Thoughtfulness and a little cultural sensitivity translate well in any language.
We may have different names for Santa Claus or Father Christmas, but the reason for our joy across the world remains the same. During the holiday season, we unite in celebrations of family, food, and expressions of peace and love. One of the traditions common across many cultures is the sending of holiday cards. As families scattered geographically, greeting cards became a way to stay connected during the holiday season. Today, these merry missives represent many traditions both religious and secular that communicate our love and regard for one another
Your Guide to Saying Happy Holidays in 20+ Languages
Looking to send a little holiday cheer? Let us help you put a stamp on it with guidance for writing holiday cards in 24 different languages, plus copy and paste templates that’ll give you a head start on your seasonal mailing list.
Chinese (Mandarin), Dutch, English (American), English (British), Filipino (Tagalog), French, German, Greek, Hindi, Irish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Spanish (Latin America), Spanish (Spain), Swedish, Turkish, Vietnamese
Chinese (Mandarin) Holiday Cards
Except in large cities like Beijing and Hong Kong, Christmas isn’t widely celebrated by the Chinese. New Year, however, is observed by piles of Chinese greeting cards from friends and family in those signature red envelopes.
Because Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar and is celebrated a bit later in the year, you’ll have plenty of time to get a start on your holiday greetings. Be sure to note the corresponding animal on the Chinese zodiac for luck (2020 is the Year of the Rat). Tradition has it that Buddha named a year after each of the twelve animals—the dog, the pig, the rat, the ox, the tiger, the rabbit, the dragon, the snake, the horse, the sheep, the monkey, and the rooster.
Step 1: Choose a form of address
| 尊敬的<Name>, /敬爱的<Name> | Dear (formal register (e.g., someone you respect; like an elder, teacher, boss)) |
| 亲爱的 <Name> | Dear (less formal register (e.g., a close relation; like a lover, BFF, or your pet)) |
Step 2: Choose a holiday greeting
How to write Happy Holidays in Chinese (Mandarin) (Season’s Greetings): 节日快乐
How to write Happy New Year in Chinese (Mandarin): 新年好
Other helpful Chinese (Mandarin) holiday phrases:
| 祝你圣诞快乐，新年愉快! | Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! |
| 节日快乐，身体健康，财源广进，家庭幸福！ | Happy holidays, good health, wealth, and family happiness! |
| 新年快乐，万事如意！ | Happy New Year and all the best! |
| 假期愉快，天天有个好心情！ | May your holiday festivities be filled with happy moments! |
| 事事顺心，宏图大展. | Everything goes well and grand plans must be successful. |
| 天天开心! | Wishing you happy everyday! |
| 节日愉快! | Enjoy the holidays! |
| 祝您及家人端午安康。 | Wish you and your family a healthy Dragon Boat Festival. |
| 祝中秋佳节快乐，月圆人圆事事圆满 | Let the round moon accompany you and me. The bright moon will take my wishes and blessings to you. (Mid-Autumn Festival) |
| 爆竹声声辞旧岁，锣鼓喧天迎新春，祝春节快乐！ | With a year’s ending amidst the crepitation of firecrackers, a new year starts in the beats of gongs and drums, we wish you a Happy Spring Festival! |
| 祝*年行大运！/祝*年大吉 | Wish you good luck for Chinese * year
(* represents one Chinese zodiac year) |
Step 3: Sign off
| 此致，敬礼 | With best regards |
| 您的<title>: <name> | Sincerely Yours, <name> |
Dutch (The Netherlands) Holiday Cards
The holidays in the Netherlands are a very merry affair, with gift-giving that begins on December 5th when Dutch children leave their shoes by the fireplace. The Dutch also love elaborate Christmas trees and lots of holiday decor that lasts well into the New Year.
Because the holiday is typically celebrated as a secular one in the Netherlands, steer clear of religious overtones in your holiday missives unless you know the recipient celebrates a Christian-focused season.
Step 1: Choose a form of address
| Beste | Dear |
| Voor | To |
Step 2: Choose a holiday greeting
How to write Happy Holidays in Dutch: Geniet van de feestdagen
How to write Merry Christmas in Dutch: Prettige kerstdagen
How to write Happy Hanukkah in Dutch (Wishing you peace and joy to your family this Hanukkah): Vrede en geluk voor u en uw gezin deze Chanoeka
How to write Happy New Year in Dutch (Here’s to 2020!):Op 2020!
Other helpful Dutch holiday phrases:
| Hele fijne kerstdagen en een gelukkig nieuwjaar voor jou en je gezin! | Best wishes to you and your family for Christmas and the New Year! |
| Eet, drink en geniet en maak er een hele fijne kerst van. | Eat, drink and be merry! Have an excellent Christmas. |
| Ik wens jou vredige en fijne kerstdagen. | Wishing you peace and joy this Christmas. |
| Prettige feestdagen | Seasons greetings |
| Mijn welgemeende en warme wensen voor jou en je gezin deze feestdagen. | Sending love and warm wishes to you and your family this holiday season. |
| Moge jouw kerstfeest schitteren en stralen! | May your Christmas be sparkle and shine! |
| Moge Kerst jou vrede en geluk brengen. | May Christmas bring you peace and happiness. |
| Vrede en geluk voor u en uw gezin deze Chanoeka. | Wishing you peace and joy to your family this Hanukkah. |
| Een gelukkig Hogmanay | Have a Happy Hogmanay |
Step 3: Sign off
| Liefs | Lots of love |
| Warme wensen | Warmest wishes |
| Knuffels en kussen | Hugs and kisses |
English (American) Holiday Cards
Holiday cards are a time-honored tradition Americans carried across the pond, and they’ve been part of Christmas celebrations for more than a century. Despite the internet age, paper holiday cards are still popular among American families who like to keep the extended family in the loop during the holiday season.
Americans do expect to get holiday cards before Christmas, so make an effort to post that seasonal missive in the mail on time. And don’t be surprised to see large volumes of holiday cards from coveted people displayed prominently in American homes. Getting a holiday card reflects a certain status that many Americans like to proudly display.
Step 1: Choose a form of address
Dear,ToMerry Christmas, <name>
Step 2: Choose a holiday greeting
Seasons GreetingsMerry ChristmasHappy HolidaysHappy HanukkahHappy New Year’s
Other helpful American holiday phrases:
May your season be merry and brightSeason greetings to you and your familyWishing you joy and peace this holiday seasonMay your new year be filled with love and light
Step 3: Sign off
Best wishesLove (informal)Sincerely (formal)
English (UK) Holiday Cards
While they share a language, Britain and America have different traditions surrounding the holidays that might surprise you. If someone referred to Crimbo on the streets of New York, you’d scratch your head, but in London you’d know that’s the English version of Xmas.
The United Kingdom also makes a much bigger deal about the custom of sending out holiday cards, with sales totaling nearly half the annual revenue for all greeting cards sold in the year. Even the royal family gets into the act with annual photocards that are distributed around the world.
Step 1: Choose a form of address
DearToMerry Christmas, <name>
Step 2: Choose a holiday greeting
| Seasons GreetingsHappy ChristmasHappy New Year’s or Happy Hogmanay Scottish) |
Other helpful English holiday phrases:
| Best wishes to you and your family for Christmas and the New Year! |
| We wish you a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year! |
| Eat, drink and be merry! Have an excellent Christmas. |
| Wishing you peace and joy this Christmas. |
| Sending love and warm wishes to you and your family this holiday season. |
| May your Christmas be sparkle and shine! |
| May Christmas bring you peace and happiness. |
| Wishing you peace and joy to your family this Hanukkah. |
| Here’s to 2020! |
Step 3: Sign off
Lots of loveBest wishesWarmest wishesHugs and kisses
French Holiday Cards
Don’t be offended if your mailbox isn’t flooded with holiday cards from French friends and family. While the French do celebrate Christmas, most don’t observe the tradition of cheery messages scrawled on paper cards. The one exception to this is France’s quaint law, in effect since 1962, that stipulates any letter to Father Christmas (known by the French as Père Noël) must be responded to via postcard.
If you do want to send season’s greetings, opt for a short and sweet New Year’s message. And watch the gender and formality of your greetings since the French value the social niceties.
Step 1: Choose a form of address
| Cher (masculine) | Dear (formal register) |
| Chère (feminine) | Dear (formal register) |
| Salut, <Name> ! | Hi, <Name> ! |
Step 2: Choose a holiday greeting
How to write Happy Holidays in French (Happy end of year holidays): Bonnes fêtes de fin d’année
How to write Merry Christmas in French: Joyeux Noël
How to write Happy Hanukkah in French: Hanukkah Heureux
How to write Happy New Year in French (Happy 2020 year): Bonne année 2020
Other helpful French holiday phrases:
| Que 2020 vous apporte tout ce que vous souhaitez, à vous, à votre famille et à tous ceux qui vous sont chers. | May 2020 bring you everything you wish, to you, to your family and to all who are dear to you. |
| Bonnes fêtes et bonne année ! | Happy holidays and happy new year! |
| Plein de bonheur pour les fêtes de fin d’année ! | A lot of happiness for the end of year holidays! |
| À cette nouvelle année ! | To this new year! |
| Santé, bonheur et prospérité à vous et aux vôtres. | Health, happiness and prosperity to you and to yours. |
| Passez de bonnes fêtes de fin d’année. | Spend good end of year holidays. |
| Bonnes fêtes ! | Seasons greetings |
| Santé, bonheur ! | Health, happiness! |
| Joyeux Noël et bonne année ! | Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! |
Step 3: Sign off
| Bonnes fêtes de fin d’année ! | Happy end of year holidays! |
| Meilleurs vœux de bonne et heureuse année | Best wishes of good and happy new year |
| Bonne année 2020 ! | Happy 2020 year! |
German Holiday Cards
German culture celebrates the holiday season with open arms, embracing both modern and classic traditions. Germans celebrate St. Nicholas (Sankt Nikolaus) on December 6th and then later in the month Father Christmas or Santa Claus, known in German as Weihnachtsmann.
Between all these merrymaking holidays and traditions like the world-famous Nuremberg Christmas market, Germans still find time to pen plenty of holiday cards. Holiday cards in Germany are straightforward greetings, sometimes featuring images of the fearsome Krampus, and containing a short poem expressing seasonal cheer.
Step 1: Choose a form of address
| Liebe <name> | Dear (female, informal register) |
| Lieber <name> | Dear (male, informal register) |
| Liebe <name of collective> | Dear (plural, informal register) |
| Sehr geehrte Frau <last name> | Dear (male, formal register) |
| Sehr geehrter Herr <last name> | Dear (female, formal register) |
| Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren | Dear (plural, formal register) |
Step 2: Choose a German holiday greeting
How to write Happy Holidays in German: Ein frohes Fest
How to write Merry Christmas in German: Frohe Weihnachten
How to write Happy Hanukkah in German: Fröhliches Hanukkah
How to write Happy New Year in German: Ein glückliches neues Jahr
Other helpful German holiday phrases:
| Für die bevorstehenden Feiertage wünschen wir Ihnen von Herzen Zeit, um zur Ruhe zu kommen und Kraft zu schöpfen mit den Menschen, die Ihnen nahe stehen. | For the upcoming holiday, we wish you from the bottom of our hearts the time to find peace and to draw strength from the time spent with the people close to you. |
| Wir wünschen Ihnen fröhliche Weihnachten, Zeit zur Entspannung, Besinnung auf die wirklich wichtigen Dinge und viele Lichtblicke im kommenden Jahr. | We wish you Merry Christmas, time for relaxation and to contemplate the important things in life, and much joy in the new year. |
| Ihnen und Ihrer Familie ein frohes und gesegnetes Weihnachtsfest sowie genügend Zeit für die Menschen, die Ihnen nahestehen. | A happy and blessed Christmas to you and your family, and ample time with the people closest to you. |
| Ich hoffe du erfreust dich an allen kleinen Weihnachtsritualen, findest Ruhe und genießt die Festtage. (informal) | I hope you find joy in all the little Christmas rites and that you find the peace to enjoy the holidays. (informal) |
Step 3: Sign off
| Alles Gute im neuen Jahr! | All the best in the new year! |
| Herzliche Grüße | Warm regards |
| Liebe Grüße | Best wishes |
Greek Holiday Cards
Christougena is the Greek word for Christmas and it’s a twelve-day celebration that begins with a visit from Saint Vasilis, the Greek version of Santa Claus, and ends in January on Epiphany. While Greeks don’t send out large volumes of holiday cards as the English do, it’s not frowned upon to extend a little seasonal cheer to friends and family.
Just remember to forgo the introductions and dive right into your merry message. Greeks like to get straight to the point.
Step 1: Choose a form of address
| Αγαπητέ (masculine) | Dear (formal) |
| Αγαπητή (feminine) | Dear (formal) |
| Αγαπητέ/-ή (neutral) | Dear (formal) |
| Αγαπημένε (masculine) | Dear (casual) |
| Αγαπημένη (feminine) | Dear (casual) |
Step 2: Choose a Greek holiday greeting
How to write Happy Holidays in Greek: Καλές Γιορτές
How to write Merry Christmas in Greek: Καλά Χριστούγεννα
How to write Happy New Year in Greek: Καλή Χρονιά!
Other helpful Greek holiday phrases:
| Εύχομαι υγεία, ευτυχία και αγάπη σε εσένα και την οικογένειά σου! Χρόνια Πολλά! | I wish good health, happiness and love to you and your family! Season’s greetings! |
| Σας εύχομαι μέσα από τα βάθη της καρδιάς μου καλά Χριστούγεννα και ευτυχισμένο το νέο έτος! | Wishing you from the bottom of my heart Merry Christmas and a Happy New year! |
| Εύχομαι οι φετινές γιορτές να είναι γεμάτες χαρά και αγάπη για εσένα και την οικογένειά σου! | Wishing this holiday season brings all the joy and love to you and your family |
| Πολλές ευχές για υγεία, αγάπη, καλοτυχία και ευημερία. Καλή Χρονιά! | Many wishes for good health, good luck, love and prosperity. Happy New Year! |
| Χρόνια Πολλά! | Season’s greetings it literally means “Have a long life”) |
| Εύχομαι κάθε χαρά! | Wishing you all the joy! |
Step 3: Sign off
| Θερμές ευχές | Warm wishes (formal) |
| Ευτυχισμένο το 2020! | Happy 2020! (casual and formal) |
Hindi Holiday Cards
While there is a small Christian population in Mumbai, most Hindi-speaking regions do not celebrate Christmas. There are, however, several quite popular festivals such as Durga Pooja and Deepawali (aka Diwali, Divali, or Deepavali: The Festival of Light) that occur.
Hindus do send cards to friends and family during Deepawali. These messages focus on best wishes for a prosperous and healthy season.
Step 1: Choose a form of address
| श्री (Masculine) | Mr. (Masculine) |
| श्रीमति (Feminine) | Mrs. (Feminine) |
| कुमारी (Unmarried Feminine) | Miss (Femininine) |
Step 2: Choose a Hindi holiday greeting
How to write Happy Holidays in Hindi (Lots of wishes from our side): हमारी ओर से ढेर सारी शुभकामनाएं
How to write festival greetings in Hindi (Best wishes for Durga Pooja and Deepawali to you): आप को दूर्गा पूजा और दीपावली की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं
How to write Happy New Year in Hindi (Let New Year brings a lot of happiness to you): नया वर्ष ढेर सारी खुशियाली लाए
Other helpful Hindi holiday phrases:
| पावन पर्व के अवसर पर आप और आपके परिवार को शुभकामनाएं।. | Happy wishes for you and your family in this festive season. | |
| छुट्टियों के लिए बधाई और पूजा की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं! | Wishes for the holidays and best wishes for Durga Pooja festival! | |
| दीपावली के लिए हार्दिक बधाई! | Hearty congratulations for Deepawali! | |
|
Wishes for peace and happiness during Deepawali. | |
| आप के परिवार में खुशियाली हो. | Wishes for happiness in your family. | |
| परिवार सहित आप को दीपोत्सव के लिए हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं! | Best wishes for Deepawali to you and your family! |
Step 3: Sign off
| हार्दिक बधाई! | Best wishes! |
| 2020 मंगलमय हो! | Let 2020 be a happy year to you! |
Irish Holiday Cards
Christmas in Ireland is celebrated much the same way as it is in America or the UK. And while sending holiday cards might have fallen out of fashion, it’s still an accepted and time-honored way of spreading seasonal cheer in Ireland.
Just watch your gender while you’re addressing Irish greetings or stick with a chara, a gender-neutral Irish phrase that means “oh, friend.”
Step 1: Choose a form of address
| A <name>, a chara | Gender-neutral greeting/opening address |
| Nollaig shona, a <Name> | This is a good introduction for informal wishes, because it is gender-neutral. |
Step 2: Choose an Irish holiday greeting
How to write Happy Holidays in Irish: Nollaig shona
How to write Merry Christmas in Irish: Guím Nollaig shona ort féin agus ar do theaghlach (Happy Christmas to you and your family)
How to write Happy Hanukkah in Irish: Hanukkah sona faoi shíocháin ort féin agus ar do theaghlach (Wishing you peace and joy to your family this Hanukkah)
How to write Happy New Year in Irish: Athbhliain faoi Mhaise!
Other helpful Irish holiday phrases:
| Go raibh Nollaig faoi mhaise agat! | May you have a wonderful Christmas! |
| Nollaig faoi shéan is faoi shíocháin | A happy and peaceful Christmas |
| Beannachtaí na Féile | Season’s greetings |
Step 3: Sign off
| Le gach dea-ghuí | With best wishes |
| Beannachtaí | Blessings |
| Seo chugainn 2020! | Here’s to 2020! |
Italian Holiday Cards
The Italian holiday season stretches from December 8th with the celebration of the immaculate conception all the way to Epiphany on January 6th. This leaves Italians with plenty of time to send seasonal greetings, but you won’t find many indulging in holiday cards. Large Italian families tend to gather for festivities, so they’re in close proximity with one another. Furthermore, the Italian Post isn’t exactly known for reliability, so locals prefer to exchange gifts and greetings in person.
If you do plan to mail a holiday card to Italy, give it plenty of time to arrive. And if you’re worried about what to say, don’t fret. We’ve got you covered with our Italian holiday phrase cheat sheet.
Step 1: Choose a form of address
| Gentile (masculine/feminine, singular) | Dear (formal register, mainly for business-related communications) |
| Gentili (masculine/feminine, plural) | Dear (formal register, mainly for business-related communications) |
| Caro (masculine, singular) | Dear (informal register, family, friends, etc) |
| Cara (feminine, singular) | Dear (informal register, family, friends, etc) |
| Cari (neutral, singular) | Dear (informal register, family, friends, etc) |
| Ciao <Name>! | Hi, <Name>! (informal register, gender-neutral) |
Step 2: Choose an Italian holiday greeting
How to write Happy Holidays in Italian (Best wishes for a happy holiday season): Tanti auguri di buone feste!
How to write Merry Christmas in Italian (Best wishes for a peaceful Christmas): Auguri di un Natale sereno
How to write Happy Hanukkah in Italian: Felice Hanukkah
How to write Happy New Year in Italian: Felice anno nuovo
Other helpful Italian holiday phrases:
| Buon Natale e felice anno nuovo. | Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. |
| Tantissimi auguri di Buone Feste a te e alla tua famiglia. | Best wishes for the festive season to you and your family. |
| Auguro a te e alla tua famiglia un sereno Natale e un felice anno nuovo. | I wish you and your family a peaceful Christmas and a happy New Year. |
| Un brindisi al nuovo anno! | A toast to the coming new year! |
| Ti auguro un Natale pieno di amore, pace e gioia sincera. | My best wishes for a Christmas filled with love, peace and sincere joy. |
| A te e famiglia: gli auguri di un lieto Natale e di un nuovo anno pieno di gioia e di amore. | Merry Christmas to you and your family and a year full of joy and love. |
| Passa buone feste! | Enjoy the holidays! |
| Che questi giorni di festa ti portino tanta pace e fortuna. Tanti auguri di buon Natale e buon anno. | May these holidays bring you peace and luck. Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New year. |
Step 3: Sign off
| Tanti auguri! | Best wishes! |
| Auguri per un fantastico 2020! | Wishes for a great 2020! |
| Felice anno nuovo! | Happy new year! |
Japanese Holiday Cards
In Japan, Christmas is observed as a secular holiday that promotes spreading happiness and strangely, eating a lot of fried chicken and strawberry shortcake. When the Japanese do send holiday cards, it’s in the form of postcards called nengajō (年賀状), delivered on the Japanese New Year.
It is customary to use nengajō cards that have symbols of the zodiac on them and addressing is generally done by hand to show off exceptional penmanship.
Step 1: Choose a form of address
| <Name>様 | Dear (formal register) |
| <Name>さん | Dear (informal register) |
Step 2: Choose a Japanese holiday greeting
How to write Happy New Year in Japanese: 新年明けましておめでとうございます。(Faith neutral)明けましておめでとうございます。(Traditional)
How to write Merry Christmas in Japanese (I wish you a wonderful Christmas):ステキなクリスマスになりますように！
Other helpful Japanese holiday phrases:
| 昨年は大変お世話になり、誠にありがとうございました。 | Thank you for your help last year. |
| 皆様のご健康とご多幸を心よりお祈りいたします。 | Best wishes for your health and happiness. |
| 十二支の最初となる子年、新しいことにチャレンジして成長したいと思います。 | This year is a year of Mouse, which is the first year of oriental zodiac. I would like to try something new to grow. |
Step 3: Sign off
| 本年もよろしくお願い申し上げます。 | I wish you best for this year. |
Korean Holiday Cards
In Korea, Christmas is celebrated both as a religious and a secular holiday. The Korean season of joy is one that emphasizes love, family, and togetherness. Like several other countries in Asia, Korean holiday greeting cards tend to blend together symbols of Valentine’s Day with those of Christmas, so you’re likely to end up with images of Santa and a sleigh full of giant red hearts.
Koreans also like to include New Year’s wishes in their seasonal greetings, so don’t be surprised to see merry missives that ditch the holiday wording in favor of bestowing health and good fortune.
Step 1: Choose a form of address
| <Name> 님께 | Dear <Name> |
| <Name>에게 | To <Name> |
Step 2: Choose a Korean holiday greeting
How to write Happy Holidays in Korean: 연말연시 즐겁게 보내세요
How to write Merry Christmas in Korean: 즐거운 성탄 보내세요
How to write Happy New Year in Korean (Wish you good fortune in the new year): 새해 복 많이 받으세요.
Other helpful Korean holiday phrases:
| 즐거운 연말 되세요 | Season’s greetings (Hope you have a fun year end) |
| 연휴를 맞아 가족 모두 사랑이 가득하고 평안하시길 빕니다. | Hope all your family members full of love and peace this holiday season. |
| 행복한 연휴를 맞아 새해에는 좋은 일만 가득하기를 기원합니다! | Holiday greetings and best wishes for a new year! |
| 연말연시 행복하게 보내시기 바랍니다! | Hope you have a happy holiday and new year! |
| 연말연시를 맞아 평화와 사랑이 가득하길 빕니다. | May the holidays be filled with peace and love. |
| 즐거운 연말연시 보내시길 바랍니다. | Hope you enjoy this season. |
Step 3: Sign off
| 2020년에도 행복이 가득하길! | May your happiness be full in 2020! |
Polish Holiday Cards
Poland is a predominantly Catholic country, so Christmas is both a secular and religious holiday. In Poland, it’s traditional to send holiday cards to family and friends whom you won’t see during the season so they can still feel a part of the festivities.
An old tradition is to break off the opłatki, or Christmas wafers, served on Christmas Eve and send them in cards to missing family members as a symbol of breaking bread with them from afar. Polish seasonal greetings also emphasize health in addition to happiness, so it’s not unusual for strangers to wish you a healthy Christmas.
Step 1: Choose a form of address
| Szanowny Panie (masculine) | Dear Mr (formal register) |
| Szanowna Pani (feminine) | Dear Mrs (formal register) |
| Szanowni Państwo (plural) | Dear Mr + Mrs (formal register) |
| Drogi (masculine) | Dear (informal register) |
| Droga (feminine) | Dear (informal register) |
Step 2: Choose a Polish holiday greeting
How to write Happy Holidays in Polish (A healthy and happy holiday): Zdrowych i wesołych Świąt!
How to write Merry Christmas in Polish (May your Christmas be joyful and filled with magic): Niech te Święta będą radosne i pełne magii
How to write Happy Hannukah in Polish (Wishing you peace and joy to you and your family this Hanukkah): Z okazji święta Chanuka dużo spokoju i radości dla Ciebie i Twojej rodziny
How to write Happy New Year in Polish (May 2020 be better than the previous year): Oby rok 2020 był lepszy od poprzedniego
Other helpful Polish holiday phrases:
| W te święta życzę Tobie i całej Twojej rodzine dużo miłości. | I wish you and your family lots of love this holiday season. |
| Wesołych Świąt i szczęśliwego Nowego Roku! | Happy holidays and a happy new year! |
| Oby te Święta upłynęły Ci w ciepłej, rodzinnej atmosferze. | I hope you will feel the pleasant family atmosphere this holiday season. |
| Wznieśmy toast za Nowy Rok! | Let’s have a toast to the new year! |
| Zdrowych i spokojnych Świąt Bożego Narodzenia przepełnionych wyjątkowym blaskiem, spędzonych w rodzinnym gronie. | Wishing you healthy and peaceful Christmas full of exceptional lights spent with family. |
| Życzenia świąteczne | Season’s greetings |
| Dużo radości | Wishing you a lot of joy |
Step 3: Sign off
| Serdeczne życzenia | Warm (hearty) wishes |
| Najlepsze życzenia | Best wishes |
| Błogosławieństw Bożych | God’s blessings |
Portuguese (Brazilian) Holiday Cards
As a predominantly Catholic country, the nativity and religious scenes take center stage at Christmastime in Brazil. Brazilians do send holiday cards, but their approach is rather relaxed. In many other parts of the world, family and friends hurry to mail cards and gifts so they can be received by December 25th, but folks in Brazil don’t sweat it. Holiday cards in Brazil trickle in well past December and into January.
Step 1: Choose a form of address
| Prezado (masculine) | Dear (formal register) |
| Prezada (feminine) | Dear (formal register) |
| Prezado(a) (neutral) | Dear (formal register) |
| Querido (masculine) | Dear (informal register) |
| Querida (feminine) | Dear (informal register) |
| Olá, <Name>! | This is a good introduction for informal wishes, because it is gender-neutral. |
Step 2: Choose a Portuguese holiday greeting
How to write Happy Holidays in Portuguese (Season’s greetings): Boas festas!
How to write Merry Christmas in Portuguese (Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!): Desejando a você um Feliz Natal e um Próspero Ano Novo!
How to write Happy Hanukkah in Portuguese (Wishing you peace and joy to your family this Hanukkah): Desejamos paz e alegria para sua família neste Hanukkah.
How to write Happy New Year in Portuguese (Happy 2020!): Feliz 2020!
Other helpful Portuguese holiday phrases:
| Boas festas e um feliz ano novo! | Happy holidays and a happy New Year! |
| Enviando nossos votos de amor e felicidade para você e sua família nesta temporada de festas. | Sending our wishes for love and happiness to you and your family this holiday season. |
| Que suas festas de fim de ano sejam repletas de momentos felizes! | May your holiday festivities be filled with happy moments! |
| Um brinde ao novo ano que chega! | A toast to the coming new year! |
| Boas festas! Que todos os seus sonhos se realizem. | Happy holidays! May all your dreams come true. |
| Desejando a você toda a alegria do mundo! | Wishing you all the joy in the world! |
| Aproveite as festas! | Enjoy the holidays! |
| Que seu Natal seja repleto de luz e felicidade! | May your Christmas be filled with light and happiness! |
| Um Feliz Natal e um Próspero Ano Novo para você e seus familiares! | A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family! |
Step 3: Sign off
| Felicidades! | Best wishes! |
| Um brinde a 2020! | A toast to 2020! |
| Feliz 2020! | Happy 2020! |
Russian Holiday Cards
Because Russians observe Christmas Day according to the Orthodox calendar, religious celebrations happen on January 7th and on January 6th with the celebration of the Christmas feast day known as Epiphany. When in Russia, brace yourself for some chilly Epiphany traditions, including a plunge into freezing water.
Russians do send greeting cards with elaborate and artistic designs to friends and family, but these are often New Year’s messages since that holiday arrives first on the Orthodox calendar.
Step 1: Choose a form of address
| Уважаемый (masculine) | Dear (formal register) |
| Уважаемая (feminine) | Dear (formal register) |
| Уважаемые (plural) | Dear (formal register) |
| Дорогой (masculine) | Dear (informal register) |
| Дорогая (feminine) | Dear (informal register) |
| Дорогие (plural) | Dear (informal register) |
Step 2: Choose a Russian holiday greeting
How to write Happy Holidays in Russian: Весёлых праздников
How to write Merry Christmas in Russian: Со светлым праздником Рождества Христового
How to write Happy Hanukkah in Russian: с ханукой
How to write Happy New Year in Russian (We wish you peace, love, and good luck for all the year): Мы желаем тебе/Вам/вам мира, любви и удачи на протяжении всего года.
Other helpful Russian holiday phrases:
| Поздравляю с Новым годом и Рождеством! | Happy New Year and Merry Christmas! |
| Прими/те наилучшие пожелания тебе/Вам/вам и твоей/Вашей/вашим семье/семьям в этот праздник. | Please accept our best wishes to you(singular informal/singular formal register/plural) and your(sing.informal/sing.formal/plur.) family/families(sing./plur.) this holiday season. |
| Здоровья, счастья и исполнения всех желаний! | I wish you health, happiness and the fulfillment of all your dreams! |
| Поднимем бокалы за наступающий новый год! | A toast to the coming new year! |
| Весёлых праздников! Пусть сбываются все мечты. | Happy holidays! May all your dreams come true. |
| Пусть этот год будет полон ярких красок, приятных впечатлений и радостных событий! | Let this year be full of bright colors, pleasant impressions and joyful events! |
| Божьего благословения! | God’s blessing! |
| Пусть ангел-хранитель защищает вас от всех зол, а в душе царит вера, мир и благодать. | Let the guardian angel protects you from all evils, and faith, peace and grace reign in the soul. |
| Поздравляем со святым Богоявлением/Крещением Господним! | Our congratulations on the holy Theophany / Baptism of the Lord! |
| Пусть Крещенская освященная водичка смоет все грехи, болезни и печали. | May the Epiphany blessed water wash away all sins, illnesses, and sorrows. |
| Поздравляем со всеми чудесными зимними праздниками! | Congratulations on all the wonderful winter holidays! |
Step 3: Sign off
| Поздравляем/Поздравляю! | Our congratulations!/My congratulations! |
| Наши наилучшие пожелания! | Our best wishes! |
| Поднимем бокалы за новый 2020-й! | A toast to 2020! |
Spanish (Latin American) Holiday Cards
Countries across Latin America have different traditions surrounding gift-giving, Christmas trees, and even a wide variety of names for Santa Claus. Most, however, share a focus on family and celebrating the religious aspects of the holiday.
Our suggestions below will help you dig deep into your Spanish repertoire to get beyond Feliz Navidad and share more meaningful phrases in your holiday cards.
Step 1: Choose a form of address
| Estimado <Name>, (masculine) | Dear <Name>, (formal register) |
| Estimada <Name>, (feminine) | Dear <Name>, (formal register) |
| Estimado/a <Name>, (neutral) | Dear <Name>, (formal register) |
| Querido <Name>, (masculine) | Dear <Name>, (informal register) |
| Querida <Name>, (feminine) | Dear <Name>, (informal register) |
| ¡Hola, <Name>! | Hello, <Name>! (gender-neutral) |
| ¡Felicidades, <Name>! | Greetings, <Name>! (gender-neutral) |
Step 2: Choose a Spanish holiday greeting
How to write Happy Holidays in Spanish: ¡Felices fiestas!
How to write Merry Christmas in Spanish (Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year): ¡Te deseo una feliz Navidad y un próspero Año Nuevo!
How to write Happy Hanukkah in Spanish: ¡Feliz Janucá!
How to write Happy New Year in Spanish: ¡Feliz 2020!
Other helpful Latin American Spanish holiday phrases:
| Te deseo lo mejor en estas fiestas y espero que las disfrutes en compañía de todos tus seres queridos. | I wish you all the best in this holiday season and I hope you enjoy them with your loved ones. |
| ¡Que lo pases muy bien en estas fechas! | May you have a good time during the holiday festivities! |
| ¡Un brindis por el año nuevo! | A toast to the coming new year! |
| ¡Les deseo paz, amor y felicidad a ti y a los tuyos en estas fiestas! | I wish joy, peace and love for you and yours these holidays. |
| ¡Felices fiestas! Que todos tus deseos se hagan realidad. | Happy holidays! May all your dreams come true. |
| ¡Que lo pases muy bien en estas fiestas! | May the holidays bring you a wonderful time! |
| ¡Que la paz y el amor reinen en tu hogar esta Janucá! | May your home be filled with peace and love this Hanukkah! |
| ¡Te deseo una Navidad feliz y alegre! | I wish you a merry and cheerful Christmas! |
| ¡Feliz Navidad y próspero Año Nuevo!
Les deseamos lo mejor a ti y a tu familia. |
A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Our best wishes to you and your family. |
Step 3: Sign off
| ¡Mis mejores deseos! | Best wishes! |
| ¡Bendiciones! | Blessings |
| ¡Un brindis por el nuevo año! | A toast to the new year! |
| ¡Feliz 2020! | Happy 2020! |
Spanish (Spain) Holiday Cards
Christmas in Spain is a busy time that extends from early December and into January for Epiphany. The Spanish embrace holiday celebrations both religious and secular from Three Kings parades to playing the Christmas lottery that the Spanish have nicknamed El Gordo, or the “big one.”
If you want to win extra points for thoughtfulness, try penning a holiday greeting in Spanish with the following seasonal phrases.
Step 1: Choose a form of address
| Estimado <Name>, (masculine) | Dear <Name>,(formal register) |
| Estimada <Name>,(feminine): | Dear <Name>,(formal register) |
| Estimado/a <Name>,(neutral): | Dear <Name>,(formal register) |
| Querido <Name>,(masculine): | Dear <Name>,(informal register) |
| Querida <Name>,(feminine): | Dear <Name>,(informal register) |
| ¡Felices fiestas, <Name>! | Happy holidays, <Name>! |
| ¡Hola, <Name>! | Hello, <Name>! |
Step 2: Choose a Spanish holiday greeting
How to write Happy Holidays in Spanish: ¡Felices fiestas!
How to write Merry Christmas in Spanish: ¡Feliz Navidad!
How to write Happy Hanukkah in Spanish: ¡Feliz Janucá!
How to write Happy New Year in Spanish: ¡Feliz 2020!
Other helpful Spanish holiday phrases:
| Te deseo lo mejor en estas fiestas y que las disfrutes en compañía de todos tus seres queridos. | I wish you all the best in this holiday season and enjoy the blessings of your loved ones. |
| ¡Que lo pases muy bien en estas fechas! | May you have a good time during the holiday festivities! |
| ¡Felices fiestas y un muy feliz Año Nuevo! | Happy holidays and a happy New Year! |
| ¡Un brindis por el año nuevo! | A toast to the coming new year! |
| ¡Os deseo paz, amor y felicidad a ti y a los tuyos en estas fechas! | I wish joy, peace and love for you and yours these holidays. |
| ¡Felices fiestas! Que todos tus deseos se hagan realidad. | Happy holidays! May all your dreams come true. |
| ¡Que lo pases muy bien en estas fiestas! | May the Christmas spirit fill your heart! |
| ¡Que la paz y el amor reinen en tu hogar esta Janucá! | May your home be filled with peace and love this Hanukkah! |
| ¡Te deseo una Navidad feliz y alegre! | I wish you a merry and cheerful Christmas! |
| ¡Feliz Navidad y próspero Año Nuevo!
Os deseamos lo mejor a ti y a tu familia. |
A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Our best wishes to you and your family. |
Step 3: Sign off
| ¡Mis mejores deseos! | Best wishes! |
| ¡Bendiciones! | Blessings! |
| ¡Un brindis por el nuevo año! | A toast to the new year! |
Swedish Holiday Cards
Sweden celebrates Christmas in much the same way as the rest of Europe with secular celebrations that emphasize familiar traditions like decorating the tree and a Christmas Eve smorgasbord called julbord. Sweden also celebrates St. Lucia Day on December 13th with the oldest daughter in the family serving her parents buns, cookies, and coffee or wine while dressed in white robes and a crown of candles.
Sending holiday cards is a seasonal custom observed by Swedes, who appreciate traditional postcards and vintage images that suggest God Jul, or good yule celebrations of old.
Step 1: Choose a form of address
| Kära <Name> | Hello <Name> (formal) |
| Hej | Hello <informal> |
| Hej <Name> | Hello <name> (informal) |
Step 2: Choose a Swedish holiday greeting
How to write Happy Holidays in Swedish: God helg
How to write Merry Christmas in Swedish: God Jul
How to write Happy Hanukkah in Swedish: Trevlig hanukkah!
How to write Happy New Year in Swedish:Gott Nytt År!
Other helpful Swedish holiday phrases:
| Vi önskar dig och din familj en riktigt god jul! | We wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas. |
| God Jul och Gott Nytt År | Merry Christmas and Happy New Year |
| Skål för det nya året! | A toast to the new year! |
| En riktigt god jul med nära och kära tillönskas er! | Wishing you a very merry Christmas with your near and dear. |
Step 3: Sign off
| Varma hälsningar | Warm wishes |
| önskar <Name> | wishing from <Name> |
| Gott Nytt 2020! | Here’s to 2020! |
Tagalog (Filipino) Holiday Cards
In the Philippines, Christmas has close ties to religious traditions and the birth of Christ. Filipino culture throws itself headfirst into celebrating Christmas as early as September, creating the longest holiday season in the world.
Filipinos also value the season as a time to be with family, which is demonstrated through many of their holiday customs, including the sending of cards. Holiday cards are often addressed to the entire family with messages of peace and love.
Step 1: Choose a form of address
| Minamahal na <Name>, | Dear (male, female, formal register) |
| Minamahal kong <Name>, | Dear (male, female, informal register) |
| Minamahal kong mga <Name>, | Dear (plural) |
Step 2: Choose a Tagalog holiday greeting
How to write Happy Holidays in Tagalog (May peace and love reign in our hearts): Nawa’y manaig ang kapayapaan at pag-ibig sa ating mga puso
How to write Merry Christmas in Tagalog: Maligayang Pasko
How to write Happy Hanukkah in Tagalog: Maligayang Hanukkah
How to write Happy New Year in Tagalog: Bagong Taon
Other helpful Tagalog holiday phrases:
| Si Hesus ang tunay na diwa ng Pasko. | Jesus is the true meaning of Christmas. |
| Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon! | Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year! |
| Nawa’y manahan Siya sa inyong pamilya ngayon at magpakailanman. | May He be with your family now and forever. |
| Kapayapaan para sa iyo at sa iyong pamilya sa Kapaskuhang ito ang tanging hiling ko sa Panginoon, at nawa’y magpatuloy pa ang kabutihan mo sa iyong kapwa. | My only wish this Christmas is peace for you and your family, and may you continue to be good to others. |
| Handa na ang hamon at keso de bola, ikaw na lang ang hinihintay na bisita! | Christmas ham and cheese are all set, we are only for you! |
| Bukod sa puto bumbong at bibingka, ang tunay na Pasko ay kapag magkakasama na ang pamilya. | Aside from purple rice cake and baked rice cake, the true essence of Christmas is families being together. |
Step 3: Sign off
| Pagmamahal at kapayapaan mula sa aming pamilya | Love and peace from our family |
| Binabati kita | Regards |
| Nagmamahal | Love |
| Sumasaiyo | Yours truly |
Turkish Holiday Cards
Turkey is known for culture clash but during the holiday season cities like Istanbul deck the halls without reservation. While 98% of the country is Muslim, Turkey is very much a secular country and you’ll find many holiday trappings you’d see in Western countries.
New Year’s is also widely celebrated across Turkey with elaborate fireworks displays and it’s this holiday as well as other religious celebrations such as Seker Bayrami at the end of Ramadan that are likely to inspire Turks to send friends and family holiday cards.
Pro grammar tip: In Turkish, you can replace the plurals at the end with singulars if it’s an informal conversation or exchange shared between two close friends or relatives.
Step 1: Choose a form of address
| Sayın <Name>, | Dear <Name>, (gender-neutral) |
| İyi tatiller <Name>, | Happy holidays <Name>, (gender-neutral) |
Step 2: Choose a Turkish holiday greeting
How to write Happy Holidays in Turkish: İyi tatiller!
How to write Merry Christmas in Turkish: Mutlu Noeller!
How to write Happy New Year in Turkish: Yeni yılınız kutlu olsun!
Other helpful Turkish holiday phrases:
| Siz ve ailenize bu tatil döneminde sevgi ve en iyi dileklerimizi gönderiyoruz. (informal) | We are sending our love and best wishes to you and your family for this holiday period. |
| Tüm dileklerinizin gerçekleşeceği bir tatil dileriz! (İnformal) | Wishing all your dreams come true in this holiday. |
| Siz ve sevdiklerinize barış, sevgi ve aydınlık günler dileriz! | We wish you and your beloved ones peace, love and enlightened days! |
| Neşeli bir tatil geçirmeniz için en iyi dileklerimizle… | All our best wishes to you for a joyful holiday… |
| Tatil kutlamaları | Season’s greetings |
| Mutluluklar! | Wishing you joy |
| Yeni Yılınızı ve Noelinizi Kutlarız! | We celebrate your New Year and Christmas! |
| Hanuka bayramında siz ve ailenize neşe ve barış dileriz. | We wish you and your family peace and joy for Hanukkah. |
Step 3: Sign off
| En iyi dileklerimizle | Warm wishes / best wishes / blessings |
Vietnamese Holiday Cards
Like other Asian countries, Christmas takes a backseat to New Year’s celebrations in Vietnam. While you might hear a few Christmas carols or see some Santa hats on the street, it’s not a major celebration.
Instead, the Vietnamese invest their energy in what they consider the most important celebration of the year—Tết or the Vietnamese lunar new year. Handmade cards or those with elaborate calligraphy demonstrate the value Vietnamese culture puts on these New Year’s celebration.
Step 1: Choose a form of address
| Kính gửi Anh <Name> | Dear <Name> (formal register, sent to someone who is a man of the same generation but a bit older than you.) |
| Kính gửi Chị <Name> | Dear <Name> (formal register, sent to someone who is a woman of the same generation but a bit older than you.) |
| Kính gửi Cô <Name> | Dear <Name> (formal register, sent to someone who is a woman, older than you but younger than your parents.) |
| Kính gửi Chú <Name> | Dear <Name> (formal register, sent to someone who is a man, older than you but younger than your parents.) |
| Kính gửi Bác <Name> | Dear <Name> (formal register, sent to someone who is a man or a woman, older than your parents but younger than your grandparents.) |
| Kính gửi Ông <Name> | Dear <Name> (formal register, sent to someone who is a man of the same age as your grandpa. You can also use this phrase with a male client/customer regardless of their age) |
| Kính gửi Bà <Name> | Dear <Name> (formal register, sent to someone who is a woman of the same age as your grandma. You can also use this phrase with a female client/customer regardless of their age) |
| Thân gửi <Name> | Dear <Name> (Informal register, usually used to send to someone of the same generation. In case the recipient is someone who is older than you, please use pronoun “anh/chị/cô/chú/bác” as stated above and add it before <Name>) |
Step 2: Choose a Vietnamese holiday greeting
How to write Merry Christmas in Vietnamese: Giáng sinh an lành
How to write Happy New Year in Vietnamese: Chúc mừng năm mới!
Other helpful Vietnamese holiday phrases:
| Chúc bạn một mùa Giáng Sinh an lành, một năm mới nhiều may mắn, một mùa đông thật ấm áp bên gia đình và người thương yêu. | Wish you a merry Christmas, a lucky new year, a warm winter with your family and loved ones. |
| Chúc bạn Giáng Sinh an lành và ấm áp, cũng như một năm mới an khang, thịnh vượng! | Wish you a merry and warm Christmas, as well as a happy and prosperous new year! |
| Chúc bạn những điều tốt đẹp nhất nhân dịp xuân Canh Tý! | Best wishes for the Year of the Mouse! |
| Chúc bạn và gia đình năm mới an khang, thịnh vượng, vạn sự như ý! | Wish you and your family good health and prosperity in this new year, a myriad things go according. |
| Chúc bạn năm mới tấn tài tấn lộc! | Wish you a wealthy new year! |
| Cung hỷ phát tài. | Congratulations and be prosperous. |
| Chúc bạn ăn tết vui vẻ. | Wish you a happy Lunar New Year holiday. |
| Cung chúc Tân xuân. Năm mới phát tài. Mừng xuân Canh Tý! | Cheers to the New Spring. New Year comes With prosperity. Happy the Year of the Mouse! |
Step 3: Sign off
| Thân ái, | Best wishes, (informal) |
| Trân trọng, | With Regards, (formal) |
Ready to go beyond copy-pasting?
