Glistening ink. Crisp cardstock. Smudge markings. These hallmarks of handwritten cards are happy evidence that someone thought of you in an intentional and loving way. Receiving a card during the stress of the holidays can feel like an encouraging hug, wrapping your heart in warm words and lifting your spirits with support.
Christmas cards are one of the most special (and simple) gifts because they share the Savior’s light. Writing a note by hand shows love for the one, inviting the Spirit into both the sender’s and receiver’s hearts. And all it takes is a few minutes of writing to leave a lasting impact.
Why Letters Can Be So Encouraging
Letters have the potential to impart a much-needed gift in today’s world: courage. After all, that is what we share when we extend encouragement.
For example, when Joseph Smith was imprisoned in Liberty Jail, he faced intense suffering. In these conditions, he struggled to feel God’s presence and recorded an anguished prayer seeking reassurance, pleading: “O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place?”
While we can read God’s response only six verses later in the Doctrine and Covenants, it took some time before the Prophet received his answer.1 Interestingly, Joseph believed that letters from his family and friends were crucial to helping him get into the mindset to hear God’s voice again.2 After receiving letters in the jail from his wife Emma; his brother; and a friend, he wrote:
“We had been a long time without information and when we read those letters they were to our soles <souls> as the gentle air, <is> refreshing. ... Those who have not been inclosed in the walls of a prison without cause or provication can have but a little ideah how sweat [sweet] the voice of a friend is.” (original spelling and punctuation retained)
Just as these letters encouraged Joseph and prepared him to feel the Spirit, we can also uplift our loved ones and remind them of God’s goodness.
Handwritten messages have the potential to breathe new life into weary spirits, motivate souls to seek spiritual light, and open hearts to receive more divine love. These letters not only change the reader but also transform the writer, as many studies can attest.
The Surprising Research Behind Writing and Receiving Letters
Research suggests that writing and sending handwritten letters is linked to mental-health benefits, including an increased sense of well-being, connection, and personal fulfillment.
For example, one research study found that sending Christmas cards is correlated with fewer symptoms of depression. Another suggests that exchanging cards is an act of kindness that can enhance well-being for the giver and reduce loneliness for the receiver.
Despite these benefits, this type of gift is a rarity in today’s digital landscape. According to a recent survey by a news organization, only 37 percent of Americans have written and sent a personal letter in the past five years.
Even knowing the profound impact of Christmas cards, we may sometimes hesitate to compose and send them. How do we know what to write, and could our message seem awkward or be unwanted?
The good news is that a Christmas card is highly unlikely to be unwelcome—especially if your note expresses love and appreciation for the person. Research indicates that people tend to significantly underestimate how positive a recipient will feel after receiving a letter of gratitude. By the same token, they typically overestimate how awkward the recipient might feel.
Especially during a time that can be overwhelming or difficult for many, Christmas cards have the power to invite the Spirit into the lives of the writer and the receiver. This gift can be a sacred exchange in which you are both reminded of Jesus Christ, the “reason for the hope that you have.”
Writing a Meaningful Message
All you need to write a Christmas card is a little intention and planning. You could try scheduling 10 minutes on your calendar once a week to write a Christmas card. Or it could be memorable to set aside time to write cards as a family, either for a home evening activity in December or even as a Christ-centered activity on the 25th itself.
You could send cards to people far from home this Christmas, such as college students, military members, missionaries, or loved ones who live outside of your area. If you want to branch out even more, you could ask your bishop, Relief Society president, or elders quorum president to suggest people in your ward who might need some extra love this holiday season.
No matter what you share, we hope this Christmas season brings you closer to the Savior and your loved ones. Happy writing!
Check out some of our favorite cards below.
Nativity Boxed Christmas Cards
Love’s Pure Light Boxed Christmas Cards
The Nativity Boxed Christmas Cards
More articles for you:
▶ 10 ways grandparents can add meaning to Christmastime
▶ Unique Nativities to set the scene this Christmas
▶ 20 ways to serve on Christmas Day
Notes
1. See Janiece Johnson, “Learning to Hear God’s Voice with Janiece Johnson,” Magnify podcast, posted March 24, 2025, by LDS Living.
2. See Matthew C. Godfrey, “How Can God Know Us with Matt Godfrey,” Out of the Best Books podcast, posted June 23, 2025, by LDS Living.
