WTF Should You Write in Your Holiday Cards This Year?

WTF Should You Write in Your Holiday Cards This Year?

As I sat down to write out this year’s holiday cards, I was immediately faced with a roadblock: I was writing them in 2020. After the year we’ve had, how are you supposed to pen a cheery holiday missive, drop it in a red envelope, affix a seasonally appropriate stamp, and stick it in the mail?

Right now my usual sentiment — some version of Hope your holiday is full of all your favourite things! — sounds more like a mocking taunt than a genuine expression of well-wishes for a joyful holiday and a happy new year.

On top of that, I accidentally bought empty cards this year (because #2020), meaning I couldn’t let the generic inscription do the talking. So for help with what to write, I turned to Google.

If you too are at a loss for WTF to say your end-of-the-year seasonal notes, here are some tips that can help.

Keep it short and sweet

Each year, there are always one or two cards stuffed with a typed-up letter spotlighting all the wonderful (and, sometimes, not-so-wonderful) things that happened to the family since the prior December. Maybe don’t do that this time around. If 2020 happened to be good for you, you’re one of the few. Don’t rub it in. This is extra true for those card recipients who are more acquaintances than friends, as you simply might not know if someone close to them lost a job or got really sick.

If you can’t not share something about each family member, ditch the lengthy missive and opt instead for a series of one-liners: At least with online schooling, Sophie can’t be sent to the principal’s officeJoe’s been working from home and is secretly hoping it’s a permanent changeMilo T. Cat hates everyone and just wants us to get out

Humour’s the way to go

I sometimes like to pull a line from a holiday carol or poem for my personal message. But again, in 2020, notes like Deck the halls with boughs of holly! or May your days be merry and bright feel a little tone deaf.

In a few of my cards, I tweaked the final line to “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” which you’re welcome to borrow: Merry Christmas to all! This year really bites!

Adjust the generic sentiments

There’s no reason not to stick with tried-and-true holiday wishes — but with a twist. Personalisation Mall shared some 2020-specific notes that are pretty perfect:

  • Sending love and holiday wishes from our bubble to yours.
  • New year? Yes, please! Here’s to better times ahead for everyone.
  • Yup, we’re still home for the holidays. Hope you have a cosy family Christmas and a quarantine-free new year.
  • All we want for Christmas is to see you again soon.

Stay positive

If humour’s not your thing — or if you prefer not to allude to the virus-that-must-not-be-named — then simply keep your note positive. There’s nothing wrong with a basic Best wishes for a healthy, happy holiday and new year.

Or what about this? I received a card from a coworker, and his family nailed the handwritten greeting for this year: No profound message … just love ♥

Just write this

If none of that feels right and you’re still struggling, just state the obvious: Hope next year’s better. Miss you tons.


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