You've got the perfect family photo, you've picked a jovial template, but suddenly, you're stumped. The problem? You don't know what to write in a holiday card.

Don't be embarrassed. Trying to think of things to write in Christmas cards can be a surprisingly tough task. We're here to give you a few ideas and approaches so you can cure your holiday-card writer's block. (We can also help you save on cards!)

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Approach #1: Well Wishes

The safest, most universal of salutations is a good old-fashioned exclamation of good tidings this holiday season and into the new year. If you're wondering what to write in a holiday card that's the easiest approach, it's sticking with one or two of these.

Examples:

• "Happy Holidays and Season's Greetings from the Smiths!
• "Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays–hope you guys had a great 2018, and hoping for an even better 2019."
• "We wish you and your family peace and prosperity for the New Year."
• "From our family to yours: we wish nothing but happiness and cheer this Christmas season and into the New Year."
• "Thinking of you and the family this holiday season! Hope each day is merry and bright!"

Approach #2: Family Updates

Got a lot of space to write in a Christmas card? It's customary, and completely acceptable, to offer your friends an update on the goings-on of your nuclear family, especially if your sending your cards to old friends who you don't see too often. Just make sure your family is OK with the information you're sharing...

Updates you could share:

• What the kids are up to: "Wanted to give you an update on our daughter Cindy: she's doing great a school (5 A's and only 2 B's), sounding better every day at the violin, and she went as a shark for Halloween."
• What the spouse is up to: "Bill is one year closer to retirement, and he swears 2019 is the year he finally takes the plunge. Maybe he can finally finish building that dang shed in the backyard!"
• The year in review: "We've had an amazing 2018: our family finally moved into a new home, we spent a postard-perfect week in Aruba, and we welcomed a new family member: a Labradoodle named Scruffy."
• New jobs: "You might recall, the last time we spoke, that I was a part-time caddy at the country club. But times have changed and now I am have been elected Treasurer of the State!"

Approach #3: The Personalized Message

To show each card recipient a little extra love, write each person a custom message. This makes the recipient feel a little special, knowing they aren't just getting the standard copy. Got an inside joke only you and this person would know? This is a great spot to use it.

Examples:

• "Bill–really enjoyed working with you this year. You are the best accountant I know!"
• "Miss you guys! Come visit us in Michigan ... or at least let us come to Arizona this winter? : )"
• "Love you all! Has Susie's broken leg finally healed in time for skiing? We hope so–that would be a wonderful gift this Christmas!"
• "Happy holidays and CONGRATS on the new baby!"
• "Season's greetings! Everyone is abuzz about your hot-dog eating championship!"

Approach #4: Holiday Quotes

The easiest way to write something in your card is to simply quote someone else! A thoughtful quote can help convey your feelings about the season.

Quotes you could use:

• "Christmas will always be as long as we stand heart to heart and hand in hand." – Dr. Seuss
• "It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving." –
  Mother Theresa
• "I just want you for my own, more than you could ever know. Make my wish come true, all I want for Christmas is you." – Mariah Carey

Approach #5: Wild Card

For the family who simply refuses to be normal, here are some quirky, creative, and fun approaches to what to write in a holiday card.

Civil War Letter

Top Ten List

The Top Ten Reasons Your Family Is Going to Have a Happy Holidays and a Great New Year:

10. Uncle Teddy's ugly Christmas sweaters were "accidently" tossed into a fire.
9. This year's egg nog now with 15% more egg!
8. While the weather outside is frightful, have you seen the weather inside? Delightful, folks!
7. Two words: Baby. Johnny....

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Ready to write your holiday card? Then you're going to need to buy them! Luckily, we've got great deals on custom cards tailor made for the holidays.

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