In 1843, a busy Londoner called Henry Cole had too many letters to answer before Christmas. So he asked an artist friend to design a single card he could send to everyone, and the first commercial Christmas card was born. Almost two centuries later, businesses face the same question every autumn: who gets a card this year, and what do we write inside? Here's what to write in a Christmas card for clients, partners and your team, and when to send it.
Start with who the card is for
A card for a client you've worked with for ten years shouldn't read like one for a supplier you met last month. Before you write a word, split your list into a few groups:
Long-standing clients, who deserve a personal line about the year you've had together.
New clients and partners, where a warm but slightly more formal tone works best.
Suppliers, who rarely get thanked and remember it when they do.
Your own team, who should get the most personal card of all.
The same design can go to everyone. It's the message that changes. So before you order your Christmas cards, make a quick list of who's getting one: it tells you how many you need, and it makes writing them much faster.
What to write: Christmas card greeting ideas for business
Keep it short. Three or four lines, a thank-you and a signature beat a full paragraph every time. Here are business Christmas card messages you can use as they are or make your own.
Warm and personal, for clients you know well:
"Thank you for another year of working together. We couldn't have asked for better people to share it with. Merry Christmas from all of us."
"It's been a big year, and you've been part of every bit of it. Wishing you a restful Christmas and a brilliant New Year."
Professional, for new clients and partners:
"Thank you for your trust this year. We look forward to working together in the year ahead. Season's greetings from the whole team."
"We're closing the year already looking forward to starting the next one with you. Season's greetings!"
Short and light, for a card that makes people smile:
"You made this year easier, and a lot more fun. Thank you, and enjoy a well-earned break!"
"Another year of projects, coffees and good ideas together. Thanks, and Merry Christmas!"
For your own team:
"None of this year happened without you. Thank you for every early start, late finish and good idea. Have a wonderful Christmas."
One rule above all: sign it by hand, even if the message is printed. A real signature is what makes people keep a card on the desk.
Christmas card or New Year card?
Not every client celebrates Christmas, and a "Season's greetings" or "Happy holidays" message keeps your card right for everyone. If you work with clients across Europe, it also helps to know that in France and Belgium the big moment is the New Year card, sent in January.
A New Year card has another advantage: it arrives when the Christmas rush is over, so it doesn't get lost on the mantelpiece. Our greeting cards are made for exactly that kind of January message.
When to send your cards
Aim for your cards to land in the first two weeks of December, before offices start emptying for the holidays. Working back from that, order your cards in November, so you have time to check the proof and write your messages while they're on their way, and post them by early December. Check Royal Mail's last posting dates if you're sending abroad, as those come round sooner than you'd think.
The details people notice
A few small touches turn a nice card into one that stays up until January. Write the recipient's name, not "Dear client". Add one line about something you did together this year. And if you want the card to feel like a gift, greeting cards with exclusive finishes make it something people want to hold on to.
When the words are ready, putting them on custom cards with your own design is the easy part. And the clients who find your card on their desk in December will remember who took the time to say thank you. If you're planning more for the season, our Christmas marketing ideas are a good next read.
