The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the cherished tradition of connecting with loved ones near and far. While a simple card is always lovely, a Christmas letter allows you to share the highlights of your year in a more personal way. But staring at a blank page can be daunting. Where do you even begin?
Fear not! I’ve rounded up more than 15 Christmas letter templates for 2025 to help you get inspired. Whether you’re looking for something classic, hilarious, or modern, there’s a style here for every family. Let's banish writer's block and craft a holiday greeting that truly shines.
The Classic Family Christmas Letter Template
The traditional family newsletter is a classic for a reason. It’s a straightforward way to share your family’s milestones. The key is to keep it warm and engaging.
Template 1: The Year in Review
"Warmest holiday greetings from the [Your Last Name] family! 2025 has been a whirlwind of a year. [Child 1’s Name] started [grade/new school/new hobby], and is loving [activity]. [Child 2’s Name] has been busy with [activity/milestone]. As for us, [Your Name] and [Partner’s Name], we’ve been [mention a work highlight, trip, or new hobby]. We were so grateful to [mention a shared family experience, like a vacation]. Wishing you all a season filled with peace, joy, and wonderful memories!"
Template 2: A Letter from Santa's Helpers
"Hello from the North Pole (or as we call it, [Your Town])! The [Your Last Name] elves have been busy this year! Elf [Child 1’s Name] achieved [milestone], while Head Elf [Partner's Name] has been mastering [hobby or skill]. Our little elf-in-training, [Child 2's Name], has brought so much joy with [funny anecdote]. We hope Santa brings you everything on your list and that your new year is merry and bright!"
Template 3: The Gratitude Letter
"As we reflect on 2025, our hearts are filled with gratitude. This year, we were especially thankful for [mention 2-3 specific things, e.g., 'the safe arrival of our new puppy, Gus,' 'a memorable trip to the mountains,' 'the health of our family']. Each day brings its own blessings, and we’re reminded of how much we value friends and family like you. May your holidays be filled with the same warmth and gratitude. With love, The [Your Last Name]s."
Template 4: The Simple & Sweet Update
"Merry Christmas from our home to yours! It’s been a wonderful year for the [Your Last Name] family. We’ve enjoyed [mention a simple, consistent joy, like 'Sunday morning pancakes' or 'walks in the park']. The highlights included [mention 1-2 key events]. We’re looking forward to a cozy holiday season and thinking of you all. Wishing you love and light in the New Year."
Funny Christmas Letter Templates
If your family doesn’t take themselves too seriously, a humorous letter can be a huge hit. It’s a great way to share your reality with a knowing wink.
Template 5: The Brutally Honest Letter
"Greetings, friends. Well, we survived 2025. [Child 1’s Name] has officially decided they're too cool for us, and [Child 2’s Name] subsists on a diet of chicken nuggets and sheer willpower. [Partner’s Name]’s grand DIY project is still... in progress. And I’ve managed to keep most of my houseplants alive. We haven’t won the lottery or taken a glamorous trip, but we’re all still here and (mostly) sane. And for that, we’re thankful. Happy Holidays, you filthy animals."
Template 6: The Annual Report
The [Your Last Name] Family: 2025 Annual Report
- Parental Performance: C+. Maintained basic life support for all household members.
- Child Metrics: [Child 1’s Name] increased screen time by 30%. [Child 2’s Name] set a new world record for ‘Most Annoying Questions Asked in a Day.’
- Financials: The acquisition of a new [expensive item, e.g., 'trampoline'] has led to a significant, yet joyful, budget deficit.
- Outlook for 2026: Marginally positive. We project a 5% increase in happiness, pending the successful installation of a new coffee machine. Merry Christmas!
Template 7: The Award Show
And the award goes to... a look back at the [Your Last Name] family’s year!
- Best Performance in a Dramatic Role: [Child 1’s Name], for their reaction to being asked to do chores.
- Best Comedy: [Pet’s Name], for repeatedly trying to herd the vacuum cleaner.
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Us parents, for making it to bedtime every night.
- We’re giving you all a standing ovation and wishing you a blockbuster holiday season!
Template 8: A Letter from the Pet's Perspective
"Woof woof! (That’s 'Merry Christmas' in dog). It’s me, [Pet’s Name]. My humans, The [Your Last Name]s, had a busy year. The tall one ([Partner’s Name]) left every day with a briefcase, while the other one ([Your Name]) gave me lots of ear scratches. The little humans are my favorite—they’re always dropping food. I give 2025 four paws up. Hope your holidays are filled with treats and belly rubs!"
Christmas Letter Templates for Kids
Let the kids take the reins! A letter written by (or for) a child adds a layer of innocence and charm that is simply irresistible.
Template 9: The Fill-in-the-Blanks Letter
"Hi everyone! My name is [Child’s Name] and I am [Age] years old. This year, I learned how to [New Skill]. My favorite thing to do is [Hobby]. For Christmas, I am hoping Santa brings me a [Desired Toy]. My favorite part of the holidays is [Holiday Activity]. Merry Christmas to you! Love, [Child’s Name]."
Template 10: The Big Sibling Report
"Hello! It’s me, [Older Child’s Name]. I’m reporting on my family. My little brother/sister [Younger Child’s Name] is really funny. This year, they [funny anecdote about sibling]. My Mom and Dad have been busy, but they always have time for bedtime stories. I did really well in [School Subject] this year! Hope your Christmas is super fun!"
Template 11: A Letter to Santa (Shared with Family)
"Dear Santa (and our friends & family!),
I’ve been a very good [boy/girl] this year. I listened to my parents (most of the time) and I shared my toys. My wish for Christmas is a [Toy] and for everyone in the world to be happy. Thank you for the presents last year. P.S. We’ll leave cookies out for you! Love, [Child's Name]."
Template 12: The Year in Pictures & Doodles
This one is less about text and more about visuals! Let your child draw pictures of their favorite memories from the year. Scan the drawings and arrange them in a simple collage. Add short, handwritten captions by your child, like "Me at the beach," "My new bike," or "Our Dog, Spot." It’s a beautifully personal and artistic way to share your year.
Minimalist & Modern Christmas Letter Templates
For those who prefer a clean aesthetic and a less-is-more approach, these modern templates are perfect. They get straight to the point with style and sincerity.
Template 13: The 'Three Words' Letter
"Season’s Greetings from the [Your Last Name] Family.
Our 2025 in three words: [Word 1], [Word 2], [Word 3]. (e.g., Growth, Adventure, Togetherness).
Wishing you a holiday season defined by your own three words: Peace, Joy, and Love.
With our best,
The [Your Last Name]s."
Template 14: The Photo-Centric Letter
Choose a single, powerful family photo from the year. A professional shot is great, but a candid, joyful moment works just as well. On the back or at the bottom, write a simple message:
"2025 was a year to remember. From our family to yours, we wish you a holiday season filled with happiness and a new year full of hope. All our love, The [Your Last Name]s."
Template 15: The QR Code to Your Year
This is for the tech-savvy family. Keep your physical letter incredibly simple. A beautiful family photo and the words, "Catch up on our 2025 adventures!" Then, include a QR code that links to a private online photo gallery, a short blog post, or even a video recap of your year. It’s interactive and eco-friendly.
Template 16: The Short & Sweet Haiku
"Another year past,
Laughter, growth, and family fun.
Joy to you, dear friends.
Warmly, The [Your Last Name] Family"
Beyond Paper: Create a Christmas Video Letter with CapCut
In 2025, why not take your Christmas letter to the next level? A video letter is a dynamic, heartfelt, and incredibly personal way to share your family’s story. You can combine photos and video clips from throughout the year, add festive music, and even record personal messages. It feels more alive than a static letter and is perfect for sharing on social media or via a private link. With a tool like CapCut, creating a beautiful video letter is easier than you think.
How to create a Christmas video letter with CapCut
CapCut offers a user-friendly desktop editor that makes video creation a breeze, even for beginners. The video templates are a game-changer for holiday projects.
Step 1: Launch CapCut
Open the CapCut desktop editor to begin your project. This is your creative command center.
Step 2: Apply a festive video template
Click on "Templates" in the top-left corner. You can browse the options or use the search bar to find holiday-themed templates like "Christmas," "Holiday," or "New Year." Once you find one you love, select it. The template will have preset music, effects, and placeholders. Simply drag and drop your own family photos and video clips to replace the media.
Step 3: Export and share
Once you’ve personalized the template with your family's memories, click the "Export" button. You can save the video directly to your computer to send via email or messaging apps. You can also share it directly to social media to spread the holiday cheer far and wide.
Conclusion: Your Perfect Holiday Greeting Awaits
Whether you stick with a classic handwritten letter, opt for a laugh-out-loud funny update, or create a stunning video, the most important thing is the connection. Your annual Christmas letter is a small but meaningful gesture that tells your loved ones they’re on your mind during the most wonderful time of the year. Don’t be afraid to mix and match from the templates above or use them as a jumping-off point for your own unique creation. Happy writing, and Merry Christmas!
FAQs about Christmas Letter Templates
How do I make my family Christmas letter interesting?
To make your letter more interesting, focus on storytelling rather than just listing facts. Use humor, share a funny anecdote, or focus on a theme like gratitude. Including high-quality photos is also a great way to grab attention. For a truly dynamic update, consider making a video letter with an editor like CapCut, which allows you to combine photos, video clips, and music for a memorable experience.
What's the best format for a christmas newsletter template?
The best format depends on your audience and personal style. A classic, single-page letter is traditional and heartfelt. A multi-panel folded card can be great if you have a lot of photos. However, digital formats are becoming increasingly popular. A beautifully designed email or a private link to a video letter can be more engaging and is easier to share with a wide circle of friends and family.
Can I find free Christmas letter templates online?
Absolutely! Many websites offer free downloadable templates for Microsoft Word or Google Docs. You can also find excellent free video templates within creative tools. For instance, CapCut offers a vast library of free, professionally designed video templates that you can easily customize for the holidays.
How can I make a short and sweet Christmas letter?
For a short and sweet letter, focus on one key message. A minimalist template, like the 'Three Words' or Haiku template mentioned above, is perfect. Alternatively, choose one great photo from your year and write a simple, heartfelt caption. The goal is connection, not a comprehensive report, so a brief but warm message is often the most effective.