90 Thoughtful Holiday Messages to Employees (2026 Guide)

Holiday messages to employees are short, sincere notes shared during festive seasons to recognize contributions and wish colleagues well. These communications are not just polite formalities; research shows that teams receiving regular recognition trust each other more and feel more engaged at work. In one study, 66 % of highly recognized teams reported trusting their teammates, and organizations that practice meaningful appreciation see a 14 % boost in productivity and engagement. Since employee engagement influences retention and morale, crafting appropriate holiday messages is an effective way to support a positive workplace culture. The following guide explains what holiday messages are, why they matter, how to write them, and provides 90 ready‑to‑use examples for 2026.

What Are Holiday Messages to Employees?

Definition – A holiday message to employees is a personalized greeting or note shared by employers or colleagues during festive periods such as Christmas, New Year, Diwali, Eid, Hanukkah or company‑specific celebrations. The intent is to acknowledge the individual or team’s contributions, express gratitude, and extend good wishes for the season and the coming year. Unlike generic mass emails, effective holiday messages are tailored to recipients and reflect the organization’s values.

Purpose – Holiday messages strengthen relationships by showing employees that their efforts are seen and valued. They can be delivered via cards, emails, chat platforms or spoken during meetings. When thoughtfully crafted, holiday messages align with company culture, reinforce a sense of belonging, and encourage continued engagement.

Why Holiday Messages Matter

Employee recognition and appreciation directly impact engagement and retention. Studies on recognition programs provide compelling evidence:

• Well‑recognized employees are seven times more likely to be fully engaged compared with those who receive little recognition.
• Organizations where employees feel recognized and valued see a 14 % improvement in productivity and engagement.
• Employees who feel appreciated are less likely to resign; research shows that workers lacking recognition are twice as likely to quit within a year.
• Recognition fosters cultural connection: employees who experience meaningful appreciation are five times more likely to feel connected to company culture.

Holiday messages are a practical expression of recognition. Delivered at the year’s end or during significant holidays, they serve as reminders of shared achievements and reinforce employees’ sense of belonging.  For new hires, thoughtful holiday messages accelerate assimilation and demonstrate that appreciation starts on day one. For long‑time staff, these greetings underscore their ongoing value and help sustain motivation. In inclusive workplaces, holiday messages also honor diverse celebrations, showing respect for different cultures and beliefs.

Best Practices for Writing Holiday Messages to Employees

Writing effective holiday‑messages‑to‑employees requires planning and empathy. The following guidelines draw on best practices from HR experts and leading employee recognition programs:

1. Know Your Audience – Segment recipients by tenure (new hires versus long‑time staff) and by their roles. Personalize messages by referencing specific achievements, projects or characteristics when appropriate.
2. Be Inclusive – Recognize that employees celebrate different holidays. Use inclusive language (e.g., “Happy holidays” or “Season’s greetings”) unless you know a particular holiday is meaningful to the recipient. Acknowledge cultural observances like Diwali, Eid, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Chinese New Year to make everyone feel represented.
3. Choose the Right Tone – Decide whether the message should be formal or casual. Formal messages may suit senior leaders or external partners; casual messages are perfect for peers or small teams. Keep the tone consistent with your workplace culture.
4. Express Sincere Gratitude – Highlight concrete contributions, commend teamwork, and recognize personal qualities (positivity, resilience, collaboration). Avoid vague praise; specificity makes appreciation feel authentic.
5. Reflect Company Values – Tie messages to organizational values or mission. Recognize how employees embodied core principles such as innovation, integrity or customer focus.
6. Offer Well Wishes – Include warm hopes for the season and the year ahead. Wish recipients health, happiness, success or restful time with family and friends.
7. Be Brief but Meaningful – A sentence or two can suffice. Long messages are not necessary; sincerity and relevance matter more than length. Consider including the recipient’s name or signature to personalize the note.
8. Time Your Message – Send messages before major holidays or at the end of the year. For new hires starting late in the year, a holiday greeting can accompany onboarding to build connection.
9. Use the Right Channel – Choose delivery methods that fit your workplace. Handwritten cards feel personal; digital cards or platform‑based messages are efficient for distributed teams.
10. Pair Words with Action – When possible, reinforce messages with gestures such as small gifts, flexible schedules or recognition points. Words backed by action strengthen the impact.

Categories of Holiday Messages to Employees

The following sections provide 90 holiday‑messages‑to‑employees divided into eight categories. Each category begins with a brief explanation and is followed by numbered message examples. Feel free to adapt these messages by inserting employee names, specific achievements or company details.

Warm Welcome Messages for New Employees (10 messages)

New hires may feel uncertain during their first holiday season. A welcoming holiday message reassures them that they’re part of the team. These holiday‑messages‑to‑employees focus on inclusion and excitement for the journey ahead.

1. “We’re so glad you joined us this year! Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a smooth start to 2026 as part of our team.”
2. “Happy holidays and welcome to the family! Your fresh perspective has already made a difference, and we’re excited to achieve great things together.”
3. “As one of our newest team members, we hope this festive season brings you warmth, relaxation and anticipation for a bright year ahead.”
4. “Welcome aboard! May your holidays be filled with happiness and your start with us in 2026 be full of opportunities.”
5. “Joining a new company can be busy, but don’t forget to enjoy the festivities. Happy holidays and thank you for choosing to grow with us.”
6. “Happy holidays! It’s been wonderful having you join the team. Here’s to a future filled with collaboration and success.”
7. “Season’s greetings and welcome! May your time here be inspiring, and may the coming year bring growth and fulfillment.”
8. “Wishing you a wonderful holiday season. Your enthusiasm as a new team member has already energized us—thank you for being here!”
9. “We’re thrilled to have you on board. Happy holidays! Let’s make 2026 a year of learning, camaraderie and shared achievements.”
10. “As you celebrate your first holidays with our organization, know that your contributions are already valued. Enjoy the season and see you in the new year.”

Appreciation Messages for Long‑Time Employees (15 messages)

These holiday‑messages‑to‑employees recognize experienced team members whose dedication has helped shape the organization. The messages highlight specific contributions, loyalty and the enduring impact of their work.

11. “Thank you for your years of dedication. Wishing you a relaxing holiday season filled with peace and joy.”
12. “Your commitment over the years has been the backbone of our success. Happy holidays and thank you for everything you do.”
13. “May your holidays be as rewarding as the support you’ve given us. We appreciate your loyalty and hard work.”
14. “Season’s greetings! Your steady contributions make a difference every day. Enjoy a well‑deserved break this festive season.”
15. “For all you’ve done over the years, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. Wishing you warmth and happiness this holiday season.”
16. “Your resilience and wisdom guide our team. Happy holidays, and thank you for being a pillar of our organization.”
17. “Cheers to you and your long‑standing service! May your holidays be full of joy, and may the new year bring continued success.”
18. “Year after year, you show up with dedication. Thank you and happy holidays to you and your loved ones.”
19. “We’re grateful for your consistent excellence. Enjoy the festive season and know that your efforts are appreciated.”
20. “Happy holidays! Your experience and mentorship make our team stronger. Thank you for your continued support.”
21. “Season’s greetings to a valued team member whose loyalty has helped us grow. May your holidays be bright and peaceful.”
22. “Your unwavering commitment inspires us. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a restful new year.”
23. “For all the milestones you’ve helped us reach, we send heartfelt thanks. Happy holidays and cheers to another year together.”
24. “Thank you for your reliability and passion. May your holiday season be filled with happiness and good company.”
25. “You’ve been part of our journey for so long, and we’re better for it. Enjoy the holidays and know you’re deeply appreciated.”

Professional Holiday Messages (Formal Tone, 10 messages)

Formal holiday‑messages‑to‑employees are appropriate for executives, clients or situations requiring a polished tone. These messages maintain professionalism while expressing appreciation.

26. “Season’s greetings. Thank you for your dedication and professionalism throughout the year. Wishing you and your family a peaceful holiday season.”
27. “We extend our sincerest appreciation for your hard work. May your holidays be restful and the new year bring success.”
28. “Warmest wishes for the season. Your commitment to excellence sets a high standard for us all.”
29. “It has been a pleasure working with you. Happy holidays and best wishes for a prosperous year ahead.”
30. “As the year closes, we acknowledge your contributions to our organization. Enjoy the holidays and thank you for your service.”
31. “Thank you for your exceptional work. Wishing you a joyous holiday season and continued achievement.”
32. “On behalf of the leadership team, please accept our gratitude and best wishes for the holidays and new year.”
33. “Happy holidays. Your professionalism and integrity are deeply appreciated and valued.”
34. “Warm holiday greetings. May your season be filled with reflection and renewal.”
35. “Thank you for representing our organization with excellence. Wishing you happiness and health this holiday season.”

Inclusive Cultural Holiday Messages (15 messages)

In today’s diverse workplaces, holiday‑messages‑to‑employees should reflect various cultural celebrations.  The following messages honour different traditions and convey respect for the recipient’s beliefs.

36. “Wishing you a Diwali filled with light, prosperity and joy. Thank you for making our workplace brighter.”
37. “Happy Hanukkah! May each night bring peace, love and laughter to you and your family.”
38. “Blessed Eid to you and your loved ones. May this time be filled with happiness and reflection.”
39. “Happy Kwanzaa! Wishing you unity, purpose and joyous celebrations.”
40. “Warm wishes for a prosperous Lunar New Year. May this new beginning bring success and good fortune.”
41. “Happy Thanksgiving! We’re grateful for your contributions and wish you a season of gratitude and good company.”
42. “Merry Christmas! May your holiday be filled with peace, love and cherished traditions.”
43. “Happy Easter! Wishing you renewal and joy during this special time.”
44. “To our colleagues celebrating Holi, may your festival be vibrant and your year filled with colourful moments.”
45. “Happy Eid al‑Adha! Wishing you a blessed celebration and heartfelt gratitude for your contributions.”
46. “Warm wishes for Rosh Hashanah. May the new year bring health, prosperity and happiness.”
47. “Happy Chinese New Year! May prosperity, luck and joy accompany you throughout the year.”
48. “Season’s greetings to those celebrating Yule. May your festivities be bright and warm.”
49. “Joyous Vesak! Wishing peace and mindfulness to you and your family during this Buddhist festival.”
50. “Happy Ramadan! May the holy month bring you blessings, reflection and community.”

New Year Messages (10 messages)

When a new year approaches, holiday‑messages‑to‑employees can inspire optimism and set the tone for the months ahead. These messages encourage reflection and forward‑thinking.

51. “Happy New Year! Thank you for your dedication this year. Let’s aim even higher in 2026.”
52. “Wishing you a joyful New Year full of fresh opportunities. Your contribution makes our success possible.”
53. “May 2026 bring you new challenges, growth and happiness. Happy New Year and thank you for being part of our team.”
54. “Cheers to a successful year past and an even brighter one ahead. Happy New Year!”
55. “Thank you for your hard work. Wishing you a New Year filled with health, success and memorable moments.”
56. “As we welcome 2026, may your goals be clear and your journey fulfilling. Happy New Year!”
57. “Happy New Year! Your passion and drive inspire us all. We look forward to another great year together.”
58. “Wishing you success and happiness in the New Year. Thank you for your commitment and optimism.”
59. “May the New Year bring you and your family peace, prosperity and joy. Happy New Year!”
60. “Here’s to a year of achievement and collaboration. Happy New Year and thank you for being part of our story.”

Team‑Focused Holiday Messages (10 messages)

Team holiday‑messages‑to‑employees celebrate collective achievements and encourage camaraderie.  These messages are ideal for group emails, team meetings or digital channels.

61. “To the entire team, thank you for your creativity and collaboration. Happy holidays—here’s to many more successes together!”
62. “Season’s greetings to a fantastic team. Your teamwork makes our goals achievable.”
63. “Happy holidays! Our collective effort has made this year memorable. Let’s celebrate and recharge.”
64. “Thank you for your solidarity and support. Wishing the team a joyful holiday season and a prosperous new year.”
65. “Our achievements this year are a testament to our teamwork. Happy holidays to everyone!”
66. “As a team, we’ve overcome challenges and reached milestones. Enjoy your holidays—we appreciate every one of you.”
67. “Season’s greetings to the dream team. Your dedication and humour make work a joy.”
68. “Thank you for pulling together through thick and thin. Happy holidays! Let’s make next year even better.”
69. “Wishing the team peace, joy and well‑deserved rest this festive season. You’re the best!”
70. “Happy holidays to the best team ever! Your cooperation and creativity set us apart.”

Fun and Lighthearted Messages (10 messages)

Sometimes, holiday‑messages‑to‑employees should simply make people smile.  These playful messages are suitable for peers or informal settings.

71. “Santa told me you’re on the ‘nice’ list this year. Enjoy the holidays and see you in 2026!”
72. “Happy holidays! May your coffee be strong, your Wi‑Fi stable and your days full of laughter.”
73. “Wishing you a holiday season with more cookies than emails and more relaxation than deadlines.”
74. “Eat, drink and be merry—you deserve it! Happy holidays from your favourite co‑worker.”
75. “May your holidays be as bright as your Slack status is green. See you in the New Year!”
76. “Hoping your holiday season is filled with joy, naps and minimal group chats. Happy holidays!”
77. “Season’s greetings! Here’s to festive sweaters, fun traditions and a well‑earned break.”
78. “Have a holly, jolly holiday! Thanks for making work fun all year long.”
79. “Happy holidays! May your in‑office plants survive your vacation and your out‑of‑office message be your most used document.”
80. “Wishing you laughter and light in the holiday season. P.S. Save me some cookies!”

Recognition‑Focused Messages (10 messages)

These holiday‑messages‑to‑employees specifically highlight accomplishments and provide targeted appreciation. They are ideal for supervisors acknowledging team members or peers recognizing each other.

81. “Your creative solutions this year have propelled our projects forward. Thank you and happy holidays!”
82. “Thank you for always stepping up to help others. Wishing you a joyful holiday season.”
83. “Your attention to detail keeps us on track. Enjoy the holidays and know your work is valued.”
84. “Because of your dedication, we achieved our goals. Happy holidays and thank you for everything.”
85. “Your positive attitude has been contagious. Wishing you a restful, joyful festive season.”
86. “From tight deadlines to unexpected challenges, you handled it all gracefully. Happy holidays!”
87. “Your reliability and hard work make our team stronger. Enjoy the holiday season—you’ve earned it!”
88. “Thank you for embracing change and inspiring others. May your holidays be wonderful.”
89. “Your leadership in [project name] was outstanding. Wishing you happiness and success this season and beyond.”
90. “You always go the extra mile, and it doesn’t go unnoticed. Happy holidays and thank you for being you!”

How Digital Tools Support Holiday Messages

Modern recognition platforms make it easy to send personalized holiday‑messages‑to‑employees, schedule greetings and track the impact of appreciation initiatives.  A robust platform can help managers segment recipients, customize messages and integrate recognition into broader engagement programs.  For example, some platforms offer templates for holiday greetings, automated reminders and analytics that show how recognition affects morale and retention.  Pairing holiday messages with formal recognition systems ensures that appreciation is consistent and visible across the organization.

Closing Thoughts

Thoughtful holiday-messages-to-employees are a small gesture with a measurable impact. When organizations consistently recognize contributions, reflect shared values, and acknowledge effort during meaningful moments like the holiday season, trust and engagement tend to strengthen over time. While individual messages matter, many teams also want to understand how employees are feeling overall and whether recognition efforts are improving engagement in a sustainable way.

This is where structured employee listening and recognition tools add value. Platforms like ThriveSparrow help organizations pair holiday appreciation with ongoing engagement surveys, pulse surveys, and sentiment analysis. Instead of relying on one-time messages, HR teams and people leaders can track engagement trends, identify gaps, and understand how recognition influences morale, retention, and team health across the year.

How will you use holiday messages and real-time feedback to better understand and support your people in the year ahead?

If you’re planning a more intentional approach to employee engagement in 2026, you can explore ThriveSparrow with a 14-day free trial—no credit card required.

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FAQs about holiday messages to employees

1. What should a holiday message to employees include?

A holiday message should include a sincere expression of gratitude, a reference to the recipient’s contributions or qualities, and good wishes for the season and the year ahead. Specificity matters; rather than generic praise, mention achievements or traits that make the employee valuable. Ensure the tone matches your relationship and the company culture.

2. How can I make holiday messages inclusive?

Use gender‑neutral and culturally neutral greetings unless you know a specific holiday is meaningful to the recipient. Recognize diverse celebrations such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, Eid, Kwanzaa and Lunar New Year. Avoid assumptions about religious observances, and focus on universal themes like gratitude, peace and joy.

3. When is the best time to send holiday messages to employees?

Send messages a few days before the relevant holiday or at the end of the year. Timely messages show that you value employees’ time and give them the chance to read your note before going on vacation. For year‑end greetings, early December allows for inclusive messaging across multiple holidays.

4. How do holiday messages improve employee engagement?

Recognition reinforces positive behaviours and strengthens cultural connections. Studies show that well‑recognized employees are seven times more likely to be fully engaged, and recognized employees are five times more likely to feel connected to company culture. Holiday messages contribute by making employees feel seen and appreciated.

5. Should holiday messages differ for new and long‑time employees?

Yes. New employees benefit from welcoming messages that help them feel included and excited about their new role. Long‑time employees appreciate recognition of their enduring contributions and loyalty. Tailoring messages reinforces that the organization notices and values each person’s unique journey.

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