Wishes
Christmas Wishes for Kids
Christmas wishes for kids should be simple, playful and full of encouragement, so a child can read them or hear them and feel special. Here are 27 messages for your own children, grandkids, nieces and nephews, plus a few written as if from Santa.
For little ones, short and silly wins. For older kids and teens, a line about how proud you are goes a long way.
Sweet wishes for children
- Merry Christmas, sweetheart! You make our whole family sparkle.
- I hope Santa brings you everything on your list and a few surprises too. Merry Christmas!
- You're the best present our family ever got. Merry Christmas, little one.
- Merry Christmas! May your day be full of cookies, giggles and new toys to share.
- Every Christmas is more magical because you're here. Love you lots!
- Watching you on Christmas morning is the best part of my whole year.
Fun and silly wishes
- Merry Christmas! Rudolph told me you were extra nice this year.
- Ho ho ho! Don't eat all the candy canes before breakfast. Okay, maybe one.
- Merry Christmas, kiddo! I hear the reindeer are fans of yours.
- Merry Christmas! May your snowballs fly far and your hot cocoa have extra marshmallows.
- Santa says you're on the nice list, and the elves agree. Merry Christmas!
- Merry Christmas! Let's build the tallest snowman in the whole neighborhood.
For grandkids, nieces and nephews
- Merry Christmas to my wonderful grandchild. I'm so proud of the person you're becoming.
- To my favorite niece: have the happiest Christmas ever. Can't wait to see what you unwrap!
- Grandma loves you more than all the cookies in the world. Merry Christmas!
- Merry Christmas to my amazing nephew. Keep being kind, curious and silly.
- Merry Christmas, sweet pea! Auntie can't wait to build a blanket fort with you.
Notes from Santa
- Dear friend, the elves and I have been watching, and you've worked so hard at being kind this year. Merry Christmas! Love, Santa.
- Thank you for the cookies and milk! Rudolph loved the carrot. Merry Christmas from the North Pole.
- I noticed how you helped your family this year. That's the true spirit of Christmas. Ho ho ho! Santa.
- Keep being brave and gentle, and remember to share. See you next Christmas! Love, Santa.
- The reindeer and I had a busy night, but your house was one of our favorite stops. Merry Christmas!
- Mrs. Claus says hello and hopes you enjoy your gifts. Be good, and Merry Christmas! Santa.
- Every year you grow a little taller and a little kinder. I'm so proud of you. Love, Santa.
Use the child's name and mention one thing they did this year, like learning to read, scoring a goal or being kind to a sibling. For notes from Santa, try a different handwriting or a fun font so it feels like it really came from the North Pole.
Need a gift too? See our Christmas Gifts for Kids (2026).
Frequently asked questions
What do you write in a Christmas card for a child?
Keep it short and cheerful, use their name and praise something specific, like "Merry Christmas, Mia! I'm so proud of how hard you worked at reading this year."
What should Santa write in a note to kids?
Santa notes usually thank the child for cookies, praise a kind thing they did and encourage them to keep being good. Mentioning a reindeer or Mrs. Claus adds fun detail.
What is a good Christmas message for a grandchild?
Tell them how proud you are and how much you love them, such as "Merry Christmas! I'm so proud of the person you're becoming." A small shared joke makes it even better.