Christmas Messages for In-Laws — Warm Wishes for Every In-Law

A good Christmas message for your in-laws is warm without trying too hard: thank them for something specific, mention the person who connects you, and wish them a good holiday. Below are Christmas messages for in-laws for cards and texts, sorted by who you are writing to: mother-in-law, father-in-law, both parents-in-law, brother- and sister-in-law, new in-laws, in-laws you are not especially close to, and grown children’s spouses.

In-law relationships range from close friendships to polite distance. The messages below cover the whole range, so pick the one that matches where you really are rather than where a greeting card assumes you should be.

Christmas Messages for Your Parents-in-Law

Merry Christmas to you both. Thank you for welcoming me into the family so completely. Holidays with you have become some of my favorites.
Thank you for raising the person I get to spend my life with. I think of that every Christmas. Merry Christmas, with love.
Wishing you a warm, happy Christmas. Thank you for the way you treat our kids. They talk about your house all year.
Merry Christmas! Thank you for every meal, every bit of advice and every time you drove over to help. We’re lucky to have you.
Thank you for making me feel like a son, not a guest, from the very first Christmas. Love to you both.
We can’t be with you this year, but we’re thinking of you and looking forward to seeing you in January. Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas to the two people who taught [Partner] how to make Christmas magical. I’m grateful every year.

Christmas Messages for Your Mother-in-Law

Merry Christmas! Thank you for teaching me the family stuffing recipe. I’m still not as good at it, but I’m getting closer.
Thank you for always making room for me at your table, and in your family. Merry Christmas, with love.
Wishing you a Christmas as generous as you are. Thank you for everything this year.
Merry Christmas to the woman who raised my favorite person. I see your kindness in [Partner] every day.
Thank you for being there when the baby arrived this year. We couldn’t have done those first weeks without you. Merry Christmas.
I hope this Christmas you finally let someone else do the cooking. Love you, and thank you.

Christmas Messages for Your Father-in-Law

Merry Christmas! Thank you for the help with the move this year. Your toolbox and your patience saved us.
Wishing you a relaxed Christmas with good food and a quiet hour for the game. Thank you for everything.
Merry Christmas to the man who taught [Partner] how to fix anything and laugh at everything. I’m grateful for you.
Thank you for welcoming me into the family with such easy warmth. Have a great Christmas.
Merry Christmas. Thank you for all the stories at dinner. I’d love to hear more of them this year.

That last line is worth acting on. If your father-in-law loves to talk about the old days, Reflecting a Life has a list of questions to ask your father-in-law about his life that can turn a quiet moment after Christmas dinner into a conversation your whole family will remember.

Christmas Messages for Brother-in-Law and Sister-in-Law

Merry Christmas! I didn’t just gain a partner, I gained a brother. Thanks for being one.
Merry Christmas to my favorite sister-in-law. Thanks for always being on my side in the board game arguments.
Wishing you a brilliant Christmas. Thank you for making family gatherings so much more fun.
Merry Christmas! Can’t wait to see you and sit at the grown-ups’ table pretending we’ve matured.
Thank you for being someone I’d choose as a friend even if we weren’t related. Happy holidays.
Merry Christmas to you and the kids. Thank you for all the hand-me-downs and the honest parenting advice.

Christmas Messages for New In-Laws

For the first Christmas after a wedding or engagement, when the relationship is still warm but new.

Merry Christmas! This is my first Christmas officially part of the family, and I’m so grateful for how welcome you’ve made me feel.
Thank you for including me in your traditions this year. I’m looking forward to learning all of them.
Wishing you a wonderful first Christmas as my in-laws. I promise to learn the rules of the family card game by next year.
Merry Christmas. Thank you for a beautiful year, from the wedding to today. I’m glad we’re family.
Thank you for welcoming me so warmly. I know joining a family takes patience on both sides, and you’ve been generous with yours.

Christmas Messages for In-Laws You Are Not Close To

Sometimes polite and kind is the right level. These are warm without claiming a closeness that isn’t there.

Wishing you a happy and peaceful Christmas, and all the best for the new year.
Merry Christmas from all of us. We hope you have a lovely holiday.
Season’s greetings. Thinking of you and wishing you a good Christmas.
Merry Christmas. Thank you for the thoughtful gift for the children; they were thrilled.
Warm wishes for the holidays. We hope to see you in the new year.

Christmas Messages for Your Son-in-Law or Daughter-in-Law

From parents to their grown child’s spouse.

Merry Christmas! We’re so glad you’re part of our family. Thank you for making our son so happy.
Thank you for bringing so much joy into our daughter’s life, and into ours. Merry Christmas, with love.
Merry Christmas to the newest member of our family. You fit right in from day one.
We’re proud of the life you two are building. Merry Christmas to you both.
Thank you for coming to us this year, even though we know it means a long drive. Merry Christmas.

Short Christmas Messages for In-Laws

Merry Christmas to the best in-laws I could ask for.
Thank you for a year of love and support. Merry Christmas.
Grateful to call you family. Happy holidays.
Love and warm wishes from all of us.
Merry Christmas! See you at the table.

Make It Yours

Thank them for one real thing. Babysitting, a recipe, help with a move, a warm welcome. A specific memory makes it personal.
Mention your partner or the kids. It reminds them what you share.
Don’t overreach. If the relationship is formal, a warm formal message is better than forced closeness.
Sign from both of you when it suits. For a family card, your partner can add a line too.
Avoid holiday-hosting politics. Christmas cards are not the place to settle whose house you’ll visit next year.

For your own parents, see our Christmas messages for Mom, and for the wider family and grandparents, our Merry Christmas messages for family and friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I write in a Christmas card to my in-laws?

Thank them for something specific from this year, mention your partner or children, and wish them a happy Christmas. Two or three sentences is plenty: “Merry Christmas to you both. Thank you for all your help with the kids this year. We’re lucky to have you.”

Should I send my in-laws a separate card from my partner?

Usually one card from both of you is enough. A separate card makes sense if you want to thank them personally for something, or if you are newly part of the family.

How do I write a Christmas message to in-laws I’m not close to?

Keep it warm and polite: “Wishing you a happy and peaceful Christmas, and all the best for the new year.” There is no need to claim a closeness you don’t feel.

Is it okay to text my in-laws Merry Christmas instead of sending a card?

For brothers- and sisters-in-law, a text is usually fine. Many parents-in-law appreciate a card, especially if you won’t see them on the day.

What is a good Christmas message for a new daughter-in-law?

Welcome her warmly and specifically: “Merry Christmas to the newest member of our family. You fit right in from day one, and we’re so glad you’re here.”