Each year, we all do this. Send generic Happy Holidays greetings because we’re either too busy or too tired to come up with something really touching or fresh. And who cares, anyway. Well, what’s the point in this ritual then if it’s lacking its very core-sincere wishes? Why not turn it into something meaningful?
But don’t worry, today we’ll share five uncommon and elegant ways to wish your colleagues, family members and friends Merry Xmas and Happy New Year.
Start with a gratitude
Even a simple “Thank you for everything” can make your greeting sound warmer. To make it even more personal, you can list three specific reasons why you’re grateful to this person.
Depending on the type of relationship, this might be an acknowledgment of his or her professional skills, highlighting the importance of what they do, or cherishing their individual traits and the positive influence they exert on you.
Examples:
- I’d like to thank you for being a constant source of inspiration for other people and me.
- Thank you so much for what you do, your work is indispensable and truly valuable.
- Just wanted to thank you for being so patient and kind to me, even when I don’t deserve it. I appreciate it a lot.
Use an inspiring quote
If you have a habit of putting down cool quotes, it’s high time you include one (or more) of them in your greeting. If you don’t, finding one on the internet is a matter of minutes. What can be more to the point than sharing wise and inspiring words of the greats?
Examples:
- As Albert Einstein wrote, “A hundred times every day, I remind myself that my inner and outer life are based on the labors of other men, living and dead, and that I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am still receiving.”
- Margaret Thatcher once said, “Disciplining yourself to do what you know is right and important, although difficult, is the high road to pride, self-esteem, and personal satisfaction.”
- The Dalai Lama often says: “Happiness is not something readymade; it comes from your own actions.”
Mention something personal
Personified greetings always work the best. The recipient instantly feels they are valued and are not taken for granted. For example, if you know that the person you’re greeting is keen on traveling or plays in a band, you can wish them plenty of exciting trips or splendid gigs in the coming year.
However, it might not be easy to wish something personal to a colleague you barely know. In this case, you might just wish something less original and, if you feel like it, express hope to get to know each other better/work together on some project, etc.
Examples:
- May your YouTube channel strike 500,000 subscribers!
- Wish you good luck with your forthcoming application, hope it works out well!
- May your coffee shop prosper and attract twice as many clients in the coming year!
Show off with a couple of exquisite words
Sometimes you just want to make your greeting stand out, and there’s nothing bad about it. A few vibrant words or phrases can spice up your season’s greetings and make it memorable. But try not to take it too far-otherwise, it might sound ridiculous. One or two would be sufficient.
Examples:
- Wish you unforgettable and ethereal holidays!
- May your days be filled with eudaimonia and serendipity.
- May you enjoy many magical moments and elysian places in the coming year!
Wish something non-obvious
Apart from wishing common things like health, happiness and well-being, why not deviate from the script a little? If your recipient has a good sense of humor, they would certainly appreciate it. Still, it’s probably not the best idea to wish only weird things, but such an addition to a more conventional greeting might work well.
Examples:
- May everyone around you be as sweet as a strawberry pie.
- May your next year be happy, prosperous and bring you to where you’ve never been before (in a good sense!).
- May you survive in the first place (all of us!).
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Now, you’re fully armed to make your Xmas and New Year greetings at least a bit more original and memorable!
Quick practical tips for memorable Xmas & New Year greetings
Match your tone to the recipient: keep it brief and professional for acquaintances and colleagues, and allow 2-4 warm sentences for close friends or family. One specific detail (a shared memory, a recent achievement) makes a short message feel personal.
Choose the right medium: handwritten cards and emails suit longer, thoughtful notes; texts and social posts work best with one clear wish and a personal line. If you include a quote, pick a short, relevant one and always add attribution.
Before sending, run a tiny checklist: correct name and spelling, remove clichés you don’t mean, trim anything that could be misread, and add a simple sign-off that fits your relationship.
- Gratitude template: Thank them for [specific help or trait] + one wish for the coming year.
- Hobby-focused template: Wish them progress or joy in [their hobby or project] + a warm general blessing.
- Professional template: Brief appreciation + a forward-looking sentence about working together + a concise sign-off.
FAQ
How formal should a greeting be for a colleague?
Keep it professional but human: a line of thanks or recognition, a short seasonal wish, and a neutral sign-off. Add a personal sentence only if you know them well.
Can I use famous quotes in my messages?
Yes-use short, relevant quotes and attribute the author. Avoid long passages in short formats and steer clear of quotes that could be interpreted as political or divisive.
What are simple, appropriate sign-offs?
Good options are “Warmly,” “Best wishes,” “All the best,” or “Cheers.” For business messages include your name (and role if needed); for friends, your first name is enough.