Need a well-crafted Christmas letter for your business? This guide will help business owners, marketing professionals, and HR teams create Christmas letters that reflect their company values, strengthen relationships, and stand out during the holiday season.
Your Christmas letter is more than just a seasonal gesture—it’s a personal way to connect with clients, partners, and employees, express gratitude, and maintain brand. Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, a thoughtful message can leave a lasting impression well into the new year.
Why Send a Business Christmas Letter?
In an age where digital communications can sometimes feel impersonal, a business Christmas letter offers a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with those who have supported your business throughout the year. Here are a few reasons why a holiday letter is an essential piece of your seasonal outreach:
- A well-written letter conveys warmth and gratitude, building stronger ties with clients, partners, and employees.
- The holiday season is a perfect time to thank people for their loyalty, support, and collaboration.
- While everyone’s inbox fills with promotions, a personal message can break through the noise and remind people of your brand’s values.
- It’s a moment to share achievements, lessons learned, and express excitement for the year ahead.
Creating a thoughtful business Christmas letter doesn’t have to be daunting. Below are nine simple tips to help you get started:
1. Accentuate the Positive
Start your letter on a warm, cheerful note with thanks or well wishes. Begin by acknowledging the collective efforts that made the year successful. A message like, “We are so grateful for your continued partnership,” sets the tone for the entire letter.
2. Short and Sweet
In a busy season, no one has time for long, wordy letters. Stick to 1–2 paragraphs that convey your message clearly and respectfully. Focus on being concise but sincere.
3. Show Some Personality
Your letter should reflect your brand voice. Whether it’s classic and formal or light and witty, keep the tone consistent with how your business communicates. A personal touch goes a long way.
4. Know Your Audience
Tailor the tone and message of your letter based on who is receiving it. The message you send to employees might differ slightly from the one you send to clients or partners. Think about what each recipient values most.
5. Begin with the End in Mind
Before writing, consider the emotional response you want to evoke. Is it gratitude, celebration, or encouragement? The end result should leave the recipient feeling appreciated and connected to your brand.
6. Make Use of Professional Tools
A well-organized process makes sending your letters easier. Maintain a list of recipients and use quality templates to ensure your letters look polished and cohesive.
7. Go Easy on the Sales Talk
This isn’t the time to pitch a new product or service. Focus on connection, reflection, and appreciation. Let your message be one of goodwill, not salesmanship.
8. Choose Photos Wisely
If you choose to include images, make sure they are high-quality, tasteful, and on-brand. Avoid overly festive or generic stock images that could detract from the message you’re conveying.
9. Choose Quality Paper and Envelopes
A well-designed, premium quality letter and envelope will elevate your message. Choose stationery that reflects your brand’s professionalism and care. It shows that you put thought into every aspect of your communication.
Design & Visual Enhancements to Elevate Your Letter
A beautifully designed letter enhances the impact of your message. Here are a few ways to visually elevate your business Christmas letter:
- Incorporate subtle festive borders or your company logo in the design to maintain brand consistency. Small touches like holly or snowflakes can make your letter feel seasonal without overwhelming the message.
- For your most important relationships, consider adding a handwritten note inside the card. It adds a personal, human touch that clients will appreciate.
- If using visuals, keep it simple. Think elegant holiday icons like candles, snowflakes, or a wreath. These convey the season without feeling over-the-top.
- If sending an e-card or digital letter, make sure the design feels intentional and thoughtfully created—just as you would with printed materials.
Timing and Delivery Tips
Timing is crucial to ensure your letter is well-received and stands out during the busy holiday season. Mail your letters 1-2 weeks before Christmas to ensure they arrive in time and don’t get lost in the rush of last-minute holiday mail. Aim to send your letters mid-December. Sending too early could mean your message gets lost in the shuffle of early holiday greetings.
Consider digital versions of your business letter for remote clients or sustainability goals. They can be just as impactful, especially for clients you may not see in person.
If you want your letter to have a tangible impact, print it on high-quality paper. There’s something special about receiving a physical card that a digital message can’t replicate.
Where to Find Inspiration & Examples
Looking for some inspiration? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Review letters that you’ve received in the past to see what resonates with you.
- If this isn’t your first year sending a letter, look back at previous messages for consistency and ideas.
- If you’re stuck, PaperDirect offers a range of pre-written templates to suit different business needs and styles.
- Keep track of great letters you come across throughout the year so you can refer to them when it’s time to write your own.
In the flurry of end-of-year sales and busy schedules, a genuine, beautifully designed Christmas letter can go a long way in strengthening your professional relationships. Whether you’re expressing gratitude, celebrating accomplishments, or setting the stage for future collaboration, a well-crafted business Christmas letter is a perfect way to convey warmth and appreciation. Keep it short, heartfelt, and on-brand—and don’t underestimate the power of premium paper and a personal touch.