Yak Yacker
Holiday greetings • Texts • Cards • Work emails
Goal: say the right thing at the right time. Inclusive, Christmas-specific, professional, funny, and everything in between.
In English, people often use Happy Holidays when they want to include everyone (not everyone celebrates Christmas). If you know someone celebrates Christmas, Merry Christmas is totally normal.
Below you get 110+ ready-to-use phrases, grouped by situation. Copy. Paste. Be charming. Or at least be polite.
Yak Snark: If you panic and send “Happy Merry Christmas Holidays,” you will not be arrested. But someone will definitely screenshot it.
Quick Visual Cards
These are the “safe and useful” greetings you can use almost anywhere.
Inclusive
Happy Holidays!
A friendly greeting for the whole season.
For example: Happy Holidays! Hope you get some good rest.
Classic
Merry Christmas!
Christmas greeting (Dec 25 season).
For example: Merry Christmas! Enjoy the time with your family.
Neutral
Season’s Greetings!
A slightly formal, traditional option.
For example: Season’s Greetings! Wishing you a wonderful season.
New Year
Happy New Year!
Used around Jan 1 (and often late December too).
For example: Happy New Year! Hope 2026 is kind to you.
Warm
Wishing you joy and peace.
A kind, meaningful wish.
For example: Wishing you joy and peace this holiday season.
Short
Warm wishes!
Simple and friendly.
For example: Warm wishes to you and your loved ones!
Work-safe
Best wishes for the season.
Polite and professional.
For example: Best wishes for the season, and thank you for your support.
Casual
Have a great break!
Nice when people have time off from work or school.
For example: Have a great break! See you in the new year.
Table of Holiday Greetings (110+)
Each phrase includes a simple meaning and an example you can actually use.
| Phrase | When to use it | Example sentence | Hear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inclusive and All-Purpose (use when you are not sure what someone celebrates) | |||
| Happy Holidays! | Friendly and inclusive for the season. | For example: Happy Holidays! Hope you get to relax. | |
| Season’s Greetings! | Traditional and slightly formal. | For example: Season’s Greetings to you and your family. | |
| Happy holiday season! | Warm and inclusive. | For example: Happy holiday season! Thank you for everything this year. | |
| Warm wishes for the holidays. | Kind and polite. | For example: Warm wishes for the holidays and the new year. | |
| Wishing you a joyful holiday season. | A bit more heartfelt. | For example: Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a calm start to January. | |
| Wishing you peace and joy. | Short and meaningful. | For example: Wishing you peace and joy this season. | |
| Wishing you comfort and cheer. | Warm, cozy vibe. | For example: Wishing you comfort and cheer during the holidays. | |
| All the best this season. | Simple and safe. | For example: All the best this season, and thank you again. | |
| Best wishes for the season. | A classic work-safe line. | For example: Best wishes for the season and a great year ahead. | |
| Sending you warm holiday wishes. | Friendly for messages and cards. | For example: Sending you warm holiday wishes from all of us. | |
| Enjoy the holidays! | Casual and upbeat. | For example: Enjoy the holidays! You earned it. | |
| Have a wonderful holiday. | Good for one-on-one messages. | For example: Have a wonderful holiday and safe travels. | |
| Have a relaxing holiday. | Great when someone is tired. | For example: Have a relaxing holiday. You have been working so hard. | |
| Enjoy some well deserved rest. | Supportive and kind. | For example: Enjoy some well deserved rest over the holidays. | |
| Hope your holidays are merry and bright. | Festive without being specific. | For example: Hope your holidays are merry and bright this year. | |
| Wishing you a season of gratitude. | Thoughtful and calm. | For example: Wishing you a season of gratitude and good moments. | |
| Christmas-Specific (use when you know they celebrate Christmas) | |||
| Merry Christmas! | The classic Christmas greeting. | For example: Merry Christmas! Hope you have a lovely day. | |
| Happy Christmas! (common in UK and Ireland) | Same meaning, different preference. | For example: Happy Christmas! Sending warm wishes to you all. | |
| Wishing you a Merry Christmas. | Polite and a bit formal. | For example: Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a peaceful week. | |
| Have a wonderful Christmas. | Warm and simple. | For example: Have a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones. | |
| Have a peaceful Christmas. | Nice for a calmer tone. | For example: Have a peaceful Christmas and take good care. | |
| Wishing you a Christmas full of joy. | Cheerful and heartfelt. | For example: Wishing you a Christmas full of joy and laughter. | |
| Merry Christmas to you and yours. | Classic for cards. | For example: Merry Christmas to you and yours from our family. | |
| Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! | Two greetings together. | For example: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! See you soon. | |
| Enjoy Christmas Day. | Short and friendly. | For example: Enjoy Christmas Day and eat something amazing. | |
| Have a cozy Christmas. | Cute and modern. | For example: Have a cozy Christmas with movies and hot chocolate. | |
| Wishing you Christmas magic. | Playful and festive. | For example: Wishing you Christmas magic and lots of good food. | |
| May your Christmas be merry and bright. | Traditional holiday vibe. | For example: May your Christmas be merry and bright this year. | |
| Wishing you love, joy, and a Merry Christmas. | Card-friendly and warm. | For example: Wishing you love, joy, and a Merry Christmas. | |
| Merry Christmas from our family to yours. | Classic family greeting. | For example: Merry Christmas from our family to yours. Stay warm! | |
| Short Text Messages (fast, easy, no overthinking) | |||
| Happy holidays! | Quick and inclusive. | For example: Happy holidays! Hope you are doing great. | |
| Merry Christmas! | Quick Christmas greeting. | For example: Merry Christmas! Enjoy your day. | |
| Season’s greetings! | Short and classic. | For example: Season’s greetings! Sending warm wishes. | |
| Warm wishes! | Friendly and simple. | For example: Warm wishes! Talk soon. | |
| Have a great holiday! | Casual, upbeat. | For example: Have a great holiday! You deserve it. | |
| Enjoy the break! | Perfect for time off. | For example: Enjoy the break! See you next week. | |
| Sending holiday cheer. | Festive but not too serious. | For example: Sending holiday cheer your way. | |
| Happy New Year! | New Year greeting. | For example: Happy New Year! Let us catch up soon. | |
| Cheers to the new year. | Friendly toast-style line. | For example: Cheers to the new year. Wishing you good things. | |
| Hope you have a good one. | Very casual. | For example: Hope you have a good one and stay safe. | |
| Friends and Family (warm, personal, still easy) | |||
| Wishing you a holiday full of good food. | Fun and relatable. | For example: Wishing you a holiday full of good food and better naps. | |
| Hope you get time to relax. | Supportive and kind. | For example: Hope you get time to relax and do what you love. | |
| Wishing you cozy days and warm nights. | Cute and seasonal. | For example: Wishing you cozy days and warm nights this season. | |
| May your home be full of laughter. | Sweet and family-focused. | For example: May your home be full of laughter and good company. | |
| Sending love to you all. | Great for group chats. | For example: Sending love to you all. Happy holidays! | |
| Thinking of you this season. | Warm, especially from far away. | For example: Thinking of you this season. Hope you are well. | |
| Wishing you quality time with loved ones. | A sincere wish. | For example: Wishing you quality time with loved ones and good memories. | |
| Hope you make great memories. | Friendly and upbeat. | For example: Hope you make great memories this holiday season. | |
| Wishing you a little extra magic. | Playful and sweet. | For example: Wishing you a little extra magic this year. | |
| Hope the season treats you well. | Warm but not too emotional. | For example: Hope the season treats you well and brings good news. | |
| Wishing you good health. | Thoughtful and universal. | For example: Wishing you good health and peace in the new year. | |
| Safe travels! | Use when someone is traveling. | For example: Safe travels! Let me know when you arrive. | |
| Romantic (sweet without being too dramatic) | |||
| Happy holidays, my love. | Warm and romantic. | For example: Happy holidays, my love. I cannot wait to see you. | |
| You are my favorite part of the season. | Cute and personal. | For example: You are my favorite part of the season, always. | |
| Merry Christmas, my love. | Christmas + romantic. | For example: Merry Christmas, my love. Thank you for being you. | |
| Being with you is the best gift. | Classic romantic line. | For example: Being with you is the best gift I could ask for. | |
| Thank you for making this year better. | Sweet and grateful. | For example: Thank you for making this year better. Happy holidays. | |
| Wishing us a cozy holiday together. | For couples spending time together. | For example: Wishing us a cozy holiday together with good movies. | |
| I love you more every season. | Romantic and calm. | For example: I love you more every season. Happy holidays. | |
| Here is to more adventures together. | Future-looking and positive. | For example: Here is to more adventures together in the new year. | |
| You make everything feel festive. | Playful compliment. | For example: You make everything feel festive, even Monday. | |
| Wishing you warm hugs and sweet moments. | Soft and affectionate. | For example: Wishing you warm hugs and sweet moments this season. | |
| Professional (boss, colleagues, clients) | |||
| Happy Holidays. Thank you for your support this year. | Work email classic. | For example: Happy Holidays. Thank you for your support this year. | |
| Wishing you a restful holiday season. | Professional + kind. | For example: Wishing you a restful holiday season and a great start to January. | |
| Best wishes for the holidays and the year ahead. | Polished and common. | For example: Best wishes for the holidays and the year ahead. | |
| Warm wishes from our team. | Good for company messages. | For example: Warm wishes from our team. We appreciate working with you. | |
| Thank you for a great year of collaboration. | Professional gratitude. | For example: Thank you for a great year of collaboration. Happy holidays. | |
| Wishing you continued success in the new year. | Client-friendly. | For example: Wishing you continued success in the new year. | |
| Enjoy a well deserved break. | Great for colleagues. | For example: Enjoy a well deserved break. You have earned it. | |
| Wishing you a smooth close to the year. | Work vibe, very real. | For example: Wishing you a smooth close to the year and a calm January. | |
| Thank you for your partnership. | Great for clients. | For example: Thank you for your partnership. Happy holidays to you and your team. | |
| Looking forward to working together next year. | Positive and professional. | For example: Looking forward to working together next year. Happy holidays. | |
| Wishing you and your family all the best. | Warm but still professional. | For example: Wishing you and your family all the best this season. | |
| Season’s greetings and sincere thanks. | Formal card or email closing. | For example: Season’s greetings and sincere thanks for your continued support. | |
| Teachers and Students (school-friendly) | |||
| Happy holidays to you and your family. | Friendly and polite. | For example: Happy holidays to you and your family. Thank you for your help. | |
| Thank you for a great semester. | Perfect for students to teachers. | For example: Thank you for a great semester. Happy holidays. | |
| Enjoy your winter break. | Common in schools. | For example: Enjoy your winter break and come back refreshed. | |
| Wishing you a joyful break. | Warm and simple. | For example: Wishing you a joyful break and a happy new year. | |
| Thank you for your hard work this year. | Great for teachers to students. | For example: Thank you for your hard work this year. Enjoy the holidays. | |
| Have a safe and happy holiday. | School-safe and caring. | For example: Have a safe and happy holiday. See you next term. | |
| Rest up and recharge. | Encouraging, modern. | For example: Rest up and recharge. You did great. | |
| See you in the new year. | Common goodbye line. | For example: See you in the new year. Enjoy your break. | |
| Funny and Light (friendly humor, not chaos) | |||
| May your holidays be low stress. | Relatable joke-wish. | For example: May your holidays be low stress and high snack. | |
| Wishing you snacks and naps. | Silly but cute. | For example: Wishing you snacks and naps this holiday season. | |
| Hope your inbox is quiet. | Work humor. | For example: Hope your inbox is quiet and your coffee is strong. | |
| Eat, rest, repeat. | Casual holiday vibe. | For example: Eat, rest, repeat. Happy holidays! | |
| Wishing you zero awkward small talk. | Introvert-friendly joke. | For example: Wishing you zero awkward small talk and maximum dessert. | |
| May your travel be on time. | Modern holiday wish. | For example: May your travel be on time and your luggage arrive too. | |
| Hope the weather behaves. | Light and funny. | For example: Hope the weather behaves for your plans. | |
| Wishing you batteries included energy. | Silly “recharge” joke. | For example: Wishing you batteries included energy all season. | |
| Responses (what to say when someone greets you) | |||
| Happy holidays to you too! | Friendly reply. | For example: Happy holidays to you too! Thanks for the message. | |
| You too! | Super casual reply. | For example: You too! Enjoy the break. | |
| Same to you! | Another casual reply. | For example: Same to you! Have a great holiday. | |
| Thank you! Happy holidays. | Polite and easy. | For example: Thank you! Happy holidays to you and your family. | |
| Thank you! Merry Christmas. | Reply when Christmas-specific. | For example: Thank you! Merry Christmas to you too. | |
| Thanks, you as well. | Slightly more formal. | For example: Thanks, you as well. Wishing you a great new year. | |
| Appreciate it. Same to you. | Warm and natural. | For example: Appreciate it. Same to you and your loved ones. | |
| Follow-up Small Talk (one line after the greeting) | |||
| Any fun plans for the holidays? | Friendly question (casual). | For example: Happy holidays! Any fun plans for the holidays? | |
| Are you traveling anywhere? | Common small talk. | For example: Are you traveling anywhere for the holidays? | |
| Do you get time off? | Work-friendly question. | For example: Do you get time off at the end of the year? | |
| Hope you get some rest. | Supportive follow-up. | For example: Happy holidays. Hope you get some rest. | |
| Stay warm and safe. | Common winter wish. | For example: Stay warm and safe. Talk soon. | |
| Enjoy the food. | Simple and friendly. | For example: Enjoy the food and the good company. | |
| Give my best to your family. | Warm when you know them well. | For example: Give my best to your family. Happy holidays. | |
| Card and Email Closings (sign-offs) | |||
| With warm wishes, | Classic closing line. | For example: With warm wishes, Alex | |
| Warmly, | Short, friendly closing. | For example: Warmly, Alex | |
| Best wishes, | Professional and common. | For example: Best wishes, Alex | |
| All the best, | Casual but polite. | For example: All the best, Alex | |
| Kind regards, | More formal email closing. | For example: Kind regards, Alex | |
| Sincerely, | Formal and safe. | For example: Sincerely, Alex | |
| Cheers, | Friendly, common in many places. | For example: Cheers, Alex | |
| Happy holidays, | Use as a closing line. | For example: Happy holidays, Alex | |
| Season’s greetings, | Traditional closing. | For example: Season’s greetings, Alex | |
| Merry Christmas, | Christmas-specific closing. | For example: Merry Christmas, Alex | |
| Happy New Year, | New Year closing. | For example: Happy New Year, Alex | |
Yak Snark: If you are unsure, “Happy Holidays” is the social equivalent of a seatbelt. Not fancy. Very useful.
Optional Variants Table (small but useful)
A few common differences you will see in English-speaking countries.
| Variant A | Variant B | What to know | Hear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merry Christmas | Happy Christmas | Same meaning. “Happy Christmas” is more common in the UK and Ireland. | |
| Happy Holidays | Season’s Greetings | Both are inclusive. “Season’s Greetings” feels more traditional and formal. | |
| Happy holiday season | Happy holidays | Both work. “Happy holidays” is shorter and more common in casual messages. | |
| Happy New Year | Wishing you a great year ahead | Second option feels more personal and less “calendar-only.” |