The best Christmas quotes capture the warmth, joy and meaning of the season. Classics include Charles Dickens’ “I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year” from A Christmas Carol and Calvin Coolidge’s “Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind.” Below are 75+ Christmas quotes for cards, captions and toasts, grouped into heartwarming, funny, faith-based, family and short quotes, with sources noted.
In this article
Classic Christmas Quotes
- “I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” — Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol (1843)
- “God bless us, every one!” — Tiny Tim, A Christmas Carol
- “Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” — Calvin Coolidge
- “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.” — Francis Pharcellus Church, The Sun (1897)
- “Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.” — Norman Vincent Peale
- “Heap on more wood! The wind is chill; but let it whistle as it will, we’ll keep our Christmas merry still.” — Sir Walter Scott, Marmion (1808)
- “At Christmas, play and make good cheer, for Christmas comes but once a year.” — Thomas Tusser (1557)
- “It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags.” — Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1957)
- “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” — Buddy, Elf (2003)
Heartwarming Christmas Quotes
- “Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.” — Attributed to Charles M. Schulz
- “Peace on earth will come to stay, when we live Christmas every day.” — Helen Steiner Rice
- “The joy of brightening other lives becomes for us the magic of the holidays.” — W. C. Jones
- “Christmas is the season for kindling the fire for hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart.” — Washington Irving
- “Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas.” — Peg Bracken
- “Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.” — Hamilton Wright Mabie
- “Christmas, children, is not a date. It is a state of mind.” — Mary Ellen Chase
- “Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting.” — Attributed to Thomas S. Monson
Funny Christmas Quotes
- “Christmas is a time when you get homesick, even when you’re home.” — Attributed to Carol Nelson
- “Santa Claus has the right idea: visit people only once a year.” — Attributed to Victor Borge
- “The best Christmas trees come very close to exceeding nature.” — Attributed to Andy Rooney
- “Christmas: the only time of year you can sit in front of a dead tree and eat candy out of your socks.” — Unknown
- “My favorite Christmas tradition is eating all the cookies meant for Santa.” — Unknown
- “Dear Santa, I can explain.” — Unknown
- “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, but if the white runs out, I’ll take red.” — Unknown
Religious and Faith-Filled Christmas Quotes
- “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” — Luke 2:11 (KJV)
- “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” — Luke 2:14 (KJV)
- “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given… and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” — Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)
- “Behold, a virgin shall be with child… and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” — Matthew 1:23 (KJV)
- “Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright.” — “Silent Night,” Joseph Mohr (1818)
- “Joy to the world! The Lord is come; let earth receive her King.” — Isaac Watts (1719)
- “O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie.” — Phillips Brooks (1868)
Christmas Quotes About Family
- “Christmas is the day that holds all time together.” — Alexander Smith
- “What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future.” — Agnes M. Pharo
- “The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.” — Burton Hillis
- “Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most.” — Ruth Carter Stapleton
- “Home is where the heart is, especially at Christmas.” — Unknown
Short Christmas Quotes for Cards and Captions
- “Merry and bright.”
- “Tis the season to sparkle.”
- “Peace, love and joy.”
- “Making spirits bright.”
- “Home for the holidays.”
- “All is calm, all is bright.”
- “Sleigh all day.”
- “Believe in the magic of Christmas.”
- “Warm wishes and winter kisses.”
- “Joy to the world.”
- “Oh, what fun!”
- “Love is the best gift.”
Christmas Card Message Ideas
| For | Message |
|---|---|
| Family | Wishing our favorite people a Christmas full of laughter, love and too much pie. |
| Friends | Merry Christmas! Thank you for making this year brighter. Here’s to more adventures in the new year. |
| Coworkers | Wishing you a relaxing holiday season and a happy, healthy new year. |
| Teachers | Thank you for all you do. Merry Christmas and enjoy a well-earned break! |
| Religious | May the peace and joy of Christ’s birth fill your home this Christmas. |
| Funny | Merry Christmas! I’m on the nice list again… probably. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a famous Christmas quote?
One of the best known is “God bless us, every one!” from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (1843).
What is a good short Christmas quote?
Try “Merry and bright,” “Peace, love and joy” or “All is calm, all is bright” for cards and social media captions.
What is a meaningful Christmas quote?
Calvin Coolidge’s “Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind” is a popular choice for cards and speeches.
The Bottom Line
From Dickens and the Bible to Elf and Dr. Seuss, these Christmas quotes help you say just the right thing in cards, captions and toasts. Pick one that fits the person, add a personal line and spread a little cheer. For more holiday ideas, visit The Urban Splatter.
