What to Write in a Professional Holiday Card to Clients: 25 Meaningful Messages That Make an Impression

In a season full of inbox noise and fleeting digital interactions, a thoughtfully written holiday card is a rare kind of standout. It’s personal. It’s tangible. And most importantly, it’s appreciated. 

Sending a digital greeting or email is a thoughtful gesture, but a beautifully crafted, physical card delivers a more memorable experience. A University of Chicago study found that people feel a stronger emotional impact from handwritten notes than from digital messages. And according to a recent Hallmark survey, 54% of Americans still prefer a real greeting card over a digital one.   

From the quality of the material to the elegance of the design, a Hallmark greeting card creates a holistic, multi-sensory experience that recipients remember long beyond opening the envelope. As a brand, sending a Hallmark card to your clients is an opportune chance to share appreciation in a way that feels thoughtful, tactile, and lasting. At Hallmark we like to say, "It's the biggest little thing you can do." 

During the holiday season, sending a Hallmark greeting card is a perfect way to pause the pitch, celebrate your relationships, and remind clients just how much their partnership matters. Whether it’s your first year working together or one of many, the right holiday message reflects an authenticity that defines strong business connections and an enduring sense of trust. 

To help you craft something that feels sincere and right for your brand, we’ve pulled together 25 business holiday card messages—tailored by client type—along with expert writing tips, card design suggestions, and corporate gifting options for a memorable close to the year. 

Why Holiday Cards Still Matter in Business

Physical gestures feel refreshingly genuine in today’s digitally saturated business landscape—and greeting cards continue to lead the way, with 72% of consumers saying receiving a card makes them feel more connected to the brand. Additional insights reveal that the greeting card practice is more enduring than ever: 75% of consumers who send holiday cards say they do so because they know how good it feels when they receive a holiday greeting. And in a year where roughly 1.3 billion Christmas cards will be purchased across the U.S., it's clear this tradition remains emotionally resonant. It is estimated that ~150 million greeting cards will be sent by small businesses each winter holiday season, especially small businesses with clients such as insurance companies, marketing agencies, and law firms. Here are three reasons why company holiday cards resonate with clients in 2025: 

1. They strengthen emotional loyalty – A physical card feels more sincere than digital communication, especially during the holidays. It sends a clear, personal message of appreciation that builds trust over time and helps clients feel genuinely valued. 

2. They elevate brand experience and credibility – A thoughtfully chosen card—especially one with premium quality and design—reinforces your company’s professionalism and care. Recipients notice the effort and associate it with a brand that prioritizes connection, not just transactions. 

3. They create a festive, memorable moment – Holiday cards break through the digital noise to deliver something real. That joyful, tactile experience delights the recipient and makes your message more likely to be remembered and displayed. 

Why Emotional Decision-Making Matters

In fact, how consumers feel about your brand has far more impact than what they think about it. According to a Gallup survey, 70% of consumer decisions and brand preferences are based on emotion, while just 30% are based on rational factors. That’s exactly why it’s so important to build emotional connections with your clients, especially during the holiday season. 

The Power of Personalization 

More importantly, personalization plays a key role in strengthening those emotional connections: 

• 71% of consumers say they expect companies to deliver personalized experiences 

• 76% say they become frustrated when this doesn’t happen 

• 44% say they are likely to become repeat shoppers when a brand gets personalization right 

A holiday card may seem simple, but when it’s tailored, heartfelt, and thoughtfully delivered—it becomes one of your most powerful tools for deepening trust and loyalty.

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Want more data-driven insights about creating authentic client relationships with personalization?

Read more here.

25 Business Holiday Card Messages For All Client Types 

The best holiday messages are concise, heartfelt, and written with your client’s industry or relationship in mind.

Tailored by Client Type 

New Clients 

These messages are designed to acknowledge the start of a new relationship—expressing enthusiasm, gratitude, and optimism for the future. 

1. Thank you for choosing to work with us. We’re excited for what’s ahead, and so grateful for what’s already begun. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a successful start to the new year. 

2. It’s been a pleasure beginning our partnership this year. We hope your holidays are filled with peace, celebration, and plenty of well-deserved rest. 

3. We’re truly grateful for the opportunity to collaborate. Wishing you continued momentum and meaningful connections as the new year begins. 

4. Starting something new is always exciting, especially with clients like you. May your holiday season be bright and the year ahead full of more new opportunities. 

5. We appreciate your trust in us this year. As the holidays arrive, we look forward to strengthening our partnership and creating even more shared success ahead.

Long-Term Clients 

For long-time clients, these messages emphasize appreciation, consistency, and the value of an ongoing partnership that has stood the test of time. 

1. Another year of partnership—and every reason to celebrate it. Thank you for your loyalty. Wishing you a holiday season filled with peace and joy. 

2. Your continued trust means the world to us. Warmest wishes for a festive season and a rewarding year ahead. 

3. From all of us, thank you for standing by us through another incredible year. May your holidays be restful and your new year filled with continued success. 

4. Working with you year after year is a privilege we don’t take lightly. We hope your holidays are full of joy, reflection, and well-deserved celebration. 

5. We value your loyalty more than words can say. Wishing you a warm and wonderful holiday season—and many great things to come. 

VIP or High-Impact Clients

Crafted to reflect the importance and influence of high-value clients, these messages recognize their impact on your business and convey deep appreciation. 

1. Your collaboration continues to push us forward. Thank you for inspiring us. Wishing you a holiday season as exceptional as your impact. 

2. You’ve helped shape our best work this year. We’re grateful for your partnership. May your holidays be filled with joy and celebration. 

3. Thank you for your vision and support. Wishing you continued success and a season of well-deserved rest. 

4. Working with you challenges us to be better. Here's to another year of great things—and a holiday season filled with inspiration and joy. 

5. Thank you for being an essential part of our success story. May your holidays be meaningful, restful, and full of celebration. 

Partners and Referrers

These messages honor those who support your business behind the scenes—referring new clients, collaborating on shared projects, or acting as trusted allies. 

1. Working alongside you has been a highlight of our year. Here's to more shared success—and a season filled with celebration and gratitude. 

2. Your trust and referrals have made a meaningful difference. Thank you, and warm wishes for a holiday season filled with appreciation and joy. 

3. We’re beyond grateful for your partnership and the momentum we’ve built together. Wishing you a holiday season that’s as rewarding as the year we’ve shared. 

4. Thank you for being a trusted collaborator and advocate for our brand. May your holidays be joyful, restful, and filled with the recognition you deserve. 

5. Your support behind the scenes does not go unnoticed. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and continued success into the new year. 

Small Businesses and Local Clients

These messages speak to shared values, community spirit, and mutual support—ideal for clients who run independent or neighborhood-based businesses. 

1. Your support means more than you know. Thank you for trusting us with your business. Wishing you a holiday season filled with warmth, rest, and cheer. 

2. We’re proud to work alongside local businesses like yours. Happy holidays—and here's to a season that celebrates community and connection. 

3. To a fellow small business doing big things—thank you for partnering with us. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and continued success in the year ahead. 

4. Your dedication and entrepreneurial spirit inspire us every day. May your holidays bring well-deserved rest and moments to recharge. 

5. Thank you for being part of our community—and for letting us be part of yours. Sending warm wishes for a holiday season that celebrates all you've built. 

Tips for Writing a Better Holiday Card

Whether you're crafting a few dozen cards or a few thousand, these refined dos and don’ts ensure your message connects meaningfully: 

Do: 

Personalize Every Message 

• Mention the recipient’s name and reference a specific interaction or win from the year to make each note feel genuine and tailored. 

• Even a short acknowledgment—like, “Thank you from all of us at XYZ Company”—deepens the impact. 

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Click here for five ways to bring emotional engagement into your marketing plan.

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Choose High‑Quality Cards 

• A card’s material reflects on your brand. Select premium paper and printing for a polished, professional look. 

• Quality matters: recipients often display sturdy cards in their home or office, reinforcing your thoughtful gesture. 

Shop Holiday Cards Now

Express Genuine, Specific Gratitude

• Avoid vague platitudes. Instead, say exactly what you’re thankful for ("Your referral to the Smith account this fall made a real impact—we’re grateful for your trust and advocacy"). 

• Specificity boosts sincerity—and memorability. 

Use Inclusive, Appropriate Language 

• Favor universal greetings like “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings” to respect diverse traditions. 

• Keep the tone warm but professional. 

• Consider our Spanish holiday greeting card selection for Hispanic clients. 

Include A Signature 

• Including your name in the card’s signature—like “John Smith and the entire team at ABC Company”—adds a personal, human element. It reminds clients there are real people behind the message, and helps build stronger emotional connections without requiring you to mail the card yourself. 

• At Hallmark Business Connections, we offer multiple signature options so you can choose what’s right for your brand, and your bandwidth: 

• Traditional handwritten – Add a pen-signed signature. 

• Printed name or digital signature – Include a printed signature for a clean, consistent look, or upload a scanned version (JPG) of your actual signature for authenticity at scale. 

• Personal Fonts by Hallmark – Transform your handwriting into a unique digital font that can be used across all your cards for a signature that’s personal and efficient. 

Time It Right & Order Early 

• Early delivery means your card won’t get lost in the noise of last-minute mailings.  

• If you’ll be mailing cards yourself, ordering early gives you time to personalize, sign, and send without added stress. We recommend mailing them 1-2 weeks before December to land ahead of the holiday rush. 

• If you plan to have Hallmark Business Connections mail cards on your behalf, be sure to allow adequate time for printing and fulfillment.  

Don’t: 

• Send generic messages. Impersonally-worded cards can feel hollow. 

• Include promotional content. Avoid logos, coupons, or sales pitches. 

• Use corporate buzzwords or stiff language. 

• Wait until the last minute. Cards should arrive by mid-December. 

• Skip proofreading. Typos or misspelled names can seem careless and impersonal. 

Holiday Corporate Gifting Ideas

Beyond the greeting card itself, adding a thoughtful gift can elevate a thoughtful gesture into a memorable part of your client’s holiday season. Hallmark Business Connections offers a robust selection of corporate gifting options designed to reflect your brand values and leave a meaningful impact on your clients. 

Whether you're thanking a long-time partner or welcoming a new client, our curated gifts span a wide range of styles and price points—from tasteful holiday-themed items to personalized keepsakes and premium food and beverage bundles. And because it comes from Hallmark, every detail, from the packaging to the sentiment, is crafted with care.

We understand that budget matters, too. Many companies successfully send gifts in the $10–$15 range while still delivering quality and impact. Ordering in bulk helps control costs while keeping your gesture meaningful.

Best of all, our gifts are designed to benefit the recipient, not promote your brand. While a branded knickknack may seem convenient, a gift that feels personal and useful creates a stronger emotional connection—and that’s what strengthens loyalty.

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Explore Hallmark Business Corporate Gifting Options

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Choosing the Right Holiday Card

The right message deserves the right presentation.

Hallmark Business Connections makes it easy to send cards that are polished, personal, and on-brand. Whether you want classic elegance, warm and cozy, playful and modern, or designs that look ahead to the New Year, you’ll find cards that help you connect meaningfully.

Here are a few standout styles from our holiday card selection to help you find the right fit for your clients:

Formal & Professional

Ideal for finance, law, insurance, or high-end service firms

• Gold foil accents, minimalist layouts, and neutral palettes convey professionalism and care.

• Script-based elegance offers a refined tone while still expressing genuine warmth.

Warm & Personal

Perfect for small businesses, healthcare, nonprofits, or long-standing relationships

• Hand-lettered designs, cozy scenes, and natural motifs create a sincere, heartfelt feel.

• Great for showing appreciation to community-focused or service-driven clients.

Modern & Creative

Designed for creative industries, tech, marketing, and startups

• Bold colors, abstract trees, or whimsical patterns express energy and forward-thinking.

• Adds personality while keeping the message polished.

New Year & Forward-Looking

Best for momentum-driven businesses and goal-oriented clients

• Sleek designs that shift focus to new beginnings and future possibilities.

• A great option if you want to send cards that land between late December and early January.

Holiday Cards for Spanish-Speaking Clients

Best for Spanish audiences and bilingual client relationships

• Cards with Spanish-language messages show cultural awareness and personal consideration.

• Elegant script, festive illustrations, and heartfelt sentiments help bridge language and connection.

Whether your clients are based in Latin America, speak Spanish as a primary language, or work within diverse communities, these designs offer an inclusive and thoughtful way to express gratitude and well wishes.

Browse Client Holiday Cards

A Holiday Message That Impacts All Year

Strong client relationships are built all year long, but the holiday season offers a unique chance to reflect, reconnect, and remind people just how much they matter.

A well-written card, a thoughtful design, and a simple moment of appreciation can leave a lasting impression that far outlives the season itself. It’s not about being flashy; it’s about being present.

So as you wrap up the year, take the opportunity to say thank you the Hallmark way: with meaning, care, and a personal touch that resonates.

Find your card, craft your message, and connect in a way that lasts.