Christmas Messages for Sister

Anyone who loves listening to classic Christmas tunes and watching iconic holiday films each year is probably familiar with the song “Sisters” from the 1954 film, White Christmas. Cheesy as it may seem today, most of what makes this song so memorable are the lyrics that manage to capture both the closeness and the complexities that can define the word “sister.”

Of course, as with most family relationships, “sisters” are not that easily defined. Ask anyone who has one! And just as there’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to festive, holiday sweaters, there’s no one definition for the individual women we call “sister.” No two are exactly alike…which means no matter how perfect that Christmas card is that you picked out for your sister this year, you still might want to add your own words and Christmas wishes to your sister to show her just how well you know her and remind her how much she means to you.

Easy, right? Not always. You don’t want to write what you wrote last year. That’s not original. And maybe this was a really spectacular year for her…a new job, a new spouse, a new address, a new child. Or she could have had a rough year with health problems or disappointments or other life challenges. You can’t just fill that message with lots of “joy and jolly.” You and your sister may have grown closer recently or this could be the first Christmas you won’t spend together. Whatever it is, you want your message to reflect what’s important to her right now, and to be fresh, sincere, personal, positive, and meaningful…a real connection between you and her.

So maybe not so easy. The good news is you probably know her better than a lot of other people do, given your shared family history and experiences. So there’s no one better equipped than you to find the perfect Christmas message for your one-of-a-kind sister. But here are some idea starters that might help you find the exact words you need to say, "Merry Christmas, Sis!"

Christmas Messages of Gratitude for Sister

When was the last time you thanked your sister for being part of your life? Whether for something in the past or the present, in person or long distance, sisters like to feel appreciated!

  • Christmas only comes once a year. But I have a sister who’s there for me no matter what day or season. Don’t know where I’d be without you.
  • It’s funny. When I think about my favorite Christmas memories, you’re in almost every single one. Coincidence? I think not.
  • As much as I’ll miss spending the holidays with you, I love that I can still feel this close to you…because of everything we share all year, heart-to-heart.
  • There wouldn’t be nearly as much to celebrate at the holidays if I didn’t have a sister like you who shares her gifts of joy all year long.

Heartfelt and Sentimental Christmas Messages for Sister

Maybe you and your sister didn't always get along as kids, but have grown closer over time. That's certainly worth celebrating! Think about the things that make your sister the unique woman she is. Let her know the things you like and admire about her.

  • Do you know how much it means to me to call you “my sister?” Let’s just say it’s better than any gift under the Christmas tree.
  • We used to celebrate Christmas as a family…but now we get to celebrate as family AND as friends. What could be better than that?
  • I don’t say it often enough. But Christmas is a good time to tell you what an amazing woman I think you are…one I look up to and feel proud to be related to.
  • No one does the sister thing, the Christmas thing, the family- thing, the-let’s-hang-out thing, or the awesome-human- being thing better than you.
  • There’s a lot I love about this time of year, especially knowing I’ll get to see you…the sister who just knows how to make the word “family” (a lot more fun or mean a whole lot more.)
  • Who knew that my (big/little/twin) sister would grow up to be this incredible woman who’d add her own wonder and joy to the world? I did…all along.

Funny Christmas Messages for Sister

Maybe your sister is the one person who gets your sense of humor.

  • I never would have made it through all those crazy Christmas dinners without your sense of humor and our shared dislike of (add something you and your sister never liked at the holidays).
  • You know everything about me, so I’m counting on you to know exactly what I want for Christmas. (Hint: I always wish I had more time to spend with you.)
  • Remember how extra- nice we’d be to each other before Christmas, just to impress Santa? Now we do it all the time just because we actually like each other! (or: It’s SO much easier now that we actually like each other!)

Christmas Cards for Sister

So whether yours is the “caring and sharing” type of sister they sing about in the song, the one you could talk to or get in trouble with or tease when you were kids…the one you can count on or look up to…the one you’re still trying to get to know better or the lifelong forever friend you couldn’t live without, she’s your sister and she’s an important part of your life. Christmas may not be the only time to share your feelings with her, but it’s a beautiful time to let her know how much she means all year. 

American Greetings has a wide variety of Christmas ecards, so you can easily pick the perfect one for your sister. Add your own message to make it personal, and if you can’t be together on Christmas Day, you can still send some love straight to her email in seconds.

Christmas Gifts for Sister

Check out our Christmas Gift Guide if you want to treat your sister to something special! From thoughtful picks like a favorite book to handmade ideas, you don’t have to splurge to make her feel appreciated. And if you’d like to attach a digital gift to your card, we’ve got popular gift cards and beautiful Advent Calendars she can enjoy all December.