Christmas Letter to Employees: Templates
A generic Christmas letter is obvious from the first line. Here are the keys to writing one that reflects your company, plus two complete templates to adapt in minutes.
Published on August 7, 2026
Why the Christmas Letter Matters
The Christmas letter is the emotional close of the year. It's the moment when the company stops talking about targets and speaks to the people. Many employees read it in full, even if they don't admit it; and they quickly notice if the signer has actually read it.
Mistakes are common: a generic letter that could suit any company, a text copied from last year with only the dates changed, or a rundown of figures that sounds like a press release. The letter works when it is specific and honest. And if it accompanies the gift, it's wise to coordinate it with other messages: here's a guide on how to communicate the Christmas gift box.
What a Good Christmas Letter Should Include
- An honest review of the year: what went well and what didn't, told without triumphalism.
- A specific thank you. Not just 'thank you for your effort', but thank you for what, with real examples.
- A mention of the challenges faced. If the year was tough, sugar-coating it undermines the rest of the letter's credibility.
- The announcement of the Christmas gift: what it is, when it arrives, and what each person needs to do, if anything.
- A genuine personal signature. The name and surname of a specific person, not 'the management team'.
Classic Template: Year-End Thanks
Dear colleagues: a year that has demanded much from us is coming to an end. We've completed projects that seemed distant in January, welcomed new people who already feel like family, and made mistakes from which we've learned more than we might have liked. If [company name] ends the year where it does, it's thanks to the work of each of you, including the efforts that don't appear in any results meeting.
These days, truly take a break. Rest, be with your loved ones, and disconnect without guilt: the work will still be here in January, and we'll return to it with enthusiasm. As every year, you'll receive a small gift from us; we hope you enjoy receiving it as much as we enjoyed preparing it. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Best wishes, [name and position].
Template: Announcing This Year Everyone Chooses Their Gift
Dear colleagues: before the year ends, we wanted to inform you of a change to the Christmas gift. Until now, we prepared the same gift box for everyone, and each December we saw the same thing: what some love, others find useless. This year, we've decided to stop deciding for you.
In the coming days, you'll receive an email with access to a catalogue and an assigned budget. Each of you can choose the gift you prefer and the address where you'd like to receive it, whether at home or the office. You have [number] weeks to make your selection; reminders will be sent so you don't miss out. Thank you for this year. See you in January with renewed energy. Best wishes, [name and position].
Frequently asked questions
Who should sign the letter, the CEO or HR?
The person with the most symbolic weight who will truly make it their own. In most companies, this is the CEO or managing director. If HR signs it, it should be because they have a real relationship with the staff, not just because 'it's their job'. A letter signed by someone who didn't write it is noticeable.
When should it be sent?
Between the first and second week of December. Sending it earlier means it gets lost in the year-end work; the last day makes it sound like a formality. If it announces the Christmas gift, send it before the selection period begins.
Email or paper?
Email reaches everyone, including those working remotely, and allows direct linking to the gift selection. Paper is more meaningful if handed out personally. If in doubt, a well-written email is better than a generic paper letter.