What to Say on Christmas Cards after Big Life Events

Sometimes it's tough to figure out just what to say in Christmas cards after some of life's big events. Whether it's a happy occasion or a sad one, sometimes you just don't have the words… but we can help!

Here are some wording examples you can use verbatim or you can tweak to say exactly what you want. Who knows? Maybe they'll inspire you to write something 100% unique. Whatever you do, our goal is to help you enjoy writing your Christmas cards this year no matter what life has thrown at you.

Featured Christmas card: Holiday Snaps

Writing About the Happy Stuff in Your Christmas Card

The holiday season is a time for joy! Sharing happy milestones and cheerful updates on your Christmas card is lots of fun.

A New Baby!

Here are three examples of what to say in your Christmas card about your new baby:

Santa came early this year! We welcomed our baby girl, Lydia Jane, into our hearts and home on November 30.

This holiday season, we got the BEST GIFT EVER! Her name is Gloria Braylin and she is just a bundle of love. She weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces and was 21 inches long.

Our tiny blessing, Robert Zachariah, was born on December 12. He weighed 8lbs, 15oz and measured 20in long. We couldn't have received a more precious gift this holiday season.

All is not calm, but all is bright with this beautiful baby boy lighting up our lives! We are so excited to announce Myles Brandon, the newest addition to our happy little family.

Featured Christmas card: All We Want

Love & Marriage

Your first Christmas together means your first holiday card as newlyweds! Such an exciting time and it deserves a special mention in your holiday cards.

This is our first Christmas as husband and wife, so we are having a VERY MARRIED Christmas! We got married on June 17, we honeymooned in Mexico in late August and it was so much fun. Some of the highlights included snorkeling with manatees, a catamaran ride and lots of drinks on the beach!

We're sending holiday wishes from the Mr. & Mrs.! Our wedding was on a beautiful day in April surrounded by loved ones. It was absolutely wonderful and we've been enjoying newlywed life very much. We spent a lot of time at his family's cabin over the summer and we've spent the fall doing some much-needed projects around the home. We've gotten some skiing in this winter and even a little snowshoeing.

Featured Christmas card: First Christmas – Mr. & Mr.

A Graduation and New Journeys

Here are some great wording options for mentioning graduation in your Christmas cards but remember to find the right style of card for your family…

Our oldest daughter, Kelly, graduated from high school in the spring and just completed her first semester at the University of Minnesota, Duluth. She's taking general education courses this year in hopes to figure out what she wants to major in by her sophomore year. Her favorite class so far was astronomy because they let the students use the observatory, which she loved!

Marcus just graduated from Penn State this December! He's still living in Pennsylvania and working as a bartender while he applies for various jobs throughout the state. He really likes it out there and although we're sad we won't be seeing him more often, we are very excited for him to start this new chapter.

Moving into a New House (or New City or State!)

If you moved, be sure to mention it! And, be sure to include your new address so your friends and family can send Christmas cards your way.

We moved! Where were you? We could have used your help…just kidding! Our new address is:
19 W. Poppy Street
Flamingo, FL
24023

As of June 12, we are now Texans! Well, officially we're Texans, but at heart we're still Minnesotans. We miss all of you very much and we really hope you can come visit us in our new home. Our new address is:
392 Cochise Circle
Dripping Springs, TX
64302

Featured Christmas card: Home Sweet New Home

If You Had a Career Change

Job change? Give yourself props on your Christmas card! Here some examples of what to say on your card:

I'm very happy to share that I recently accepted a position at Sunshine Ceramics! I had been looking for a change, and a good friend recommended that I apply to her company. I've been working there for just over two months and I've really enjoyed learning a new role and taking on new responsibilities. Plus, no more 45-minute commute since it's a local business!

Life has been filled with surprises this year! Back in the spring, I was offered a managerial position at work. I was hesitant to take the offer since managing employees is a big commitment but I'm happy to say I accepted and it's been going really well!

The Not-so-Happy Stuff

Life isn’t always cheerful, and some years, you may find yourself wanting to share tough news on your Christmas card.

A Job Loss

If you lost your job and want to mention it on your holiday card, here’s a nice example:

I hope the holidays are being good to you and your loved ones. Every year has its ups and downs but I experienced a tough change this fall. I was let go of my job after 21 years with the company. The company hasn't been doing well for a few years and they were forced to lay off quite a few employees. I have since found another job and am getting familiar with all the new responsibilities. It's going well but I think it will take a few years for me to get comfortable in my new role. Thank you for all the kinds words of encouragement over the last year. They mean so much to me!

A Divorce or Separation

If you want to use your Christmas card to mention your recent divorce or separation, here’s an example:

This may come as a surprise but after careful thought and consideration, Gary and I have decided to separate. We know this is upsetting to many and please know that the decision was not easy. I know this is sad news for a Christmas card, I know, but we want to be as open and honest about this change as possible and we would really appreciate your kindness and support as we go through this. The kids are doing well and we’re keeping our focus on them and our family unit!

Featured Christmas card: Simply Merry

Illness or an Injury

Speaking about injury or illness might be a part of your life update. Here are a few examples, depending on the situation:

We had quite the scare this summer when Larry fell off the ladder while shingling the house and broke his femur. Surgery involved inserting a rod into the bone with screws above and below to hold it into place. As you can imagine, recovery was lengthy. Larry is just now starting to feel back to his old self. We are so thankful for family and friends during this entire process. You have all been so wonderful!

We have always loved the holidays because they are a time of such joy and celebration, however our holiday season started out with some unfortunate news we'd like to share with you. Carol was diagnosed with breast cancer in October of this year. We've been traveling back and forth to Mayo Hospital in Rochester for doctor's visits and treatment options. She has started treatment and we are hopeful for an excellent outcome. We would very much appreciate your thoughts and prayers as we take this journey!

A Death in Your Family

Losing a family member is a heartbreaking part of life. If you want to speak to the death of a family member on your Christmas card, here are a couple examples of way to word this hard news:

This year has been a tough year. My brother, Harry, passed away on November 1, after a brief illness. Our family misses him greatly. If we have one piece of advice to give this holiday, it’s to hold your loved ones close this Christmas. Merry Christmas to you all. We love you all very much!

At Pear Tree, we believe in heartfelt communication, whatever that may entail. We hope these wording suggestions help you recognize all of life's big events in a way that inspires true connection with family and friends.

Sending you wishes for a happy and heartfelt holiday season!