10 Heartfelt Holiday Letters to Friends That Will Brighten Their Day

It’s that time of the year again when the holiday season brings warmth and cheer into our lives. Amidst the festivities and celebrations, nothing beats the joy of receiving a friendly holiday letter from your nearest and dearest. It’s a great way to catch up on life updates and spread the holiday spirit. Writing holiday letters to friends can be a daunting task, but fear not – there’s an easy way out! With today’s technology, crafting the perfect holiday letter has never been more accessible. You can find examples, edit them as needed, and create your masterpiece in no time. This article aims to give you some tips and tricks on how to write a holiday letter that will make your friends’ spirits bright. So, grab a cup of cocoa, sit back, and let’s dive in!

The Best Structure for Holiday Letters to Friends

Writing holiday letters to friends can be an exciting and fun task, however, crafting the perfect structure for your letter can be a little daunting. After all, you want your letter to be entertaining, informative, and engaging to your friends whilst also sharing all the happy memories and experiences you’ve had throughout the year. To help you write the perfect holiday letter, here is the best structure that you should follow to ensure that your letter is a hit amongst your friends.

First, start with a captivating introduction that catches your friend’s attention from the start. Your introduction can be a short anecdote that highlights something exciting or life-changing that happened to you during the year. You can also consider including a funny story if it is relevant to the holiday or a humorous tale about one of your experiences during the year.

Next, you should move on to the main body of your letter, where you can describe your experiences in detail. Ensure that you write in an engaging and exciting manner that helps your reader to feel like they are experiencing your journey through your eyes. Share all the highlights and significant events that happened, such as new jobs, engagements, weddings, or births of children – these details make your letter personal and help to build a connection between you and your friend.

You can also include pictures of your experiences and adventures to make your letter colorful and lively. Remember that your letter should be more narrative than a laundry list of events, so be sure to provide context and detail that helps your friend to visualize your experiences. For example, if you visited a new country, include interesting things you learned about their culture or landmarks that you enjoyed seeing.

Finally, wrap up your letter by expressing your gratitude for your friendship and how you miss them this holiday season. Add your plans for the future, and if you can, include a message of hope and wishes for the upcoming year. You can also include an invitation for them to visit you if you live in another country or state. This not only strengthens your friendship, but it also shows that you’re thinking of them and want to continue the bond of friendship.

In conclusion, following this structure for your holiday letter can help you to write a captivating and memorable message to your friends that they will treasure for years to come. Combine captivating anecdotes, interesting details, and photographs to paint a vivid picture of your year, and finish by reaffirming your gratitude for your friend’s place in your life.

7 Samples of Holiday Letters to Friends

A Holiday Recommendation for a Peaceful Retreat

Dear [Friend’s Name],

I hope this letter finds you in good spirits as we approach the holiday season. As we both work hard throughout the year, I thought why not take a much-needed break to recharge and connect with ourselves? I am writing to recommend visiting a peaceful retreat amidst nature. Imagine waking up to the sounds of birds, meditating in the gentle breeze, and enjoying homemade delicacies with your loved ones. The retreat also offers holistic workshops, nature walks, and interactive sessions, ensuring every moment is well-spent. Trust me; it’s a perfect opportunity to unwind and rejuvenate.

I hope you find my recommendation helpful and consider taking a break from the hustle-bustle of city life. Take care, and happy holidays!

Warm Regards,

[Your Name]

A Holiday Recommendation for Adventure Trip

Dear [Friend’s Name],

With the holiday season around the corner, I am excited to recommend an adventurous getaway for you. How about trying something different this year which involves adrenaline-pumping experiences and making unforgettable memories? I suggest taking a trip to the mountains to indulge in thrilling activities like hiking, camping, and river rafting. You will also get to experience the spectacular vistas of nature and soak in its serenity. It’s a perfect opportunity to escape the mundane routine and explore the beauty of life.

I hope that my recommendation excites you, and we plan this trip together. Wishing you happy holidays and incredible experiences!

Warm Regards,

[Your Name]

A Holiday Recommendation for Cultural Exploration

Dear [Friend’s Name],

I hope this letter finds you and your family doing well. As we approach the holiday season, I thought why not take a trip that helps us learn about different cultures and gain new perspectives. I recommend visiting a place rich in history, art, and tradition – India. India is a land of diversity, offering a variety of experiences ranging from food to fashion to architecture. You will get to explore historical monuments, learn about ancient traditions, and witness colorful festivals. It’s a perfect opportunity to expand our horizons and make cherished memories with our loved ones.

I hope you find my recommendation helpful and exciting. Let’s plan to explore India together soon. Wishing you happy holidays and joyful experiences ahead!

Warm Regards,

[Your Name]

A Holiday Recommendation for a Beach Vacation

Dear [Friend’s Name],

With the holiday season just around the corner, I am writing to recommend a beach vacation for you and your family. Imagine walking barefoot on the sandy shores, feeling the salty breeze on your face, and enjoying the warm sun. Let us enjoy lazy afternoons lounging on the deck chairs, savoring tropical drinks, and enjoying the sea view. It’s a perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and bond with our loved ones.

I hope you find my recommendation helpful and consider taking a break to enjoy the tropical paradise. Wishing you happy holidays and amazing beach adventures!

Warm Regards,

[Your Name]

A Holiday Recommendation for a Ski Trip

Dear [Friend’s Name],

As winter is arriving soon, I am excited to recommend a ski trip for you and your family. Imagine skiing down the winding slopes, feeling the chilly wind on your face, and enjoying the snowy landscape. We can also indulge in other activities like snowmobile rides, ice-skating, and trying the local cuisine. It’s a perfect opportunity to embrace the winter season and make unforgettable memories.

I hope you find my recommendation helpful and consider visiting the mountains this holiday season. Wishing you happy holidays and incredible ski adventures!

Warm Regards,

[Your Name]

A Holiday Recommendation for Spreading Kindness

Dear [Friend’s Name],

This holiday season, let’s not forget the true meaning of sharing and caring. Instead of traveling or enjoying parties, I suggest spending time helping others. Let’s visit an orphanage or an old age home and spend time with them, share our stories, and bring smiles to their faces. We can also distribute food and clothes to the needy or participate in community service. It’s a perfect opportunity to give back to society, spread kindness, and be a reason for someone’s happiness.

I hope you find my recommendation meaningful and consider spending your time making this world a better place. Wishing you happy holidays, filled with love and kindness!

Warm Regards,

[Your Name]

A Holiday Recommendation for Reading and Relaxation

Dear [Friend’s Name],

As we approach the holiday season, I am writing to recommend a reading and relaxation retreat for you. Imagine having a cozy corner, a warm blanket, and your favorite reads. The retreat offers a peaceful ambiance, comfortable rooms, and a vast library of books for all our reading moods. We can also indulge in spa treatments, wellness sessions, and healthy meals. It’s a perfect opportunity to take a break from technology, silence our minds, and reconnect with ourselves.

I hope you find my recommendation helpful and consider having a relaxing holiday with your favorite books. Wishing you happy holidays and peaceful moments!

Warm Regards,

[Your Name]

Tips for Writing Memorable Holiday Letters to Friends

The holiday season is a time for creating memories and moments that will last a lifetime. For many, that means staying in touch with friends and family who live far away. Writing holiday letters is a great way to keep loved ones up-to-date on your life and share in the joy of the season. Here are some tips to take your holiday letters from generic to unforgettable.

Start with a Catchy Introduction

Don’t start your holiday letter with the generic “Happy Holidays!” Instead, grab your friend’s attention with a catchy opening sentence or interesting anecdote. Maybe you had a hilarious mishap while hanging Christmas lights, or you tried a new holiday recipe that was a complete disaster. Whatever it is, lead with something memorable and engaging.

Focus on the Positive

The holidays can be stressful, but your holiday letter doesn’t have to be. Instead of dwelling on the negative, focus on the positive moments of the year. Share funny stories, highlight personal achievements, and talk about the special milestones you reached with family and friends. This will help spread cheer and positivity to your loved ones.

Be Personal

The best holiday letters are the ones that feel personal and authentic. Use your letter as an opportunity to show your friends and family how much you care about them. Mention specific moments that made you think of them, or reference inside jokes that only you two understand. This will help them feel connected to you and your life.

Include Photos

Visuals can add a lot of interest to holiday letters, especially when they show off the best moments of the year. Consider including photos of your travels, family gatherings, or any other memorable events. You can also get creative and design a holiday card or use a collage to showcase your favorite memories from the year.

Keep it Short and Sweet

Finally, remember that less is often more when it comes to holiday letters. Your friends and family will appreciate hearing from you, but they also have a lot going on during the holidays. Keep your letter concise and to-the-point, focusing on the highlights of the year. This will make it easier for your loved ones to read and enjoy.

By following these tips, you can craft a memorable holiday letter that your friends and family will cherish for years to come. Happy holidays!

Holiday Letter FAQs


What should I include in a holiday letter to a friend?

You can include updates on your life, highlights of the year, and photos of memorable events. It’s also a great idea to ask your friend about their life and wish them happy holidays.

How can I make my holiday letter more personal to my friend?

Include inside jokes or memories that you and your friend share, mention things you know they are interested in, and use their name throughout the letter. This will make them feel more connected to you and your message.

Is it appropriate to include religious content in a holiday letter?

This depends on your friend’s beliefs and your relationship with them. It’s best to err on the side of caution and keep the focus on positive holiday sentiments that are inclusive for everyone, such as peace and joy.

Should I send my holiday letter via email or snail mail?

This depends on your personal preference and your relationship with your friend. Email is faster and more convenient, while snail mail adds a personal touch and can be a fun surprise to receive in the mailbox.

When is the best time to send a holiday letter?

The best time to send a holiday letter is typically in early December, before the holiday rush. However, you can also send it after the new year as a recap of the previous year and a hopeful message for the future.

Do I need to include a formal greeting and closing in my holiday letter?

No, you don’t have to be formal in your holiday letter unless it fits your personal style and relationship with your friend. Feel free to be creative and casual with your greeting and closing.

What if I don’t have much to say in my holiday letter?

It’s okay if you don’t have a lot of updates to share. You can still wish your friend happy holidays and express gratitude for their friendship. You can also ask them questions about their life and interests to keep the conversation going.

Happy Holidays, friends!

As this holiday season draws near, it’s the perfect time to connect with old friends through heartfelt letters. Share your joy, gratitude, and even your challenges with those who love and support you. Whether you choose to send a traditional holiday card or a lengthy email, take the time to craft a message that truly reflects your emotions. Remember, your holiday letters can be meaningful, inspiring, or funny – there are no rules when it comes to spreading holiday cheer. Thanks for reading our tips and tricks for writing holiday letters to friends. We hope this article has inspired you to try letter writing as a way to strengthen your friendships this holiday season. Please check back with us soon for more fun ideas. Merry Christmas and happy writing!