Has it been a whole year? Two? Ten? Don’t feel guilty!

You know that feeling when you check your holiday Christmas card list and get to that one cousin, niece, or friend you really meant to keep up with through the years, but didn’t? Instead of feeling stressed, take the opportunity of the holiday card sending and catch those special people up. Not sure where to start? Try these ideas to add a heartfelt message to your Christmas cards.

Send happy wishes
Sensational season’s greetings start with a just-right holiday message like “Wishing you every happy thing this year!”

Reconnect with a friend
Rebuild a bond or mend a strained relationship with a message that says “I wish we could see more of each other.”

Acknowledge a recent loss
Comfort someone who has lost a loved one with a tender message that says “Holding you and your family close in thought and in love.”

Difficult year
Celebrate the coming of a new year and fresh start with a struggling loved one. Include a message that says “Be good to yourself—nobody deserves it more.”

And here are some additional note starters if you still feel a little stuck:

• I think of you whenever...
• I have to laugh when...
• You should see...
• Remember how... or Remember that time?
• I wish I had time to...
• This year we decided to...
• Know what I miss most?
• I wish Grandma were still with us...
• Those mittens you sent that time are still my favorites...
• I did make time to...
• Christmas always reminds me of...
• We'll have to get together and...