No, Your Last Name Doesn’t Need an Apostrophe When You Sign Your Christmas Card

'Tis the season to deck the halls, exchange heartfelt greetings, and embrace the joy of holiday traditions! As you gather with loved ones, one cherished tradition that stands the test of time is the sending of Christmas cards. 

A timeless expression of love and cheer, mailing a holiday card allows you to connect with family and friends near and far. However, amidst the glittering ornaments and festive cheer, it's essential not to overlook a crucial element — the proper use of grammar. Particularly, that sneaky little guy called the apostrophe. 

Time and time again, we see folks adding an apostrophe when signing their last name to their card. And we get it — apostrophes are tricky! Let’s walk through exactly how to properly sign your last name on your Christmas card.

Featured Christmas Card: Winter Beauty

Do I Add An Apostrophe to Our Last Name on Our Christmas Card?

The short answer: No. 

The right way: The Smiths 

The wrong way: The Smith’s 

Why? Because apostrophes indicate possession for words or names that do not already end in "s." By avoiding the addition of an apostrophe, you maintain the integrity of your last name and ensure that your holiday wishes are grammatically sound. 

Apostrophes in Last Names: Special Rules

Of course, every simple rule has a few caveats. If you’re name ends in certain letters, you’ll want to make some adjustments. But - the rule still holds true. No apostrophes. Ever.

When to Add a "es" to Your Last Name

If your last name ends with “s”, x, z, ch, sh”, add an “es” to the end of it. Here are some examples: 

The Joneses

The Felixes 

Hernandezes 

The Hutches 

The Cornishes

What About a Last Name with a "y" At The End?

If your last name starts with a “y”, your gut may tell you to drop the “y” and add an “ies”. Don’t do it though. All you need to do is add an “s”! For example: 

The Finleys

Other Ways to Sign Your Christmas Card

If the apostrophe rules are making you question your sanity, there’s an easy fix. Simply adjust the way you sign your Christmas card completely, and avoid making a mistake. Here are a few of our favorite alternative ways to sign a Christmas card: 

with love, 

The Jones Family 

with love, 

John, Katherine and family 

with love, 

John, Katherine, Henry, Margaret and Harper 

Related: 29 Ways to Send a Christmas Card