How to Write a Year in Review Holiday Card (That Everyone Will Actually Want to Read!)

If you’ve ever opened a holiday card and found a joyful, quirky, or downright hilarious recap of a friend’s year inside—you know the power of the Year in Review letter. It’s part update, part scrapbook, part comedy special—and it just might be your new favorite holiday tradition.

A year in review letter gives you the chance to share the highs, lows, and laugh-out-loud moments of the past twelve months. Whether your family added a new baby, sent your last kid off to college, or finally built that backyard shed, this letter is your space to tell your story.

Let’s dive into what to say in a Year in Review card, how to make it feel genuine and fun (not braggy or boring!), and give you ideas and real-life examples you can use.

Wait. What's a Year-in-Review Card?

A Year in Review card is a holiday card with a little extra sparkle. Sure, it might include a cute photo or two, but the star of the show is your family's story. It's your end-of-year highlight reel—packed with milestones, memories, and meaningful moments.

Creating one isn’t just about sharing—it’s about preserving. Think of it as a mini time capsule your family will look forward to creating (and reading!) year after year.

Featured Card: Full of Photos

Why Writing a Year in Review Letter Is Actually Fun

Here’s the thing—writing a year in review card shouldn’t feel like a chore. In fact, once you get into it, it’s kind of addicting. Why?

• It’s a chance to reflect on how much has happened.
  
  
• It turns ordinary moments into cherished memories.
  
  
• It lets you be funny, creative, and a little sentimental.
  
  
• It becomes a tradition your kids will look forward to.
  
  
• It’s a gift for the people you love—and for your future self!

So, grab a cup of cocoa, scroll through your camera roll, and start jotting down the memories that made your year what it was: wonderful, wild, and uniquely yours.

Types of Year of Review Cards to Match Your Vibe

Before you put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), decide how you want to deliver your update. The card you choose can help guide your writing style:

Trifold Cards

Seal & Send Cards

Clever, affordable, and zero envelopes required. Seal and Sends are perfect if you want to keep things simple while still making a stylish impression.

Classic Flat Cards

If you’re going for timeless, you can’t go wrong here. Flat cards give you space for a beautiful family photo on one side and a short, sweet update on the other.

What to Say in a Year in Review Holiday Letter

Not sure how to start? Don’t overthink it. You’re not writing a novel—you’re sharing your story.

You can take the letter-style approach or go for quick, punchy blurbs. The trick is to write like you talk. Keep it personal, lighthearted, and totally you.

Here are two sample letters you can borrow from or tweak to fit your crew:

Example: Year in Review Letter from a Family with Young Kids

The Johnson Family’s 2025 Recap

What a year! We kicked off January potty training, and we’re proud to say Emma (3) finally won that battle—though we’re not sure who celebrated more: her or us.

Liam (6) started kindergarten, lost his first tooth, and discovered his love for bugs. Our living room is now home to several (semi-contained) caterpillars.

Mom (Rachel) ran her first 5K (in the rain!) and Dad (Mike) tried home brewing. The kitchen may still smell like hops.

We also squeezed in a beach vacation, lots of playground visits, and countless bedtime stories. Life is messy and loud—but so good.

Until next year,
The Johnsons

Example: Year in Review Letter from Empty Nesters or Older Families

The Miller Family Year in Review

Our nest may be a little quieter these days, but 2025 was still full of life!

Erin graduated from college and is now teaching third grade in Denver (and loving it!). Jake started grad school and adopted a dog named Beans—who is as chaotic as he is cute.

We celebrated 30 years of marriage with a trip to Italy, ate way too much pasta, and came home with more photos than souvenirs.

This year brought its share of change, but also so many moments to be grateful for.

Short Snippet Ideas (Perfect for Trifold Cards)

Want to keep it quick and quirky? Use short blurbs or snippets to give mini updates for each family member or moment. Aim for 8–15 words per snippet—just enough to get a laugh or a smile.

For Young Kids:

• Emma (2): Mastered the art of tantrums and puzzles.
  
  
• Noah (5): Started kindergarten and now refuses to eat anything but waffles.
  
  

For Teens:

• Ella (16): Got her license. Stay off the sidewalks!
  
  
• James (13): Grew 6 inches and still won’t put his laundry away.
  
  

For Parents:

• Mom: Took up yoga. Can now almost touch her toes.
  
  
• Dad: Finally finished the shed. Immediately started another project.
  
  

For Pets:

• Bella (dog): Ate a sock. Lived to tell the tale.
  
  
• Whiskers (cat): Remained unimpressed by literally everything.
  
  

For the Whole Family:

• Went camping! Survived without Wi-Fi (barely).
  
  
• Learned that sourdough starter is harder than it looks.
  
  
• Laughed a lot, loved even more.

Featured Card: Favorite Year

Headline Ideas to Kick Off Your Letter

Want to start strong? Add a headline at the top of your letter or card that sets the tone. Here are a few to try:

• What a Year!
  
  

• 2025: The Good, the Wild, and the Hilarious
  
  

• The Smith Family Year in Review
  
  

• Our 2025 Recap
  
  

• Mostly Thriving (Sometimes Just Surviving)
  
  

• Holiday Highlights from the Hendersons
  
  
• Cheers to Another Year!

Ending Ideas: How to Sign Off Your Letter

Your Christmas letter closing should feel just as warm as the rest of your letter. Here are a few easy, heartfelt options:

• With love and laughter,
  
  
• Cheers to next year,
  
  
• Until next time,
  
  
• Warm wishes,
  
  
• Gratefully yours,
  
  
• From our (slightly messy) home to yours,
  
  
• Merry everything,
  
  
• Here’s to 2026!

Ready to Write Your Letter?

Whether you go long and heartfelt or short and cheeky, writing a year in review holiday letter is one of the most meaningful (and fun!) traditions you can start. It’s a way to pause, reflect, and connect—with loved ones and with yourself.

So this year, grab your favorite card, tell your story, and make someone smile. Because no matter what your year looked like, it’s yours—and that’s worth sharing.