for all of it.
  9. quiet [first name], I love you. That's all. Have a soft day.
  10. rude [first name], you're bloody brilliant and I'd be lost without you. Now sit down and let me do the dishes for once. Merry Christmas.

Questions people ask

What can I write in a Christmas card to my wife that isn't cheesy?

Be specific and drop the poetry. Name something she did this year, in plain words, and say what it meant. A line like "I noticed how you handled that week" is more moving than any verse. Then add a short, honest "I love you".

My wife does everything at Christmas. How do I thank her in a card?

Say it directly. Name the jobs she does that nobody sees, say you know how much it is, and thank her. If you can, add what you'll take over this year. A card that comes with an offer is worth more than one without.

Should I send my wife a Christmas card if we're swapping presents anyway?

Yes, and it may be the part she keeps. A present can be forgotten, but words in your own voice get reread. Schedule it for Christmas morning, so it's there before the wrapping paper, and it sets the tone for the day.

Cards for other people