Holiday cards for coworkers are tricky. You want to be warm without being too personal, festive without assuming everyone celebrates the same way, and short enough that it does not read like a performance review. Here are messages that get it right for every kind of work relationship, plus a few rules that keep you out of trouble.
A few simple rules
Keep it inclusive unless you know them well. "Happy holidays" and "Season's greetings" work for everyone; save "Merry Christmas" for colleagues you know celebrate it. Keep it about work and the year you shared. And keep it short: two or three sentences is plenty.
For a coworker you sit next to
"Happy holidays to the person who makes Mondays survivable. Thank you for every laugh this year. Enjoy a real break!"
"Thank you for covering for me, cheering me on, and sharing your snacks. You made this year better. Happy holidays!"
For your whole team
"What a year, and what a team. Thank you for the long days, the good ideas, and the patience. Wishing each of you a restful holiday season."
"We got a lot done together this year, and I do not take a single bit of it for granted. Happy holidays, and see you in the new year."
For your boss or manager
"Thank you for your support and guidance this year. I have learned so much working with you. Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season."
"Thank you for trusting me with big things this year and for always having my back. Happy holidays, and enjoy some well-earned rest."
For someone who reports to you
"Your work this year made a real difference, and I noticed every bit of it. Thank you. Wishing you a joyful and restful holiday."
"I am so glad you are on this team. Thank you for all you brought this year. Enjoy the break. You have earned it."
For a remote coworker
"It is strange to be this grateful for someone I mostly know from the shoulders up. Thank you for a great year. Happy holidays!"
"Different time zones, same deadlines. Thank you for being such a great teammate this year. Wishing you a warm and happy holiday."
For a client or business partner
"Thank you for your partnership this year. It is a pleasure working with you, and we look forward to more in the year ahead. Season's greetings."
"We are grateful for your trust and your business. Wishing you and your team a peaceful holiday season and a bright new year."
A little funny, still work-safe
"Happy holidays! May your inbox stay quiet and your out-of-office stay on."
"Thank you for making this year less meeting-shaped. Enjoy the break, and do not check email."
"Wishing you a holiday with zero reply-all threads. Happy holidays!"
How to sign it
"Best wishes," "Warm regards," or "Cheers" all fit a work card. If the card is from a team, sign it from the team by name so it reads personal, not corporate: "With thanks, the marketing team."
Send them without the stack of envelopes
Writing twenty cards at your desk is how good intentions die in December. Pick a design from our holiday cards, such as Warmest Wishes, Happy Holidays (Paper Village), or Peace and Light, give us your message, and we write it with a real pen in real ink and mail it straight to each person. Sending cards to a whole team or client list? Get in touch and we will help.