12 Employee Holiday Messages to Recognize and Celebrate Your Employees

A heartfelt holiday message to employees not only boosts morale but also strengthens the bond within the team. In fact, studies show that 66% of highly recognized teams agree that they trust their team members. Likewise, satisfied and happy employees are 13% more productive.

Here, we present twelve examples of meaningful holiday messages that can be shared with employees and colleagues, focusing on themes such as appreciation, teamwork, and holiday cheer.

12 Holiday Messages to Send Your Employees

1. Warm Wishes

Message Example: "As the holiday season approaches, we want to extend our warmest wishes to you and your family. May this time be filled with joy, peace, and happiness. Your hard work throughout the year has been invaluable, and we look forward to another year of achievements together."

2. Happy Holidays Message

Message Example: "Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones! May this season bring you joy, peace, and time to make cherished memories. Your presence in our team makes every day brighter."

3. Happy Holiday and New Year Message

Message Example: "As we say goodbye to this year and welcome a new one, I want to wish you a very Happy Holiday and a New Year filled with health, happiness, and success. Looking forward to another great year together!

4. Thank You for Your Hard Work and Dedication

Message Example: "This holiday season, we pause to express our sincerest thanks for your hard work and dedication. Your commitment has been a key to our success, and we are grateful to have you as part of our team. Wishing you a joyous holiday and a prosperous New Year."

5. Holiday Message for Boss

Message Example: "Dear [Boss's Name], during this festive season, I want to express my gratitude for your inspiring leadership and support. Your guidance has been instrumental in our achievements. Wishing you a peaceful holiday season filled with joy and happiness."

6. Holiday Message for Team

Message Example: "To the most amazing team, this holiday season, I want to acknowledge your exceptional teamwork and efforts. Each of you brings something unique to our group, making us stronger and more successful. Happy Holidays to you all!"

7. Holiday Message for Coworker

Message Example: "Dear [Coworker's Name], wishing you a holiday season as fun and bright as you make our workplace. Thank you for the laughs, support, and good times. Here's to more in the coming year!"

8. Thank You for Your Continuous Support and Collaboration

Message Example: "As we celebrate the holidays, I am reminded of how much I value your support and collaboration. Your contribution makes a significant difference, and I'm grateful for our teamwork. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season."

9. I Appreciate All That You Do

Message Example: "In this season of gratitude, I want to express my appreciation for all that you do. Your dedication and hard work are truly appreciated. Wishing you a holiday season as wonderful as you are."

10. Holiday Message for Vendor

Message Example: "To our esteemed vendors, this holiday season we want to extend our heartfelt appreciation for your exceptional service and partnership. Your dedication and commitment play a vital role in our success. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a prosperous New Year. We look forward to continuing our collaboration in the coming year."

11. Holiday Message for Leadership

Message Example: "To our esteemed leadership team, as the holidays approach, we take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for your visionary guidance and unwavering support. Your leadership steers us towards success and inspires us daily. Wishing you a peaceful and joyous holiday season with your loved ones. May the New Year bring continued success and achievements."

12. Holiday Message for Clients

Message Example: "Dear valued clients, during this festive season, we pause to express our sincere thanks for your trust and partnership. Your support has been paramount to our journey this year. Wishing you a holiday season filled with joy and a New Year brimming with prosperity. We look forward to serving you in the upcoming year and beyond."

Keep in mind these are just templates and examples to inspire you and to help you get started. As you prepare your own, make sure to personalize each message to make them extra meaningful.

Tips for Sending Employees Holiday Wishes

While templates can be a helpful starting point, the most meaningful holiday messages are the ones that feel genuine and thoughtful. A little personalization goes a long way in making employees feel truly valued. 

Consider these best practices:

• Be specific: Reference individual achievements, team milestones, or meaningful contributions rather than relying on generic “thank yous.”
• Reflect shared values: Tie your message back to the principles or values that guide your organization to remind employees of the bigger purpose behind their work.
• Recognize the person, not just the work: Acknowledge personal qualities like positivity, reliability, or collaboration. This shows employees they are valued as people, not only for output.
• Keep the tone authentic: Write in a voice that feels natural and genuine. Employees can quickly spot a scripted message, so sincerity is what matters most.
• Pair words with action: Reinforce your message with a thoughtful gesture, such as a holiday card and a small gift. Tools like Connects Celebrates can simplify the process by automating holiday gifting.

Following these best practices turns a simple holiday greeting into a moment of recognition that strengthens trust, belonging, and connection across your organization.

Why Employee Recognition Matters During the Holidays

The holidays are a time when employees want to feel seen and valued for the effort they have given throughout the year. A few genuine words of appreciation can create meaningful impact by:

• Elevating morale: Simple messages of gratitude can lift spirits during one of the busiest times of the year. When employees feel appreciated, they approach their work with more energy and positivity.
• Improving productivity: A culture of appreciation motivates people to give their best. Research shows that recognized employees are 14% more productive and engaged, proving that recognition has a direct impact on results.
• Strengthening retention: Employees who feel valued are more likely to stay. Recognition signals that their contributions matter, reducing turnover and protecting your investment in talent. When employees don't receive recognition, they are twice as likely to quit within the next year.
• Reinforcing culture: Every thank-you reinforces the values that set your organization apart, building alignment around your culture and mission. In fact, recognized employees are five times as likely to feel connected to company culture, according to Gallup.
• Fostering belonging and purpose: Employee recognition makes employees feel seen as individuals and connected to the larger goals of the organization. This sense of belonging strengthens commitment and helps people find meaning in their work.

When done with sincerity, even small gestures of appreciation help employees feel connected and motivated. The holiday season provides the perfect opportunity to pause, reflect, and celebrate the people who make your organization thrive.

Other Holiday Resources

• Free Holiday Work Party Tools and Templates
• The Ultimate Toolkit for Holiday Employee Recognition
• Top Employee Holiday Gifts by Budget
• Holiday Season Email Templates and Tips to Engage Your Employees
• Employee Messaging Guide for the Holiday Season

Conclusion

This holiday season, take a moment to show gratitude and appreciation for the people who contribute tirelessly to your team and business. A simple yet thoughtful holiday message can make a significant impact, fostering a positive and supportive work environment. As we head into the new year, strengthen your team's bond by recognizing and celebrating their efforts.'

If you want to take recognition a step further, Inspirus makes it easy to celebrate employees in ways that are both easy and meaningful. With automated holiday gifting, employees can choose from thousands of gift options that fit your budget, and each gift is paired with a branded, festive holiday card that shares your appreciation and reinforces your company values.

Ready to make holiday recognition both easy and meaningful? Celebrate your employees with Inspirus.