Free Christmas Letter Templates (Word, PDF)
Personal
by emmajohnson
A Christmas letter is how many families catch loved ones up on the year's news, tucked inside a card or mailed on its own. This collection of 48 templates gives you festive borders and layouts for a warm holiday update, whether you're writing a cheerful family recap, a note from Santa, or a heartfelt message to someone far away.
Type your story into the Word versions and adjust the design to match your style, or print the PDF copies for a ready-made page to write on by hand. They're built for standard paper and look polished once printed. Download a design that fits your tone and send a little holiday warmth through the mail.
When to use this Christmas Letter template
- Busy parents with young kids who need a quick way to share holiday memories and milestones with grandparents living across the country, avoiding the stress of designing from scratch.
- Extended families gathering for the first time in years who want to align their annual Christmas letter to reflect shared traditions and updates from every branch in one cohesive letter.
- Retirees sending a heartfelt letter to friends in assisted living communities, pairing sentimental stories with festive templates that evoke nostalgia and warmth during the holidays.
- Newlyweds planning to combine their first Christmas letter with wedding announcements, seeking elegant layouts that tie their personal story to traditional holiday themes without looking cluttered.
Which format should I download?
Choose Word if you plan to personalize the letter with photos, family names, or detailed updates—it’s easiest to edit and adjust layouts before finalizing. Opt for PDF if you prefer a polished, print-ready design that won’t shift when shared or printed, ideal for slipping into holiday cards or mailing directly. Both formats support festive themes, but Word is more flexible for last-minute tweaks while PDF locks in your chosen aesthetic for consistency.
Choose from 48 Christmas Letter Templates
Christmas Letter
The Christmas Letter
How to use this Christmas Letter template
How can I make my Christmas letter feel personal without it looking cluttered?
Use the Word templates to add only a few meaningful photos or bullet points—think highlights like a new job, a trip, or a birthday—rather than cramming in every detail. Stick to one or two themes (e.g., gratitude + one big achievement) and let the festive borders in the designs draw focus naturally.
What’s the best way to structure a Christmas letter for someone I’m not close to, like a distant relative?
Start with a warm greeting and a brief update about shared connections (e.g., ‘Remember when Grandpa took us ice skating?’), then focus on one or two lighthearted topics—like a holiday tradition you’re reviving or a simple wish for their year ahead. Keep it concise; the goal is to reconnect, not overwhelm.
Can I use these templates for a letter that’s more about sharing holiday wishes than personal news?
Absolutely. Many templates include space for blessings, favorite memories, or even a ‘letter from Santa’ style—just lean into the festive themes. Add a short note about your hopes for the season, like ‘Wishing you peace as we light our first candle this year,’ to keep it heartfelt without requiring deep personal details.
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