200+ ways to wish a happy holidays & merry Christmas in English

November 08, 2023

Author

Karolina Assi

Editor

Berlitz China

I’m an introvert. And as for any incredibly introverted person, the holiday season is a challenging time for me. Having to call my friends and family to wish them a Merry Christmas and send out emails to my clients, bosses, and colleagues wishing them a Happy Holiday is something that doesn’t come easily to me.

If you’re an introvert yourself, you likely get me! But if you’re an extrovert, you might be wondering what’s so hard about wishing someone a Happy Holiday. Well, the truth is I never know what to say.

I want my wishes to sound polite, kind, loving, and culturally appropriate. And even though I’m a writer, sometimes finding the right words for holiday wishes applicable to the situation, my relationship with the person, and their culture or religious beliefs is a bit tricky.

So, in this article, I’ve gathered over 200 happy holiday wishes and quotes you can use in your emails, Whatsapp messages, and phone calls. This article is as much dedicated to you - the English learner, you - the introvert, and me - the writer who will reread this every December from now on.

How to wish someone a Happy Holidays
Wholehearted Happy Holiday wishes for your partner in life
Sincere Happy Holiday wishes for friends and family
Professional Happy Holiday wishes for business clients, colleagues & employees
Warm Happy Holiday wishes for students and teachers
- For your teachers
- For your students
All the ways to say Merry Christmas in English
Useful Happy Holiday quotes
How to write a memorable and perfectly-worded Happy Holidays message

How to wish someone a Happy Holidays

The holiday season makes us picture beautiful white snow falling gracefully outside our windows, a warm fireplace, a heartwarming Christmas movie on TV, and a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows.

Learn how to wish someone a Happy Holidays in English.

Such a cozy image of Christmas makes over 2 billion people in more than 160 countries on the planet who celebrate it every year eagerly wait for December to come.

And yet, not everyone on the planet celebrates Christmas. In December, many people celebrate other important holidays, like Hannukah or Kwanzaa. And that makes many of us stop in our tracks before writing out an email with Holiday wishes to our coworkers and bite our tongues before sending a Merry Christmas GIF to all our Whatsapp contacts.

Although 90% of Americans say they celebrate Christmas, there are those who don’t. And it’s important for us to consider their religious and cultural celebrations in our wishes.

This is why you may have already noticed a change in the yearly wishes you get from other people around Christmas time. Many choose the switch from the Christmas-oriented “Merry Christmas” to a more inclusive “Happy Holidays.”

So, how do you formulate your holiday wishes without sounding insensitive to someone’s culture or religious beliefs? How do you formulate holiday wishes appropriate to the situation and your relationship with the person you’re sending them to?

Below, you’ll find a list of happy holiday wishes you can use for your romantic partner, family, friends, coworkers, teachers, students, and more.

Wholehearted Happy Holiday wishes for your partner in life

The holiday season is possibly the most romantic time of the year and a perfect opportunity to express your deep love for your partner. Regardless of whether your partner celebrates Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, they’ll appreciate the sincere wishes that come from your heart and the depth of your love for them.

Wholehearted Happy Holiday wishes for your partner in English.

Here are 30 examples of romantic holiday wishes for your significant other.

Wishing the merriest of holidays to the love of my life. May our days be filled with joy and our hearts with love.
In your arms, every holiday feels magical. Cheers to many more wonderful moments together!
Spending this holiday season with you is the best gift I could ever ask for. Happy holidays, my love.
With you by my side, every day is a celebration. Happy holidays, my dear.
This season, I'm grateful for the warmth of your love that lights up my life. Merry Christmas, my love.
May our holiday be as bright as the twinkle in your eyes and as warm as the love in your heart.
Wishing you a holiday filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable moments. You're my everything.
Snowflakes are beautiful, but your love makes every moment truly enchanting. Happy holidays, my sweetheart.
Here's to cuddles by the fire and sweet moments under the mistletoe. Happy holidays, my love!
You're the reason for my holiday cheer, the love that warms my heart, and the joy in every moment. Happy holidays, my darling.
As the snow falls, I'm reminded of the beauty and joy you bring to my life. Happy holidays, my love.
Every holiday is special with you, my love. Cheers to creating more beautiful memories together.
In your embrace, the world feels perfect. Here's to a holiday season as wonderful as our love.
May the spirit of the holidays fill our hearts with even more love and joy. Happy holidays, my dearest.
Wishing my incredible partner a holiday season that's as extraordinary as you are.
With you, every moment feels like a holiday. Here's to celebrating our love this festive season.
Your love is the best gift I could ever receive. May this holiday be as bright as our future together.
As we celebrate this holiday, know that my love for you grows stronger with each passing day.
Sending you all my love and warm wishes this holiday season. You're my greatest joy.
In your arms, I've found my forever holiday destination. Happy festivities, my love!
This holiday, I'm thankful for the love that makes every day a celebration. Cheers to us!
You're the star on my holiday tree, the melody in my seasonal songs, and the love in my heart.
May this holiday season bring us closer than ever before, sharing love and laughter.
Your love is the light that guides me through every holiday season. Wishing you the happiest of times.
As we create new memories this holiday, know that you're the best part of my life's story.
Wishing you a holiday season filled with moments that make your heart skip a beat.
May the spirit of togetherness and joy infuse every corner of our celebrations during this holiday time.
You make every holiday brighter and every moment more cherished. May this holiday bring you peace, joy, and love as big as the one I have for you.
May our love be the warmth that makes this holiday season truly magical.
May the warmth of our affection light up the cold winter nights, making this holiday season truly magical.

Sincere Happy Holiday wishes for friends and family

The holiday season is a time to spend with your family and among your closest and dearest friends. It’s a time for shared moments of laughter and joy and reminiscing old memories that make you nostalgic.

But most of all, the holiday season is a time to finally express the love and appreciation you feel for your family members and friends - something that we don’t do often enough during the year.

The holiday season is a time to express the love and appreciation you feel for your family members and friends.

Here are 30+ beautiful and sincere holiday wishes for your family and friends.

Wishing you a season filled with laughter, love, and cherished moments.
May your holidays be as bright as the smiles on your faces.
Sending warm wishes for a joyful and peaceful holiday season.
May your heart be light and your spirits be high during this festive time.
Wishing you all the magic and wonder this holiday season can bring.
May your home be filled with the warmth of family and the joy of friendship.
Here's to a holiday season that's wrapped in love and tied with happiness.
May the holiday spirit uplift you and those around you in the most beautiful way.
Wishing you a season of gratitude, reflection, and joyous celebrations.
May your days be merry, your nights cozy, and your heart full of contentment.
Sending love across the miles and hoping your holidays are filled with happiness.
May the peace and joy of the season be yours throughout the coming year.
Wishing you a holiday filled with meaningful connections and beautiful memories.
May this festive season bring you closer to your dreams and aspirations.
Here's to creating unforgettable moments and treasured traditions with your loved ones.
May the magic of the holidays brighten your days and inspire your heart.
Wishing you a season of giving, receiving, and sharing love with those who matter most.
May your holiday season be a tapestry of love, laughter, and the joy of togetherness.
Sending you warm hugs and heartfelt wishes for a delightful holiday experience.
May your days be wrapped in the joy of the season and tied with ribbons of happiness.
Wishing you a holiday season filled with all the things that make your heart smile.
May the holiday lights shine as brightly as the love in your heart.
Here's to a season of gratitude, kindness, and the simple pleasures of life.
May the spirit of hope and goodwill fill your home and heart this holiday season.
Wishing you a holiday that's as special as you are to us.
May your holiday season be blessed with love, laughter, and all things wonderful.
Here's to celebrating the beauty of the season and the love we share with family and friends.
May your holiday be wrapped in joy, tied with laughter, and adorned with love.
Wishing you a holiday season that leaves you refreshed, inspired, and deeply content.
May your celebrations be filled with love, your home with happiness, and your heart with peace.
Here's to a holiday season that brings you closer to your dreams and the people you hold dear.
May the holiday magic sparkle in your eyes and the warmth of love fill your heart.

Professional Happy Holiday wishes for business clients, colleagues & employees

Our jobs form a massive part of our lives. We typically spend more than 40 hours per week in the office, in front of our computers, interacting with our bosses, clients, employees, and work colleagues.

And while these people may not be our close friends, they’re a very important part of our lives. The holiday season is a perfect time to express our appreciation for them and the value they’re bringing into our lives in a professional way appropriate to our relationship with them.

Here are 40+ professional happy holiday wishes for your clients, colleagues, and employees. Keep in mind that these are generic messages, and remember to tailor them to your company culture, relationship with the person, and their culture and religious beliefs.

Happy Holiday wishes for business clients, colleagues and employees.

For your boss or manager:

Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with relaxation and well-deserved time with loved ones.
May your holiday be a time of rejuvenation, reflecting on your achievements, and looking forward to new opportunities.
Sending my warmest wishes for a peaceful holiday season that brings you happiness and tranquility.
Hoping the holidays grant you moments of rest, so you can return with renewed energy for the challenges ahead.
May your holiday be filled with the joy of accomplishments and the anticipation of a successful year ahead.
Wishing you a prosperous new year guided by your leadership and vision.
May your holiday be a time to recharge, returning to lead us with your remarkable dedication.
Sending appreciation for your guidance throughout the year. Wishing you a delightful holiday season.
Hoping the holidays provide you with time to relax and enjoy the fruits of your hard work.
May your holiday season be a blend of professional satisfaction and personal joy.
Wishing you a well-deserved break during the holidays, followed by a year of even greater achievements.
May the holiday spirit bring you the satisfaction of a year well-led and the anticipation of a bright future.
Sending you warmest wishes for a joyous holiday season filled with inspiration and happiness.
Hoping the holidays grant you the opportunity to reflect on your accomplishments and recharge for the journey ahead.
May your holiday season be a harmonious balance of relaxation and the excitement of new endeavors.
Wishing you a fulfilling holiday, with time to enjoy the rewards of your leadership and dedication.
May your holidays be both relaxing and invigorating, setting the tone for a successful year ahead.
Sending appreciation for your guidance and leadership. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous new year.
Hoping you find time to unwind during the holidays and return with renewed zeal to lead us toward excellence.

For your employees or work colleagues:

Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with rest and rejuvenation.
May this holiday bring you well-deserved relaxation and quality time with loved ones.
Sending warm wishes for a peaceful holiday and a prosperous new year ahead.
May your holiday be a time of joy, reflection, and anticipation for the coming year.
Wishing you a wonderful break to recharge and return with renewed energy.
May the holiday spirit inspire you with fresh ideas and a positive outlook.
Enjoy your time away from work, and return with enthusiasm to conquer new challenges.
Wishing you a season of happiness, both personally and professionally.
May this holiday bring you moments of inspiration and connections with those you care about.
We appreciate your hard work and dedication this year. Enjoy a well-deserved holiday.
Wishing you a healthy and joyous holiday season surrounded by family and friends.
May your holidays be filled with joy, and may you return with a sense of purpose and motivation.
Enjoy the festivities and make the most of your time away from the office.
Wishing you a season of success, relaxation, and memorable moments.
May the holiday break provide you with a fresh perspective and renewed determination.

For your clients:

Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with success and prosperity.
May the holidays bring you relaxation and a fresh perspective for the upcoming year.
Sending warm wishes of gratitude for your continued partnership. Happy holidays!
May your holiday season be a time of reflection and anticipation for a productive year ahead.
Wishing you moments of rest and rejuvenation during this festive season.
May the holiday spirit inspire new opportunities and fruitful collaborations.
Expressing our sincerest appreciation for your trust and partnership. Happy holidays to you and your team!
Wishing you a peaceful holiday break and a successful journey in the upcoming year.
May your holidays be filled with joy and surrounded by loved ones.
Reflecting on a year of shared accomplishments and looking forward to future successes. Happy holidays!
Wishing you a festive holiday season and a prosperous start to the new year.
May your holidays be as bright as the value you bring to our partnership.
Expressing our gratitude for your loyalty and support throughout the year. Happy holidays!
Wishing you a season of inspiration, growth, and well-deserved relaxation.
May the holiday season be a time of celebration, connection, and professional achievement.

Warm Happy Holiday wishes for students and teachers

Education is present in our lives even after finishing high school and graduating from the university. If there are teachers or students in your life, the holiday season is a great time to express your appreciation for everything they’ve taught you and the joy they brought into your life.

Here are 30+ ways to wish your students or teachers a happy holiday season.

Once again, remember that these are generic expressions. Before using them, tailor them to the relationship you share with your teacher or student and their culture and religious beliefs.

Teacher wishes her student a very merry Christmas in English.

For your teachers:

Wishing you a peaceful and joyful holiday season, and thank you for everything you’ve taught me this year.
May your holidays be filled with relaxation and well-deserved rest.
Sending my best wishes for a restorative and enjoyable break.
May this holiday bring you the time to rejuvenate and recharge.
Wishing you a season of happiness, surrounded by your loved ones.
May your holidays be a blend of serenity and delightful moments.
Here's to a well-earned break and a prosperous new year ahead.
Wishing you a holiday season filled with warmth, both in spirit and surroundings.
May your holidays be as enriching as the knowledge you share with us.
Wishing you health, happiness, and renewed energy this holiday season.
May your holidays bring you the relaxation you truly deserve.
May your holiday season be peaceful and marked by gratitude and reflection.
Wishing you a joyful holiday with time for leisure and cherished moments.
May this holiday provide you with the opportunity to enjoy life's simple pleasures.
Sending my heartfelt wishes for a restful holiday filled with positivity.

For your students:

Wishing all my wonderful students a joyful and relaxing holiday break.
May your holidays be filled with laughter, love, and precious moments with your loved ones.
Sending warm wishes for a well-deserved break and a rejuvenating holiday season.
May this holiday time bring you the rest and joy you've earned throughout the year.
Enjoy the holiday festivities, recharge your spirits, and come back refreshed.
Wishing you a season of happiness, positivity, and cherished memories.
May your holiday be as bright and colorful as your imagination and dreams.
Take this time to unwind, pursue your passions, and return with renewed enthusiasm.
Wishing you a holiday that's a perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and happiness.
May your holidays be a time of growth, reflection, and connecting with your loved ones.
Enjoy the magic of the season and return with a heart full of stories to share.
May your break be filled with joyous moments and the company of those you hold dear.
May this holiday season be a time for you to take a break, indulge in your favorite activities, and return ready to embrace new learning.
Wishing you a holiday filled with exploration, fun, and unforgettable experiences.
May this holiday season be a time of gratitude, giving, and personal growth for each of you.

All the ways to say Merry Christmas in English

Given that many people celebrate holidays other than Christmas in December, Merry Christmas isn’t used as a universal holiday wish anymore. Happy Holidays is a much more appropriate holiday greeting to use when you’re unsure whether the person you’re talking to celebrates Christmas or not.

Still, in the United States and other English-speaking countries, those who do celebrate Christmas are a majority. So, here are 30+ ways to wish someone a Merry Christmas in a card or text message.

Write a memorable and perfectly-worded Happy Holidays message in English.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas filled with joy and laughter.
May your Christmas be as bright and magical as the holiday lights.
Sending warmest wishes for a joyful and peaceful Christmas season.
Have yourself a merry little Christmas filled with love and happiness.
May your heart be light and your days be merry this Christmas.
Wishing you a season of love, laughter, and cherished memories.
Hoping your Christmas is wrapped in happiness and tied with love.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with endless possibilities.
May the magic of Christmas fill every corner of your life with joy.
Here's to a holiday season that sparkles with hope and glows with love.
May your days be merry and bright and your heart be full of delight.
Wishing you all the joy and wonder the holiday season brings.
May the spirit of Christmas warm your heart all year round.
Sending you festive wishes for a jolly and wonderful Christmas.
Wishing you a season of giving, receiving, and treasured moments.
Merry Christmas to you and yours, from our hearts to yours.
May your Christmas be surrounded by the love of family and friends.
Warmest holiday wishes to you and your loved ones. Merry Christmas!
Here's to a Christmas filled with happiness, love, and plenty of good times.
Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a bright new year ahead.
May the holiday spirit bring you peace, love, and endless happiness.
Merry Christmas! May your heart be as light as a snowflake and as warm as a fireplace.
Wishing you a season of togetherness, laughter, and cherished memories.
May your Christmas be wrapped in love and tied with good health.
Hoping your holiday season is sprinkled with moments of pure joy.
Merry Christmas and a New Year that's as amazing as you are.
May the magic of Christmas fill your heart with wonder and awe.
Sending you warm wishes for a sparkling Christmas and a joyful year ahead.
Wishing you a holiday season that's as special as you are to us.
Merry Christmas! May your days be merry and your heart be light.
May the holiday lights shine as brightly as the love in your heart.
Here's to a season of gratitude, kindness, and the simple pleasures of life.
Wishing you a Christmas filled with love, laughter, and all things wonderful.
May your holidays be merry and your heart be aglow with happiness.
Sending you love, joy, and warm wishes for a Merry Christmas.

Useful Happy Holiday quotes

For many of us, it may be difficult to express how the holidays make us feel. And when we struggle to express those feelings in our own words, we can use the words of those who were able to formulate beautiful phrases to describe the magic of the holidays.

Happy Holiday quotes for greeting cards

While you can buy ready-made Christmas greeting cards in a store, there’s something special about designing your own. If you plan on creating hand-made or digital greeting cards the next holiday season, here are some quotes you can use.

"Christmas isn't a season. It's a feeling." - Edna Ferber
"The spirit of Christmas is the spirit of love and of generosity and of goodness. It illuminates the picture window of the soul, and we look out upon the world's busy life and become more interested in people than in things." - Thomas S. Monson
"Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone." - Charles M. Schulz
"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart." - Helen Keller
"I heard the bells on Christmas Day; their old familiar carols play, and wild and sweet the word repeat of peace on earth, good-will to men!" - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
"It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air." - W. T. Ellis
"Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas." - Dale Evans
"Christmas is the day that holds all time together." - Alexander Smith
"Christmas is the season of joy, of holiday greetings exchanged, of gift-giving, and of families united." - Norman Vincent Peale

Happy Holiday quotes for business emails

Wondering what to say in your business emails during the holiday season? Including a holiday quote at the bottom of your email can add a special touch of festivity to your business exchanges with coworkers, clients, and employees.

Here are some holiday quotes you can use for business emails.

"Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart." - Washington Irving
"The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each other's burdens, easing other's loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of the holidays." - W. C. Jones
"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful." - Norman Vincent Peale
"Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing but of reflection." - Winston Churchill
"The holiday season is a perfect time to reflect on our blessings and seek out ways to make life better for those around us." - Terri Marshall

Happy Holiday quotes for social media

Don’t we all love taking holiday pictures? The holiday season's Instagram photoshoots have already become part of the holiday tradition. We love dressing up in Christmas-themed clothes and taking beautiful photos where red and green are the two prevalent colors.

And when posting those pictures on social media, all we want is a perfect caption that conveys the holiday spirit and fits our photo like Santa’s beard.

So, here are some social media quotes for your holiday photos.

"The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other." - Burton Hillis
"Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love." - Hamilton Wright Mabie
"Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas." - Calvin Coolidge
"Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas." - Peg Bracken
"Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas time." - Laura Ingalls Wilder
"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful." - Norman Vincent Peale
"What is Christmas? It is the tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future." - Agnes M. Pahro
"Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone." - Charles M. Schulz

Happy Holiday quotes from movies

Ah, who doesn’t love Christmas movies? If you’re anything like me, watching holiday-themed movies lifts your spirits and fills you with love and joy. In my home, watching Home Alone on Christmas Eve has turned into a yearly tradition. There’s no Christmas without little Kevin McCallister!

Here are a few quotes from famous holiday-themed movies you’ve seen a thousand times.

"Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal!" - Kevin McCallister in "Home Alone"
"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear." - Buddy the Elf in "Elf"
"Maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas... perhaps... means a little bit more!" - The Grinch in "How the Grinch Stole Christmas"
"Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can't see." - Conductor in "The Polar Express"
"It's Christmas Eve! It's the one night of the year when we all act a little nicer, we smile a little easier, we cheer a little more." - Frank Cross in "Scrooged"
"I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year." - Ebenezer Scrooge in "The Muppet Christmas Carol"
"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is by singing loud and clear." - Max in "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (2000)
"Just remember, the true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart." - Santa Claus in "The Polar Express"
"Blast this Christmas music. It's joyful and triumphant." - The Grinch in "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (2000)

How to write a memorable and perfectly-worded Happy Holidays message

While I can sit here and write a list of tips for you to write your holiday wishes from scratch, I believe there’s no formula for writing a perfectly-worded Happy Holidays message that checks all the boxes.

The holiday season is all about expressing the feelings you carry inside. No matter who you’re writing your wishes to, think about what they brought into your life and how they make you feel. Think about what this holiday season may mean for them and what they need most. And then express that.

By taking a few moments to reflect on what this person has brought into your life, you’ll be able to come up with beautiful words to share those feelings with them. And even if you don’t say it perfectly, they’ll appreciate your sincerity, appreciation, and love.

Happy Holidays!

Writing your holiday wishes may be challenging. Not because your English isn’t good enough to formulate them, but rather because many times we struggle with expressing our genuine feelings for the people in our lives - whether it’s our romantic partner, a family member, or the boss we’re fortunate to have.

Let this extensive list of over 200 Happy Holiday wishes and quotes inspire you to create your own wishes adequate to the relationship you hold with the person you’re writing to and their culture.

And if you’d like to learn more useful expressions in English - check out the other articles on our English blog.